Donner Lake from the Zephyr
If you’ve never had the opportunity to take the Amtrak train from the little depot in downtown Truckee to the Bay Area you certainly should. Not for speed mind you, because the train takes six hours to cover what you can drive in three and a half. Nor should you hop aboard if you absolutely, positively, have to be somewhere by a certain time, because the Zephyr is notoriously late, which is understandable since each train reaches Truckee after a three day trip from Chicago. But if you have time on your hands, it’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the Sierra and California. And with the aspen trees about to turn, now’s a great time to catch some fall colors.
The ride begins with a winding roll through Coldstream Canyon, leading to a spectacular view of Donner Lake while traversing the Shallenberger Ridge. Eventually you reach a long tunnel that brings you to the top of Donner Summit, where you begin the long descent through the mountains and foothills to the valley and the coast. The scenery is breathtaking, and takes you to places you just can’t see on the Freeway. You pass raging rivers, shooting ranges in the marshes, and along the Bay between Martinez and Richmond.
Fall colors on Donner Summit
Taking the train provides an experience that in many ways is better then both a plane or a car. First, you are leaving the driving to someone else. But unlike a plane, you don’t sit sardined into a tiny space, or have to run to the bathroom in between turbulence outbreaks. Instead you have the option of sitting in very comfy chairs with tons of leg room, or making your way to the observation car, where you can sit on top of the world and gaze through the humongous windows or just enjoy the sunshine coming through the class ceiling. And the slower speeds make the train a perfect way to sit back and enjoy the view. Or take a nap. It’s really quite civilized.
The California Zephyr is scheduled to roll into Truckee at 11:30 am each day, and arrives in Emeryville at just after 6 pm. From there, you can catch a bus to San Francisco. Go to amtrak.com for information.
Tim Hauserman wrote the guidebook to the Tahoe Rim Trail. His latest endeavor, Gertrude’s Tahoe adventures in Time, a children’s book, was just published.
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With the wonderfully warm and lovely fall days we’ve been having while we get in those final hikes and bike rides, snow and skiing is one of the farthest things from our minds at the moment. (Well, at least mine anyway…)
However, the local ski areas mind’s are on the upcoming season, and to spice up the pot, so to speak, most of our local ski areas are offering some soon to be gone great deals before the snow flies.
Here’s a rundown of what’s being offered:
NORTHSTAR
Photo from Northstar’s Facebook page
It’s the last day to buy their guaranteed lowest price on their ‘Epic Pass’ which includes access to these great mountains:
Unlimited access to: Vail . Beaver Creek . Breckenridge . Keystone . Park City . Canyons . Heavenly . Northstar . Kirkwood . Afton Alps . Mt. Brighton . Arapahoe Basin
The Local Pass includes: Heavenly . Northstar . Kirkwood
Go here to purchase: Northstar California
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SQUAW VALLEY
Photo from Squaw Valley’s Facebook page
Super passes are almost gone for Squaw Valley, which includes skiing at Alpine Meadows. Some passes also include limited access to Sugar Bowl and Sierra at Tahoe.
To purchase, go here: Squaw Valley Tahoe Super Pass
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SUGAR BOWL
Photo from Sugar Bowl’s Facebook page
If you like your outdoor snow sports more varied, Sugar Bowl offers a combination pass. From downhill, backcountry, park, XC, dog-friendly trails, snowbiking, and even snowkiting, the Sugar Bowl-Royal Gorge Combo Pass gives you the most options of any pass in Tahoe:
Go here to purchase: Sugar Bowl
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HOMEWOOD
Photo from Homewood’s Facebook page
Homewood’s lowest price deadline has already passed, but they still have season passes for sale. Homewood can boast as a ski area that it has one of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe while you’re doing it. Long beloved by locals, Homewood is historically one of the more reasonably priced mountains in the area.
To purchase, go here: Homewood Mountain Resort
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MT. ROSE
Photo from Mount Rose Facebook page
At the top of the summit on Mt. Rose Highway, Mt. Rose Ski Resort can claim to be the closest skiing to Reno, and its base at the highest elevation. Which means that when some resorts are getting rain, they’re getting snow. They are also a reasonably priced resort…as skiing goes…
To purchase, go here: Mt. Rose
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DIAMOND PEAK
Photo from Diamond Peak’s Facebook page
Diamond Peak also has some spectacular views of Lake Tahoe while skiing. Located in Incline Village, it is a close drive from most of the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and Reno. Their discount passes are still in effect until Oct. 31. Another reasonably priced ski hill.
Buy Tickets Here: Diamond Peak
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BOREAL
Photo from Boreal’s Facebook page
Discount season passes for Boreal will also end on Oct. 31. The Unlimited Pass also includes access to other ski areas, such as Mt Bachelor, Copper Mountain, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort and Killington. Situated on the top of Donner Summit, you can bet on more snow here than some other venues.
Boreal is also a part of ‘Protect Your Playground’, an organization that exists to empower and inspire solutions for environmental issues that threaten all kinds of outdoor playgrounds. Go to their Facebook page to learn more.
To purchase a season pass, go here: Boreal Mountain Resort
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TAHOE DONNER
Photo from Tahoe Donner website
This is a small community ski area in Truckee located at Tahoe Donner. You’ll need to check in on their facebook page for announcements on ticket sales and prices or visit their website for more info.
Go to their website for more information on all of the amenities at Tahoe Donner .
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CROSS COUNTRY
And if groomed cross country trails are more your style, don’t forget about Royal Gorge on Donner Summit and Tahoe XC in Tahoe City.
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By Tim Hauserman
About five miles south of Tahoe City, just off Highway 89, sits Eagle Rock. Located just a stone’s throw from Blackwood Creek at the bottom of Blackwood Canyon folks have been congregating on the top of this rock for hundreds of years for a few simple reasons: it’s sits 200 feet above, yet very close to, Lake Tahoe; provides 360 degree panoramic views of the lake and Blackwood Canyon; and is easily accessible via a trail of less then a half mile. If you have a free hour, you can hike to the top, hang around and take a few photos and head back down with plenty of time to spare.
There are two trails to the top. One on the north side, and a newer trail constructed just to the south of the rock. Find parking along the road, or in a small dirt parking area on the south side. Both trails are well constructed and not very difficult. At the top, wonder around on the large gently sloped volcanic plug. You can catch views up Blackwood Canyon to the Sierra Crest and Twin Peaks, and then walk a bit further and capture incredible vistas of much of Lake Tahoe. The eastern edge of the rock, just above the highway, provides the most stunning lake views.
While this hike can be done quickly, bring a lunch and a good book, and you could have yourself a lovely and peaceful afternoon. Enjoy.
Tim Hauserman wrote the guidebook to the Tahoe rim trail as well as Gertrude’s Tahoe adventures in time,
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 