Donner Lake Rim Trail: A California 89 Bike Guide

Start with the place

The Donner Lake Rim Trail runs high above Donner Lake, west of downtown Truckee and below Donner Summit. The lake sits right along the I-80 corridor, with steep forested slopes rising from both sides.

Starting from the Tahoe Donner side gives this ride a local, neighborhood-trail feel. You leave from signed access, climb through the trees, and work toward the kind of Donner Lake view that makes the steady effort worth it.

Before you roll

• Area: Truckee / Tahoe Donner.
• Level: Moderate.
• Ride style: Out and back with a long, steady climb.
• Start: Bermgarten trailhead off Skislope Way.

Turnaround: Glacier Point, with an optional add-on toward Drifter Hut.

• Best for: A climb, a lake view, and a long ride back down.

How the ride feels

The Donner Lake Rim Trail builds slowly, which is part of what makes it satisfying. You start in the trees, settle into the climb, and eventually get the lake view you came for.

Glacier Point is the natural stop. Bring a snack, take in the lake, and let the group regroup before the ride back down.

Finding your way

Park at the lot off Bermgarten Road and start from the Bermgarten trailhead.

Follow the Donner Lake Rim Trail toward Glacier Point. Turn around there, or add the extra mile toward Drifter Hut if the group has enough time and energy.

The descent is fun, but this is a shared trail. Keep your speed in check and make room for hikers, dogs, and riders coming up.

Who this ride is for

This ride is a good fit for riders who like steady pacing and want a real climb without a very technical day.

Newer riders can turn around early and still get a good Truckee ride with a view.

Keep it local

Use the California 89 Bike Card to choose your turnaround before the climb starts. Glacier Point is a good goal, and the extra mile is there if the group has the time.

California 89 has layers, hats, and trail-ready pieces made for Donner days that start in the trees and end back in town.