Donner Pass Part 1

Google Earth takes us west out of Truckee, CA and up the notorious Donner Pass, snowsheds and all. It's a pretty close view, about 240 feet above the tracks. At the summit tunnel we veer off onto the old route where snow used to create terrible delays. We re-join the modern-day tracks at the other end of the summit tunnel. It's a beautiful ride even though it's virtual, with a nice view of the lake. I just wish the video would render more clearly.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Donner
• Pass
• Truckee
• CA
• trains
• Union
• Pacific
• railroad
• railfan

[Elin48]

I traveled on the old route many times, and in 2007 when I took the train to Reno it was on the new route. I was really disappointed. Can you tell me when the last time the old route was used?  I think it's now part of a scenic pathway, it looked to be that anyway as I drove past that area since 2007 on hwy 80.

[boardman49]

@Elin48 I don't know when the old route was last used. There might be an article about it on Wikipedia, or you might find something in a Google search.

[Chesterbarnes1]

Awesome, I cannot believe any one can drive Donner's Pass, especailly in a 18 wheeler, or Greyhound Bus! Is it possible?

[boardman49]

Only on Interstate 80 which is on the opposite side of Donner Lake from the railroad.

[musicandtrains]

Great video. Is there a part 2?

[boardman49]

Actually I haven't done part 2. I checked it out on Google Earth and the area that part 2 would pass through doesn't look nearly as spectacular as part 1.

[cgarmier99]

@Chesterbarnes1 I am an 18 wheeler driver and i have been over it 3 times and every time i was scared for my life that is one mountin that you dont take it for granite or you will be killed and kill outhers when in a 18 wheeler you have to obay the posted speed limit...

[crapper1]

@Chesterbarnes1 its done all the time but sometimes you have to really hold back on the brakes

[htc6600]

I've been over the entire Milwaukee Road line from Minneapolis to Tacoma, Wa. on Google Earth. It's great that so much of the right-of-way is still easily visible after all these years since the rails were taken up. If you can't go in person Google Earth is the next best thing!

[bbbbb1999]

This is bloody amazing!