The photos are taken on the hike from old Hwy. 40 to Donner Peak. To access this trail, turn off old Hwy. 40 at the summit onto the road by the Alpine Skills Institute. In a short distance, you will see parking for the Pacific Crest Trail. Take the Pacific Crest Trail south until you come to the Mt. Judah trail. Take that trail and look for signs to Donner Peak.

This is a nice hike that is steep at times, but overall, not too bad. The views from the peak are wonderful - Donner Lake and many surrounding peaks. While there are granite formations visible all along the trail, the ones at the peak itself are particularly interesting.

Even in mid-summer, there is quite an array of wild flowers, with the most dense area being approximately midway in the hike. You may also see a snow bank (mostly ice left from winter). This provides water to the flowers during the otherwise dry summer months. You will also see many interesting trees - stunted as they are growing in granite and weathered by the severe winters.

For more information on hiking trails, go to the U S Forest Service web site for the Tahoe National Forest.