Overview

A quaint and vibrant mountain town, Truckee, California is known for world-class skiing, as well as the central gateway to the north shore of the massive Lake Tahoe.  Visitors will find endless opportunity for outdoor adventure combined with amenities commonly found in resort towns.

Location

Truckee, California is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the Nevada state line and Donner Pass.  Interstate 80, the major east-west trans-Sierra "all-weather" highway, passes through the Truckee linking California and Nevada.  Only 12 miles from Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe, Truckee is also known as the central gateway to the North Shore of Tahoe.

Seasons

Any season is a great season for a Truckee California Vacation!  A mountain town lying at an elevation of 5817 feet, Truckee is truly town with four seasons.  As the 5th snowiest city, Skiers and snowboarders flock to Truckee in the winter months.  Sun and warm temperatures greet summer visitors, both on nearby Lake Tahoe and surrounding forests and mountains.

Lodging and Amenities

A true mountain town, Truckee has the welcoming feel of a small town, but offers amenities associated with a small city and tourist destination.  The downtown area is particularly popular with locals and visitors alike, featuring art galleries, wine tastings, quaint bed and breakfasts, and entertainment.  In addition to a variety of lodging options, Truckee, CA hosts an array of outdoor shops, guiding services, restaurants, and even day spas! 

Outdoor Activities

A true four-season destination for outdoor recreation, Truckee is the perfect base camp for your Sierra Nevada adventures. The numerous outdoor shops can provide ample Truckee California information a visitor might need.  In the winter months, alpine and cross country skiing are very popular.  The four closest large ski resorts are Squaw Valley, Northstar at Tahoe, Alpine Meadows and Sugar Bowl.  Other winter activities include ice-skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

The warmer months bring endless outdoor recreation.  Climbers ascend rock spires on Donner Pass, while mountain bikers zoom downhill.  The close proximity to Lake Tahoe allows for easy access to the plethora of lake activities.  Hiking and backpacking are also popular among the majestic Sierra Nevada peaks.

Cultural Attractions

While much of the economy is based on outdoor activities, there is no shortage of historical and cultural attractions.  The nearby Miner's Foundry and Grass Valley Cultural Centers explore the area's history focusing on the Gold Rush era. 

The Donner Memorial State Park features a memorial and Emigrant Trail Museum that commemorates those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's, including the Donner Party. If interested in art, visit one of downtown Truckee's art galleries.

Entertainment

Wine tasting, fine-dining, concerts, and nightlife are just a few ways to spend the evening after a day in the mountains.  Downtown Truckee is the focal point for entertainment.  However, the close proximity to Reno and the Nevada state line allows visitors to experience casino excitement while staying in Truckee, CA.

Getting Here

Located on a major interstate, I-80, and railroad line, Truckee is easy to get to.  Amtrack goes to downtown Truckee on the way from San Francisco to Chicago.  If on a road trip or traveling from San Francisco or Reno, I-80 is the fastest route.  There is a general aviation airport in Truckee for smaller planes, however most visitors arriving by plane fly into the nearby, larger Reno airport.