Donner Summit Tunnels
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad revolutionized travel to the West. The Donner Pass Summit Tunnels stand as enduring symbols of innovation and unity that explorers can experience today!
The Donner Summit Tunnels – A Key Conduit For The US
Before May 10, 1869, traveling across the United States was a lengthy, perilous, and costly endeavor. The game changed on this date with completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The journey from Iowa to California, which once took months by wagon, could now be accomplished in just FOUR days! Among the engineering marvels of the transcontinental railroad, the Donner Pass Summit Tunnels, situated atop Donner Summit, stand out as one of the most crucial.
“Crazy Judah” Proved Them Wrong!
When Theodor Judah began dreaming of a way through the “Range of Light” via train, it was thought to be impossible. Overcoming the Sierra required construction of 15 tunnels through solid granite. The lengthiest among them, Tunnel 6 at Donner Summit, stretched 1,659 feet and took two years to complete. Though Judah didn’t live to see his dream materialized, the painstakingly hand-bored tunnel served the region for over 125 years. For a deeper dive into the history of these tunnels and the Judah Route, check our ‘Transcontinental Railroad’ page.
Photo by Andrew Sterling
After 150 Years The Tunnels Are Still Standing
While no longer in use, the historic Donner Summit tunnels, constructed primarily by Chinese railroad workers, stand as a testament to ingenuity and industry. These tunnels represent one of the most significant engineering accomplishments of the 19th century and played a vital role in uniting what would become the ‘Lower 48’. Beyond Tunnel 6, Tunnels 7 and 8 — along with the ‘China Wall’, built without mortar to support trains between Tunnels 6 and 7 — add further points of interest to discover during your hike. In 1993 a new tunnel, extending two miles straight through Mt. Judah, was completed and it remains in active use today.
Word of Caution
While these tunnels are a popular destination for exploration, it’s important to note that they are located on private property owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. The 1882 Foundation is actively working towards securing National Historic Landmark status for Tunnels 6 and 7. If you decide to explore, please show respect for the tunnels and their rich history by not removing or defacing artifacts.
The full round-trip hike covering the tunnels spans five miles. Remember to bring a headlamp or flashlight for your exploration. Additionally, make time to witness a breathtaking sunset at one of the High Sierra’s finest locations – the vista point at Rainbow Bridge.
Directions: On Donner Pass Road (DPR) go east from I-80 exit 174 or go west from either exit 180 or exit 184. At DPR’s high point there is parking on the south side, almost directly over Tunnel 6.
Header image by Manny Becerra