Donner Summit is the most historically significant square mile in California and maybe the entire Western United States. Choose one of our 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 the Donner Party which we’re calling “The Ghosts of the Donner Party.” Following that we’ll have a presentation by the extreme athletes who will have done a reprise of the 1844 Fremont Sierra Expedition. You can see the details here – click on the graphics below.
Select one of our 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.
<- 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.