Donner Pass (el. 7,056 ft (2,151 m)) is a mountain pass in the northern Sierra Nevada, located above Donner Lake about nine miles (14 km) west of Truckee, California. It has a steep approach from the east and a gradual approach from the west.
The pass has been used by numerous transcontinental transportation arteries, including the California Trail, First Transcontinental Railroad, Overland Route, Lincoln Highway, U.S. Route 40 and indirectly by Interstate 80. The pass is a prominent feature along the California Zephyr passenger train.
Today the area is home to a thriving seasonal recreational community with several alpine lakes and ski resorts Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal and Sugar Bowl. The permanent communities in the area include Kingvale and Soda Springs, as well as the larger community below the pass surrounding Donner Lake.
Read more about Donner Pass: Historical Importance, Central Pacific Railroad & Donner Pass, Highways, Weather, Recreation, Popular Culture
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