Truckee Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Truckee is a charming town that offers a mix of outdoor adventures, rich history, and a vibrant arts scene. Known as the gateway to the North Lake Tahoe region, Truckee is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a laid-back mountain getaway.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds Truckee. With easy access to several ski resorts, including Northstar California Resort and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, winter sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes and enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding. During the warmer months, Truckee transforms into a paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Donner Lake, just a few miles from town, offers a picturesque setting for boating and swimming.

In addition to its outdoor attractions, Truckee boasts a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The town played a significant role during the California Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. History buffs can explore the Truckee Railroad Museum, which showcases the town's railroad heritage, or visit the Donner Memorial State Park and Museum, where the tragic story of the ill-fated Donner Party is told.

For those seeking a cultural experience, Truckee's downtown area is a hub of artistic activity. Art galleries, boutique shops, and local eateries line the historic Commercial Row, offering visitors a taste of the town's unique charm. The Truckee River Legacy Trail provides a picturesque path for a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic Truckee River.

Alternative names: Population: 16.3 thous.Area: 33.65 mi²Elevation: 6424 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°20'25"N, 120°13'19"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Truckee Top Attractions

Truckee Attractions - What to See and Explore

Truckee offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner, Uprising Paragliding - Lake Tahoe / Reno, Kruger House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Donner Lake
Donner Lake is a freshwater lake in Northeast California on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and about 20 miles northwest of the much larger Lake Tahoe. A moraine serves as a natural dam for the lake.
Ski area • Park • Outdoor activities
Tahoe Donner
Tahoe Donner is a large home owners association located in the Sierra Nevada, off of Highway I-80, in Truckee, California, which offers a ski resort, golf course, and other amenities.
39°19'14"N • 120°9'58"W
Uprising Paragliding - Lake Tahoe / Reno
Nature • Natural attraction • Parasailing and paragliding

Day trips

Truckee – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Truckee, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (Reno), Wild Island (Sparks), Sierra-at-Tahoe (Eldorado National Forest).

25 milesNE
Museum, Science museum
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Reno
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, nestled in the heart of Reno, United States, is a vibrant hub of learning and creativity designed for children and families. This interactive museum, opened in September 2011, spans over 67,000 square feet and offers an...
30 milesNE
Theme park, Water park, Amusement park
Wild Island, Sparks
Wild Island is a water park located off I-80 in the city of Sparks, Nevada. The park is the only one in the vicinity of the double city. Wild Island opened in June 1989 and has grown and expanded throughout its history. The park originally opened with only five attractions and...
38 milesS
Winter sport, Outdoor activities, Ski area
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Eldorado National Forest
Sierra-at-Tahoe is a ski and snowboard resort in Twin Bridges, California south of Lake Tahoe. Sierra-at-Tahoe is approximately 16 miles south of Stateline, Nevada and 12 miles south of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Route 50 and is contained within the Eldorado National Forest.
27 milesSE
Historic government offices
Nevada State Capitol, Carson City
The Nevada State Capitol is the capitol building of the U.S. state of Nevada located in the state capital of Carson City at 101 North Carson Street. The building was constructed in the Neoclassical Italianate style between 1869 and 1871. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
27 milesS
Museum, Forts and castles, Historical place
Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe
Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, California, U.S. and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Truckee

Learn when is the best time to travel to Truckee weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Truckee?

The top attractions to visit in Truckee are:

What is the best time to visit Truckee?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.