Grouse Ridge and Donner Summit Tahoe Forest Map [Map] staff

This recreation guide highlights two of the Tahoe National Forest’s most scenic areas, Grouse Ridge and Donner Summit. It can also guide you to the lesser known and more remote areas nearby. These nearby areas include: Jackson Meadows Reservoir, with its developed family and group campgrounds and boating; Mount Lola, elevation 9,143 feet (the highest point on the Tahoe National Forest); and 41 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area offers a variety of recreation experiences. The area’s natural beauty has made it a popular destination for hiking, backpacking and car camping. It has an extensive non-motorized trail system, which winds among many pristine lakes. To the south and east of the Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area are excellent 4x4 trails offering a full range of difficulty from beginner to expert. In winter this area offers snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers the beauty and solitude of snow covered Sierra high country. After the snow melts in late spring and early to mid-summer, a host of beautiful wildflowers bloom. They appear first in the lower elevations, then higher as the season progresses. The Donner Summit Area also offers a variety of recreation activities. There are beautiful views of Donner Lake and the Sierra’s forested mountains from Interstate 80, Old Highway 40 (Donner Pass Road) and the Pacific Crest Trail. This area has a rich transportation history. The first wagon route over the Sierra Nevada, the Transcontinental Railroad, the Lincoln Highway, Highway 40, and Interstate 80 all pass through the same corridor that was first used by the Sierra Nevada’s native people. With winter comes excellent cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities. The Donner Summit area also offers downhill skiing at several ski facilities.