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A beautiful day-run that visits both Donner Peak and Mt. Judah.


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Map Key

5.6

Miles

9.1

KM

84%

Runnable

8,216' 2,504 m

High

7,077' 2,157 m

Low

1,228' 374 m

Up

1,227' 374 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

The Mt. Judah Loop is a popular roue that provides excellent panoramic views of surrounding peaks and ridges as runners climb to Donner Peak and across Mt Judah. This moderately difficult trail has generally gentle grades with a few steeper sections to keep your heart rate up.

Runner Notes

Expect a steady climb and be aware of sometimes gravel-y footing around Mt. Judah.

Description

Begin your journey from the Donner Peak parking area and trailhead. Be ready to go once you hop out of the car, as you'll start by running up the switchbacks of the Pacific Crest Trail ( PCT: Echo Lake to Highway 80 (Donner Summit)) as it climbs a steep granite ridge. After the initial ascent, the grade slackens as low shrubs and sparse trees pop up around the trail. Visible below are the dark waters of Lake Mary and Lake Angela.

Ahead, the trail enters the bottom reaches of a mature stand of trees that open onto a cleared ski-run. Take the trail to the left at the fork to follow the easy grade of the Mt. Judah Loop Trail as it heads toward Donner Peak.

In about three-quarters of a mile the gradual climb pulls up to the intersection with the Donner Peak Spur — it's a short detour and worth a bit of a scrambling and extra distance to checkout the vantage point.

From there, follow an an old jeep track that leads through a wet area that produces excellent wildflowers in the spring and early summer. Keep heading toward the saddle and then climb up the northeast face of Mt. Judah.

On the way up, enjoy the striking views of Mt. Rose, Truckee, Donner Lake, and Coldstream Canyon. The trail makes its way along the crest of Mt. Judah, providing even better views of the surrounding peaks. Past the crest, the descent gently connects back with the Pacific Crest Trail just past Roller Pass. Turn right onto the PCT to make your way back to the trailhead.

Alternatively, for those looking for a longer route, an additional 12.2 miles can be added by following the PCT: Echo Lake to Highway 80 (Donner Summit) to the south until it connects with the Granite Chief Trail which will continue down to Squaw Valley. This route makes for a 15.7 miles point-to-point run that is recommended as a shuttle.

Flora & Fauna

In the mid-summer the east face of Mt. Judah brightens with the small purple blossoms of the Rock Fringe Flower.

History & Background

Roller Pass was a significantly difficult section for pioneer emigrants on their route to California. The steep slopes of the pass required each covered wagon be pulled up one-at-a-time by long chains and double teams of oxen.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 25 votes

#1

in Truckee

#518

Overall
  4.3 from 25 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Truckee

#82

in California

#518

Overall
10 Views Last Month
20,325 Since Aug 11, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
79%
11%
11%
0%

Photos

From Donner Peak
Jul 19, 2018 near Truckee, CA
Castle Peak and Lake Angela from the flanks of Donner Peak. with permission from George Lamson
Aug 16, 2016 near Truckee, CA
Sun begins to peek over the peak climbing to Donner.
Oct 4, 2020 near Truckee, CA
Switchbacks on the Mt Judah Loop
Mar 27, 2019 near Truckee, CA
Climbing the final approach to Donner Peak. with permission from George Lamson
Aug 16, 2016 near Truckee, CA
The view above the final climb -- Donner Peak
Oct 4, 2020 near Truckee, CA
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