The Top 6 Mountain Passes around Truckee
Whether it be for the views, for the climbs or for the downhill descents, browse our list of the best mountain passes around Truckee and make your next adventure one to remember. Contributed by the community, for the community, each mountain pass Highlight is a personal recommendation you know you can trust, so simply find your favorite and go.
Last updated: October 12, 2025
At Castle Pass there is at least one nice campsite if you don’t want to go the extra mile to the Peter Grubb Hut.
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The old Hwy 40 passed through this summmit at 7135 ft elevation, still today the Donner Pass Road. Fast and heavy traffic of course goes over the I-80 interstate freeway …
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Very short spur from the PCT leads to this sweeping overlook, well worth a minute to enjoy the views. The historic pass was one of the routes explored by early immigrants, and later by miners.
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The PCT follows along the ridge with long distance views, and then drops here off the ridge to descend further to Donner Pass. Snow can linger on the north side into Spring.
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Great view onto the Tahoe National Forest. The view spot is only a small distance down a trail off the PCT, so it is definitely worth the extra effort.
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