Glacier Loop Trail – Tahoe Donner

Hamburger BBQ at Huntingdale’s Cabin, Truckee (requires RSVP)
Tuesday, August 23, 2016

DIFFICULTY:    Moderate.  Trail head at 7,350’ and accent to 7,800’.  This is in high sierra altitude hiking.

ELEVATIONS GAIN:   Accumulated 750 feet, moderate accents and decants throughout.

HIKE DISTANCE:    5.0 miles loop. About 3 hour hike.

GENERAL LOCATION:    Hike is part of the Tahoe Donner Trail System, Truckee - north of I-80 at Donner Lake.

DESCRIPTION:    Trail begins at the upper boundary of Tahoe Donner in the Glacier Loop parking lot.  The hike progresses in open spaces along the north rim of the Donner Lake basin, continues to Drifter Hut, and returns on the Far Side Trail. Approximately half the hike is within the Tahoe Donner open space and half in the Forest Service lands.  The hike has spectacular views of Donner Lake basin. The hike has moderate accents and decants along the way.      

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: One Hour 40 minutes each way. One way distance is about 90 miles. This is a $14 driver donation.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.  After the hike everyone is invited to stop at our Huntingdale cabin in Truckee for a hamburger BBQ and relaxation after the hike. $3 donation per person.  Travel distance from hike trail head to cabin about 6 miles, 10 min.. For planning purposes, please RSVP for the BBQ. If you don’t plan on stopping at the cabin, you will have to make sure you ride with a driver that is coming straight back to Lincoln.   

SPECIAL NOTES:

     FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  No restrooms available. We will stop within Tahoe Donner before reaching the trailhead. Restrooms are available at the cabin after the hike.

     PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE:           

  1. Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), Health Card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you when you hike.
  2. If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking.
  3. Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
  4. Bring hiking boots, trekking poles if desired, sunscreen, insect repellant, water, snack or lunch.

      RISKS:   Some of the walking is on loose rocks.  The trail is in a mixture of sun and shade.  With warm weather at home, it will          be cooler along the hike and could be windy.  Bring layered clothing.

     SNACK BREAK:  near the midpoint of the hike, we will stop for a snack break.

     WEATHER:  Temperature should be in the 70’s to mid-80’s during the hike.

HIKE LEADER / SWEEP:    Leader: Phil Huntingdale / Sweep: Stephanie Huntingdale. 

RETURN TIME:  If joining the BBQ in Truckee, approximately 4:30 pm at OC Lodge.  

QUESTIONS: Call Phil or Stephanie Huntingdale 408-1747, 510-599-1200 (cellphone), or email smccoubrey@sbcglobal.net.   Please RSVP, by Aug. 10th,  for Hamburger BBQ in Truckee.   Advise of choice of  beef, turkey, or veggie.

Rain or thunderstorms cancels the hike.  Check website the morning of the hike for any updates.

Meeting Time:      7:15 AM.      We Leave at 7:30 AM. 

Driving Drections

Prehike Photos