The Serene Beauty of Donner Lake

Getting There

• Public Bus

  To reach Donner Lake from Sparks, start by walking to the nearest bus stop along Vista Blvd. Catch the RTC RIDE bus route 11 towards Downtown Reno. Stay on the bus for approximately 25 minutes, getting off at the 4th St & Virginia St stop in Downtown Reno. From there, transfer to the RTC RIDE bus route 19 towards Truckee. The bus ride will take about 40 minutes. Get off at the Donner Lake stop. From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to the lake where you can enjoy the views.

• Bicycle

  If you prefer cycling, start your journey by heading to the Sparks Marina Park. Follow the bike path that runs along the Truckee River. Continue along the path until you reach the Riverwalk District in Reno. From there, you can follow the signs and bike lanes that lead you towards the north side of Reno. Look for the bike paths that connect to Highway 89 and follow it towards Truckee. The total cycling distance is about 20 miles and will take approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. Ensure you have water and snacks for the ride.

• Walking

  Walking to Donner Lake from Sparks is quite a trek, but if you're up for it, start from the Sparks Marina. Head northwest along the bike path that follows the Truckee River. You will walk through some scenic areas and can follow the path towards downtown Reno. Once you reach the downtown area, you will need to navigate to the nearest bus stop to catch a bus to Truckee. This journey could take several hours on foot (approximately 5 to 6 hours) to reach the bus stop, so be prepared with comfortable shoes and plenty of water.