6.6 hr
Overview
There are several options to start this ride. Many folks will start at the Donner Camp Picnic Site (insert joke here) off 89 just north of Truckee. Options exist to start off Alder Creek Road or Shussing Way for some fun downhill-trending singletrack before crossing 89 to get to the Donner Camp parking lot. These sections of the ride also provide access into the extensive <a href="https://www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/trails/">Tahoe-Donner trail system</a>: 60 miles of trails across 3,500 acres.<br><br>From Donner Camp, the singletrack heads generally north, paralleling the highway on a fun, sinuous line. Late in the season, you may be able to cross Prosser Creek at the Prosser Creek Ford , but it's best to ride to the 89 and over a short road bridge. Then you'll head southeast, parallel the north side of the creek, and soon turn uphill to cross a dirt road. Follow the singletrack all the way to Stampede Reservoir. Along the way you'll cross a number of dirt roads and the occasional small paved one, but the main crossings are marked and the way across the minor ones are pretty obvious. <br><br>This is typically an out-and-back ride, all singletrack, with great meadow and long distance views. Although there are no prolonged climbs, there are no prolonged descents. You'll feel a great burn regardless of your ability, which should dictate your turn-around point.
Trail Stats
24.8 km
252 m
1897 m
1761 m
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Photos
One of several bridge crossings along the Alder Creek section of the Emigrant Trail
One of several bridge crossings along the Alder Creek section of the Emigrant Trail
One of several alpine meadows you'll cruise through on your Emigrant Trail experience.
One of several alpine meadows you'll cruise through on your Emigrant Trail experience.
Brilliant red flower, size and shape of a pine cone? What is it?
Brilliant red flower, size and shape of a pine cone? What is it?
Don't miss out on the view of Stampede Reservoir at the turn-around.
Don't miss out on the view of Stampede Reservoir at the turn-around.
High meadow along the Emigrant Trail.
High meadow along the Emigrant Trail.
Meadows to forests with enough rock gardens thrown in to keep it interesting.
Meadows to forests with enough rock gardens thrown in to keep it interesting.
This trail is also popular with hikers and runners especially on the weekends. Please remember who yields to who.
This trail is also popular with hikers and runners especially on the weekends. Please remember who yields to who.
Emigrant Trail: 100% Singletrack, fast & flowy.
Emigrant Trail: 100% Singletrack, fast & flowy.
Alder Creek showing off autumn colors just past the Hwy 89 bridge crossing.
Alder Creek showing off autumn colors just past the Hwy 89 bridge crossing.
Emigrant Trail, Tahoe National Forest.
Emigrant Trail, Tahoe National Forest.