Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway

The Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway is a National Forest Scenic Byway looping roughly 175 miles through California's Tahoe National Forest in the Sierra Nevada. It commemorates the ill-fated Donner Party and the wave of gold-seeking '49ers who followed a similar path into the mountains. Starting near Nevada City, the route strings together State Highways 20, 49, and 89 with a stretch of Interstate 80, climbing through granite peaks, alpine lakes, and dense conifer forest on its way past Donner Summit and Donner Memorial State Park. Along the loop, the historic gold-rush town of Nevada City anchors the western end, while the high country around Donner Pass carries the weight of the 1846-47 tragedy that gave the pass and lake their name. The Pacific Crest Trail runs alongside portions of the byway, and Tahoe National Forest offers hiking, camping, and fishing across a wide range of difficulty. The drive is open year-round, though sections at higher elevation can see temporary closures during heavy Sierra snowstorms.

• ~175-mile loop via Hwy 20/49/89 & I-80
• Tahoe National Forest
• Donner Summit & Donner Memorial State Park
• Nevada City gold-rush history
• Donner Party history
• Pacific Crest Trail access
• open year-round with winter closures possible