Outbound Collective logo

Hike the Truckee Tunnels

Truckee, California

5.0/5
based on 6 reviews

Description

Added by Shelby Montez

An awesome location just outside of Truckee CA for people who enjoy hiking and graffiti art.

To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may require a bit of scrambling, but it is not too difficult. Once you have reached the top, the terrain is very easy and you can walk through the tunnels in both directions. The tunnels to the left are longer and filled with more graffiti, but can get darker so make sure you bring a flashlight. Occasionally, the tunnels have large openings with amazing views of the mountains. It may feel a little bit creepy in these long dark tunnels, so make sure to bring a friend along with you! Also, if you decide to climb on top of the tunnels, make sure that you can find a safe way down.

The tunnels go on for quite a long distance, so hike out as far as you'd like.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Forest
Scenic

Hike the Truckee Tunnels Reviews

This is one of my favorite hikes in truckee. It’s so different I just love it. You hike through the old train tunnels and they’re covered in graffiti but it’s just so different it makes it great!! Through the third tunnel, the long one, there’s an opening where you get great views of donner lake.

I absolutely loved the Truckee tunnels!! The hike up is super easy and the view over Donner Lake is amazing. The artwork in the tunnels is over the top crazy cool. We definitely did not plan enough time though, the tunnels seemed to go on and on. Definitely bring a flashlight and a camera. Do this adventure! It’s not super physical, but the juxtaposition of the urban art in the middle of nature’s beauty is fantastic!

Loved every minute of it... beautiful views and amazing art!Very easy once you scale the slight incline and rocks to reach the tunnels.Does get a little dark in some spots, otherwise a great place to take the kids.

Had an amazing trip up the old China wall and climbed around the face to the top of the tunnels! I was alone and the dark tunnel with no flashlight looked intense haha. Next time I'll bring some buddies, I highly recommend this place if you want an unordinary adventure!💪

Interesting walk that the whole family enjoyed. We went during the day and didn't require flashlights.

LOVE this adventure. Definitely a local favorite.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek

Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut

Donner Lake Public Docks

Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak

Summit Castle Peak