Donner Summit is the most historically significant square mile in California and maybe the entire Western United States. Choose one of our eight illustrated hikes (our guides bring historical photographs to share) to hear the many stories bringing history to life, see where history was made, take in magnificent views, and have a memorable walk – all before lunch. After lunch we’ll have a chautauqua focused on the Reed Family of the Donner Party and then a presentation by the extreme athletes who will have done a reprise of the 1844 Stephens Party’s trek over the Sierra – two years before the Donner Party.
Select one of our 8 Saturday Hikes and see what the early pioneers faced. Listen to our local experts as they take you on a trip into our country’s past.
If you’ll be around on Sunday sign up for the Donner Party story with a visit to Alder Creek where the actual Donners spent that horrible winter and then go to the State Park for a history walk to where the Donner Party cabins once stood, and a museum visit.
For a handy reminder, download this Rack Card (PDF format).
<- After lunch Speakers
How about some information about the Speakers and the Chautauqua? (Both PDF)
The Chautauqua ->
For information and background on the history behind the Donner Party Hikes (DPH), check out this video.