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Rainbow Bridge - Donner Summit
One of my favorite places to take a photo
Category

Photospot

Est. Duration

30-60m

Age requirement

All ages

Message from Paul Hamill

I've been photographing Truckee and Tahoe for the last 28 years and Rainbow Bridge on Donner Summit is always a go-to spot on the my list. After passing through downtown Truckee, winding your way along the north shore of Donner Lake and passing the west shore beach, you start to climb one of the country’s last living, great highways: Old highway 40. High point of this journey is the span of concrete known as Rainbow Bridge. You’re in the midst of heaven as bikers and rock climbers know it, and if you want to throw in a history lesson, you’ll find petroglyphs nearby as well. But for now, it’s photo time. Pull out just before reaching the bridge for a stunning panorama. If you want some seclusion, drive another minute or two westward to the summit, find a pullout spot and head north for a short hike to the bouldered hump overlooking Donner Lake, Truckee and Mt. Rose. Be sure to bring your camera because the view never disappoints.

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