Hikers can experience the drama of the emigrant journey across the Sierra Nevada mountains without reliving the dangers October 9 & 10 courtesy of the 18th Annual Donner Party Hike. The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce is hosting this popular event that unites two passions–love for the Sierra Nevada wilderness and fascinating emigrant history.

Participants can choose from among six different hikes and a walking tour. All events offer insight into emigrant and Donner Party history from area historians, along with invigorating recreation and beautiful scenery.

Saturday’s hikes begin and end at the Sugar Bowl Lodge located on Highway 40 on Donner Summit. Guides will lead groups of approximately15-20 people to interpretive spots giving detailed historical information focused on emigrant and area history. In the afternoon, hikers will enjoy a BBQ lunch and presentation by Mark Twain impersonator MacAvoy Lane who will relate captivating tales of the Comstock.

Hike options include a 4 mile round trip that will explore the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road and 1913 Corridor Lincoln Highway with views of petroglyphs, old roadside billboards and the China Wall. Other hikes include a 4-5 mile hike heading up Roller Pass; a 6 mile hike past pristine High Sierra Lakes; a strenuous 6 mile hike over Coldstream Pass, one of the most heavily traveled emigrant routes; or a 5 mile hike through old railroad tunnels and snowsheds.

Sunday offers a more relaxed walking tour departing from the Donner Camp Picnic Area, located on Highway 89 North. Activities include two short walks where guides will detail the Donner Party’s encampment, a visit to the Murphy’s Cabin Site and entrance to the Donner Memorial State Park Museum offering a historical movie about the Donner Party. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to the Donner Memorial State Park.

Space is limited for all events and reservations are required. Early registration for the Saturday hikes is $45 ($50 after October 1, 2010) per hiker and includes a guided hike, commemorative hat, BBQ lunch and afternoon presentation. Sunday’s walking tour is $15 and includes the guided walk and entrance to the Emigrant Trail Museum. 2-day hike package is $60 ($65 after October 1, 2010).

Complete hike descriptions and registration forms can be found at www.truckee.com or by contacting the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at (530) 587-8808.

Support for this event is provided by: Cedar House Sport Hotel, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Donner Lake Village Resort, Donner Memorial State Park, Hampton Inn and Suites Tahoe-Truckee, The Inn at Truckee, The Lodge at Sugar Bowl, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Ski Area, Town of Truckee, Truckee Donner Historical Society, Truckee Donner Lodge (formerly Holiday Inn Express) and U.S. Forest Service.