Private Tour
Historic Donner Party, Immigrant Trail and Lake Tahoe Photo Tour from Reno
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The Donner Party was the most famous tragedy in the history of the westward migration. Immerse yourself and relive the ill-faited Donner hardships and the rich historical importance of this area. Re- live the trials and struggles of the early pioneers that paved the way west to California and during the Gold Rush of 1849 and the Silver Comstock Load of 1859. The way West vie the Immigrant Trail, the Transcontinental Railroad and the Lincoln Hwy all of which passed through the Nevada Territory, Reno and the Sierras.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Driver/guide
Landing and facility fees
Beverages
Transport by private vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Sierra Adventures
A Scenic Tour through the Riverwalk District, including Historical Buildings, Shops and Historic Markers.
Nevada Historical Society
An introduction of the origin of Reno, Ghost Towns, The Sierra Mountains, Donner Pass, The Donner Party, The Transcontinental Rail Road and Lake Tahoe.
Options
Historic Donner Party, Immigrant Trail and Lake Tahoe Photo Tour from Reno
Pickup included
Lake Tahoe Tour
Available by phone request
Lake Tahoe Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Included for entire day
Historic & Scenic Stops
SUV Limosine
Pickup included
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Guide
Debbie B,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00JB was an excellent guide. His knowledge of the history for the whole area was outstanding.. He made all the difference in our wonderful experience.
Visit to Reno and Truckee April 2024
joankO3013YS,
Apr 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We drove to Truckee to the museum and memorial. Great video of the events that took place there with the Donner party. So happy we saw the museum and monument.
Great Tour
Theresa V,
Mar 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very informative, he stopped along the way for photos. He was an excellent driver, we felt comfortable with him.
Great Day Trip
WANDA F,
Sep 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip! Our guide really knew the area and was very personable. We would recommend this to everyone. Beautiful scenery and history of the area was interesting.
Tedious “tour”
Barbara M,
Mar 16, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The tour consisted of sitting in a cramped suv and driving around to various locations and true guide attempting to point things out through back windows which don’t go down all the way and need cleaned. Sooooo much time driving in silence. He stopped 4 places. The Donner party state site; he had to stay with his vehicle so we walked around alone. One part of Lake Tahoe (he again stayed with his car) and luckily a passerby took a photo. At Donner Lake and another part of Lake Tahoe he got out and took our photo with my phone (nothing particularly impressive.) The 3rd row in the suv had no idea what he was pointing to and he couldn’t hear any of their questions. For $1000 I expected a tour bus, a guide that actually interacted the entire time, and a memorable experience. Instead we sat in the back of his suv and my kids played on their phones. Major disappointment.
Informative
William H,
Aug 13, 2020
- Review from Viator
4.00The driver needs to use a headset com to communicate with the passengers. We missed part of the information
What a great tour!
Michelle h,
Mar 7, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our tour guide, Jim, was so friendly and extremely informative. He literally knew everything and was able to answer any question we'r threw his way. The scenery throughout was absolutely breathtaking. Awesome experience all the way around.
Great tour even in a white-out snowstorm
CaWooAgee,
Jan 17, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim was our tour guide and he did a great job showing off the towns we visited and added history and interesting tales that even entertained my 15 year-old son. He also politely obliged two old ladies who wanted to continue to go sightseeing in the storm while the snow was coming down heavy and fast from Donner Pass to Squaw valley to Tahoe. Will happily do the tour again when weather is picture perfect . Jim is a great driver and knew all the best stopping points.
Incredibly Informative
AliBug,
Aug 4, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim was our guide and he was incredibly informative of the trail. My husband and I were the only ones taking the tour this day. Jim provided snacks and beverages. We drove along the trail getting the best idea of what a horrific journey this must have been for these folks. We also tour through the museum and then around Lake Tahoe stopping a couple of times to enjoy this gorgeous lake surrounded by those majestic mountains. We had a pinch in our time and Jim was very accommodating with our schedule and we were very appreciative. I highly recommend this tour. It's rich in history, the scenery is unbelievable, and it's a great way to take in just a bit of America's incredible making.
Beautiful Scenery, Historically Accurate
Mick-GLASGOWKY,
Jul 3, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill did an excellent job from start to finish. We got a nice city tour of Reno before we proceeded to the route of the ill fated Donner party trail. Then on to the Lake Tahoe area. We made several stops to take in the magnificent views and there was a stop at the Donner Memorial State Park and monument. There is a small museum there where we learned more about the Donner party. All in all I would recommend this tour to anyone. Thanks Bill
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Operated by Sierra Adventures / Activities Reno Tahoe, LLC