With so much action outdoors, summer is Truckee’s most budget-friendly season, making it the perfect launchpad for an unforgettable vacation that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you're chasing the thrill of adrenaline-pumping sports or the serenity of trailside picnics, you’re covered from dawn till dusk. Imagine a day where you can hike, bike, & unwind by a pristine lake and top it off with live music - all for less than the price of a tank of gas. You read that right: Truckee, where even your wallet gets a vacation. Skeptical? Read on!
Getting Around
Park the car and hop on the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) for free rides around town, including to trailheads. Download the TART app to plan your routes.
Pedal-Assist Electric Bikes: Explore Truckee in a fun, eco-friendly way with the e-bike share program launched in June 2023. E-bikes are available at docking stations around Truckee. Download the BCycle app, pick a pass, and start your adventure.
Stay Smart and Save
RV and tent camping at Donner Memorial State Park includes flush toilets and showers from May to October with 154 sites at $35 per night. If you have the budget for less rustic accommodations, you can save up to 15 percent by booking directly with vacation rental property management companies. These rentals come with fully equipped kitchens, so you can grocery shop and prepare your meals, slashing dining expenses. To inspire your next meal, head to the Truckee Certified Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and shop for organic and locally grown fresh produce, meat and baked goods.
Explore the Trails
Hiking: Truckee boasts trails for all mobility and fitness levels. Stroll along the flat, paved Riverwalk, challenge yourself on the Pacific Crest Trail, or explore the historic train tunnels on Donner Summit. Visit the Truckee Trails Foundation for information on the best hiking in the area.
Backpacking: The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses Donner Pass Road at the top of old Donner summit. A weekend hike on the PCT from Sugar Bowl to Palisades Tahoe is a fine adventure, or, if you have the time you can stay on the trail and head north to Canada or south to Mexico. The 23-mile Donner Rim Trail follows the ridgelines that encircle Donner Lake. The BackCountry in West Gateway area of Truckee has the largest selection of hiking and camping gear in town. Granite Chief just 50 yards to the east is also well-stocked. Mountain Hardwear and Sports just another 50 yards east has a great selection of gear especially for fishing.
Biking: Truckee Dirt Union has been actively developing trails all over Truckee. Tahoe Donner’s trail system is one of the region’s best and offers miles of single-track adventures. US Forest Service fire roads and trails are perfect for e-bikes - just remember to check to make sure they are allowed on the trail and yield to self-powered cyclists!
Local shops like The BackCountry, now celebrating its 30th year in Truckee, Start Haus, and Bike Truckee, offer rentals for all ages and abilities. Check out The Backcountry’s website for trail recommendations that are easy to pedal to, right from the shop.
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Donner Lake
This lovely 2.7-mile-long alpine lake offers a more intimate and convenient alternative to Lake Tahoe. With 37 public piers and beaches like West End Beach and China Cove, it’s perfect for a day of relaxation. Rent watercraft at Donner Lake Marina and hunt for a secret cove. There’s even a dog-tolerant beach on the east end, within the state park. Be sure to check out the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center in Donner Memorial State Park to learn about the flora and fauna of Truckee-Tahoe and experience the saga of the Donner Party - a tale of survival, sacrifice, and questionable mapping.
Turn Up the Music
During summer, enjoy free live music almost every night in Truckee and adjacent communities. Catch Music in the Park at Truckee River Regional Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 28; Truckee Thursdays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 15; Sunday Concerts at Commons Beach in Tahoe City from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 8. Tuesdays are Bluesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 27 at the Village at Palisades Tahoe, with more free music at the Sunsets Live Music Series from 5 to 7 on Fridays through Aug. 23. PJ's restaurant at Gray's Crossing hosts outdoor concerts on the green from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 6.
Stretch and Relax
Join First Street Yoga for free outdoor classes every Wednesday night from July 3 to Aug. 28 in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, right outside the Palisades Yoga Studio. Starting at 5pm, each session features a new local teacher. Sessions are open to all levels - just bring a mat and enjoy midweek zen.
Affordable Eats
Truckee is made for outdoor dining. Grab some reasonably priced takeout and head to a park, the river or the lake. The newly opened Spring Poke & Sushi has rice bowls that can be dressed up with toppings and sauces. Visit Wild Cherries for coffee, pastries, excellent breakfast sandwiches, and snacks. At Golden Rotisserie you can get roasted chicken, beef, or pork as a plate with sides, or tucked into a burrito. For the adventurous, Full Belly Deli's eclectic breakfast and lunch menu includes a nacho chip-crusted chicken breast sandwich and biscuits and gravy burrito. Did you know you can get an excellent 10-inch pizza for just $14.99 at Raley’s One? Mountain Lotus Provisions’ plant-based, Pacific Rim-inspired lunch menu caters to vegan and gluten-free diets with an array of sandwiches, tartines, salads and bowls.
Community Events
From 5 to 9 p.m. July 3 through Aug. 15, Donner Pass Road is closed to traffic for the aforementioned Truckee Thursdays, a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The main drag is lined with local vendors offering handmade gifts, food trucks, and a beer garden with live music. The event is dog-friendly too. Parking is very difficult so take advantage of the free shuttle.
Visit our special events calendar for more happenings and make the most of your Truckee-Tahoe summer.
