Truckee Fact Sheet

Location
Truckee is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Northern Calif., 200 miles northeast of San Francisco; 100 miles east of Sacramento, Calif.; 35 miles west of Reno, Nev.; and 12 miles north of Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Elevation
Downtown Truckee: 5,980 ft.; Donner Summit: 7,239 ft.; Donner Peak: 8,019 ft.; Mt. Judah: 8,243 ft.

Population
Town of Truckee: 15,781. Truckee was first established in 1863; incorporated in 1993.

Terrain
The Truckee Donner area has expansive granite mountain, vista, meadow, and lake terrain. Just east of Donner Pass, Truckee sits along the Truckee River, the only outlet from Lake Tahoe.

Climate
Average winter temperatures: 17-42º F; Average summer temperatures: 40-79º F;
Average snowfall: 206 inches; Average precipitation: 32 inches; Sunshine: 300 days a year.

Coldest Spot in the Nation?
Truckee has often been recognized as the coldest spot in the nation, but not during the winter ski season as one might expect. These nippy temperatures are noteworthy because they occur from June through early October. While it may be true, it really doesn’t give a true picture of Truckee’s pristine California weather pattern. Official temperatures are taken at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport, located in Martis Valley. On clear nights, cool air from the high mountains sink downslope into the valley, a high-elevation basin. The dense air mass settles into the basin, creating a chilled microclimate contributing to the chilly readings. As the sun begins to rise, so does the temperature, creating enviable summer and fall temperatures.

Highway Access
East/West: Truckee is easily accessible directly off Interstate 80;
North/South: Truckee is accessed by Hwy. 89 and Hwy. 267.
Drive time from: San Francisco/Bay Area: 3.5 hours; Sacramento: 1.5 hours; South Lake Tahoe: 1 hour; Reno: 45 minutes

Air Access
Reno/Tahoe International Airport (Reno, Nev): 40 miles; Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento, Calif): 106 miles; Truckee Tahoe Airport (Hwy. 267, Truckee): small aircraft and cargo.

The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Information Center, located in the train depot in historic downtown Truckee, is the Transportation Hub for Truckee:

Rail Access/Bus Access
AMTRAK stops in Truckee, once a day eastbound and westbound. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call
1-800-USA-RAIL.

AMTRAK buses stop in Truckee four times a day. For more information call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Greyhound stops in Truckee eight times a day. For more information call 1-800-231-2222.

Local Transportation
TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit): connects Truckee with the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe (800-736-6365; 530-550-1212; www.laketahoetransit.com).

Truckee Trolley (winter): runs from Truckee to Northstar-at-Tahoe and Truckee to Sugar Bowl (530-587-7451).

Ski Resort Shuttles: Scheduled shuttles in the winter.

Automobile Rental: Enterprise (530-550-1550); Hertz (530-550-9191).

Taxis/Limousines/Shuttles: Ace High Taxi (530-412-3583); Mountain Cab (530-582-5828); North Tahoe Checker Taxi (866-420-8294); Truckee Tahoe Limo/Tours (530-587-2160); Bell Limo/Airport Mini-Bus (800-235-5466); Lake Tahoe Limousine & Shuttle Service (800-660-4546).

Lodging
Truckee has a variety of lodging accommodations including hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, lodges, inns, condominiums and vacation rental houses.

Winter Activities
Truckee offers simple access to eight world-class ski resorts with outstanding terrain for skiing and snowboarding. There are three cross-country ski resorts with miles of trail and terrains and huts for backcountry ski treks. Other Truckee winter recreation includes snowmobiling, snow shoeing, sledding, sleigh rides and dog sled tours.

Summer Activities
Truckee is truly a recreational paradise. The many nearby lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams
are perfect for boating, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. There are endless trails for biking, mountain biking and horseback riding, with easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Donner Summit and surrounding areas are a mecca for rock climbers. Truckee has spectacular golf courses with dramatic mountain scenery.

For Truckee Real Estate, Truckee forclosures, to search the Truckee MLS, view Tahoe Donner real estate, Northstar real estate, or to search the Tahoe MLS, contact Sierra-Tahoe Realty at 530.582.9980

Winter Adventures in Truckee

Truckee, Calif. (Winter 2008–09) — Nestled in the Sierra Nevada with elevations that begin at nearly 6,000 feet, Truckee has become a favorite winter destination for visitors seeking a little adventure. Truckee’s mountain, meadow and lake terrain sets the stage for a truly diverse mix of recreation that scales from the serene to the heart pounding. And for those who find escape with a rich cup of coffee, artisan jewelry and one-of-a-kind design, Downtown Truckee’s shops, galleries, and restaurants provide ample diversion.

Surrounded by world-class ski resorts, skiers’ and snowboarders’ toughest decision is where to go first. Each resort offers the opportunity to experience some of the country’s best terrain with a total of 10,000 acres. Resorts include Squaw Valley USA, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Homewood, Royal Gorge, Donner Ski Ranch and Soda Springs.

Every winter many families enjoy the simple pleasure of sledding down the many hills in and around Truckee. Saucers and sleds can be purchased at one of the hardware stores in town including Mountain Hardware and Sports and Porter’s – Truckee. A popular sledding hill in town is Tahoe Donner’s Trout Creek, where visitors can sled on a golf driving range that doubles as a play area in the winter.

Visitors can blaze through the snow while taking in spectacular Sierra Nevada views with Eagle Ridge Snowmobile tours. Offered for all levels, Eagle Ridge takes visitors on tours that range from two hours to a full day. Eagle Ridge is easy to access from its location 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89 at the turnoff to Jackson Meadows reservoir. For more information, visit www.tahoesnowmobiling.com or call (530) 546-8667.

Those who enjoy hiking during the summer will undoubtedly enjoy snowshoeing in the winter. Resorts including Northstar-at-Tahoe, Resort at Squaw Creek and Royal Gorge all offer snowshoe rentals and groomed trails perfect for beginners. For those looking for more adventure, trails abound in the Truckee area. Each winter visitors have a blast exploring landscapes such as the Martis Valley, Castle Peak, Donner Memorial State Park and the Emigrant Trail. For more information and rental equipment contact The Sports Exchange, www.truckeesportsexchange.com or (530) 582-4150.

Glide through the crisp mountain air at Truckee’s outdoor ice rink located just a half-mile south of downtown in the Truckee River Regional Park on Brockway Road. With skate rentals, a snack bar, group and private lessons for all ages as well as a rink-side fire pit, the Truckee Ice Rink allows visitors to skate under a canopy of tall conifers and twinkling lights that festively drape the rink. Visit www.tdrpd.com or call (530) 582-7720 for more information. Located south of Truckee on Highway 89, Squaw Valley USA is home to an Olympic-sized ice pavilion overlooking scenic Lake Tahoe. Guests will experience an exhilarating ride in a cable car up to High Camp with the purchase of an ice skating ticket. Families, couples and individuals can also enjoy Northstar-at-Tahoe resort’s ice rink located in the Northstar Village and featuring lessons, rentals and fire pits where skaters can warm up and make s’ mores.

Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours takes visitors on a ride they’ll never forget, skimming across fields of snow with amazing views of the Sierra Nevada peaks and valleys. The company welcomes visitors to take part in its daytime and sunset tours. Dog sled tours are also available at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and the Resort at Squaw Creek. For more information, visit www.tahoedogsledtours.com or call (530) 550-8133.

Cross country skiing offers the opportunity to get out and enjoy some of Truckee’s beautiful, world-renowned trails. Royal Gorge, located on Donner Summit only 13 miles from downtown Truckee, is North America’s largest cross-country ski resort. Rent equipment at the resort or visit Paco’s Bike and Ski where the friendly staff will outfit skiers in the proper clothing and gear for cross country or skate skiing. Visit www.pacosbikeandski.com or www.royalgorge.com. With 48 different trails, Truckee’s local Tahoe Donner Cross-Country Ski Area offers terrain for skiers of any level, including two trails for snowshoeing. Cross country skiers should be sure to not miss the trek down into beautiful Euer Valley.  Northstar-at-Tahoe offers nearly 40 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with lessons and rentals available through the resort. Picnic tables and warming huts are available for breaks along the way.

Ice fishing is a magnificent way to enjoy the winter and commune with nature. Not only does Truckee offer the necessary climate for this sport, but it also has an array of locations where rainbow and brown trout can be found. For more information call Mountain Hardware & Sports at (530) 587-4888.

Escape the crowds and truly get away from it all in Truckee’s backcountry. Skiers and snowboarders can create their own adventure skiing to a variety of backcountry huts. For a more comfortable backcountry experience there is also Lost Trail Lodge. Hidden four miles into the Coldstream Canyon, the lodge is an ideal spot to access some of the Sierra Nevada’s best skiing and ice-climbing terrain. With its proximity to Interstate-80, the lodge is in the perfect location for a week-long adventure or a weekend getaway. Visit www.losttraillodge.com for more information or call (530) 320-9268.

Those in need of equipment rentals for a backcountry excursion should check out The Backcountry. From split boards to Randonnee and Telemark set-ups as well as ice climbing gear, The Backcountry can outfit visitors for nearly any outdoor adventure. For more information, visit www.thebackcountry.net or call 1-888-625-8244.

Truckee offers first-class shopping and dining in historic downtown where visitors will find a variety of merchandise and a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Cottonwood Restaurant, Dragonfly Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Pacific Crest Grill, Bar of America, The Squeeze In, Pianeta Ristorante, Burger Me and Moody’s Bistro and Lounge are just a sample of Truckee’s main dining attractions offering satisfaction for every taste. From children to adults, anyone can find a special souvenir while visiting Downtown Truckee’s noteworthy stores including Different People, Jackass Ridge Ranch, Down by the River, Truckee Variety, High Camp Home and The Pharmacy.

For great shopping beyond the downtown Commercial Row, check out Sassafras boutique in the Safeway shopping center or the KidZone Treasure Chest by Smokey’s Kitchen on the West end of town.  For crafting experiences, stop in at Paper Paradise by Wild Cherries, Gioielli, a specialty bead shop in Brickelltown or Lake Tahoe Yarn, located in Riverstone Home and Garden.

For Truckee Real Estate, Truckee forclosures, to search the Truckee MLS, view Tahoe Donner real estate, Northstar real estate, or to search the Tahoe MLS, contact Sierra-Tahoe Realty at 530.582.9980

Finally, the Legacy Trail offers a tranquil view of the Truckee River for those looking to unwind after a long day of shopping, accessible through Riverview Park or the Truckee River Regional Park.

Truckee is just 40 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento, and three hours from San Francisco with easy access off of Interstate-80.