One of California’s oldest towns, Truckee lies in the playful and scenic High Sierra mountains. It’s all about being outside here. The scenery delivers on the hype with valleys, mountains, reservoirs and green forests as far as the eye can see.
Here’s what to do in Truckee for ultimate summertime fun:
Rest & RELAX
Gravity Haus partner property Cedar House Sport Hotel is an excellent adventure basecamp. Embrace the ultra-active lifestyle in an environmentally conscious setting — think European ski chalet with recycled and pure materials, gourmet in-room coffee and tea, an outdoor hot tub and complimentary cruiser bikes. Gravity Haus members receive up to 30 percent off stays along with member benefits on classes, gear rentals, adventure lessons and excursions.
Bike Your Heart Out
Road biking, mountain biking or downhill biking, it’s all out the back door. Meander trails through state parks and lakeside locales. Be sure to hit the Donner Lake Rim Trail for 10 miles of stunning singletrack and the Big Chief Trail for dense forest and a challenging yet rewarding climb. Perfect your jumps at Northern California’s largest bike park where you can access downhill thrills via chair lifts and a gondola. For a picturesque view of it all, pedal the famous Tahoe Rim Trail and stop to gaze at the intensely blue waters and sky.
Hike the Hills
Experience the true Sierra Nevadas with unlimited backcountry access and a wide variety of mountain peaks. Truckee’s sprawling trail system offers everything from gentle walks along the Truckee River’s Emigrant Trail and the mellow Truckee River Legacy Trail to longer, more strenuous treks on Donner Summit. Take in wildflowers and an ancient volcano on Castle Peak, a challenging summit off the Pacific Crest Trail.
Hit the Market
Stroll Truckee’s Old West-style downtown and visit the Tuesday farmers’ market for fresh California-grown stone fruit, berries and vegetables, artisan breads, locally raised meats and much more. Chat up the locals and head downtown on Thursday summer evenings for an old-fashioned street fair.
Dive into Donner Lake
Truckee’s watersports hub brings kayaking, paddleboarding and boating to all new levels. Head to West End Beach for 10 acres of sandy beaches, sand castles and clear water swimming. Explore two playgrounds for kids, a sand volleyball court, tennis court and horseshoe pits. Grab ice cream and hot dogs at the snack bar or snag a picnic table and grill out. Take a guided stand-up paddleboard tour and learn about the area’s history and geology while you discover tucked-away coves and calm waters.
Go Fish
Truckee is home to some of the nation’s top fly-fishing schools and programs. Call on local outfitters to gear you up and lead you to the area’s best fishing holes. Donner Lake boasts 37 public piers while the Truckee River is home to an impressive amount of rainbow trout, mountain whitefish and largemouth bass. There are so many streams and lakes to cast on, you’ll never be bored and always be reeling ‘em in.
