On the Right Path – Trail Enhancements for Summer 2025

Tahoe Donner remains committed to the stewardship and protection of its natural resources, including the vast network of trails and open spaces that comprise much of the beauty and vibrancy of this high-alpine community. Through decades of planning and collaborative efforts among Tahoe Donner’s board of directors, committees, staff and local agencies, a comprehensive policy was established to ensure the preservation of these spaces for generations to come.

As part of this policy and subsequent implementation plan, residents and visitors are likely to encounter various improvement and enhancement activities along the Tahoe Donner Trail System this summer. These ongoing efforts reflect the association’s desire to:

• Prioritize user safety
• Enhance the trail experience for all user groups
• Protect sensitive areas

2022 TRAILS + OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN UPDATE

The purpose of the Trails + Open Space Master Plan Update was to create a roadmap that affirmed Tahoe Donner’s commitment to land management, open spaces and trail systems while acknowledging evolving use patterns and the association’s desire to offer a spectrum of family-friendly recreational opportunities for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The plan was carefully considered over several years of discussion, dialogue and land management analysis. With extensive community and stakeholder input, the 2022 plan highlights areas where Tahoe Donner can improve user experiences and provide project recommendations that demonstrate a return on investment for homeowners.

Focus areas on the master plan include:

• Culture + Values – to foster emotional connectedness, shared values among a trail-oriented community and sustainable design, build and use.
• Safety + Civility – promote Tahoe Donner’s values as stated in the association’s vision statement, educate visitors on trail etiquette, improve signage and wayfinding in key areas and all trailheads.
• Popularity + Density – to designate appropriate user types on trails in dense areas, increase maintenance and funding for the trail system, address needs for restrooms in key locations and monitor use trends.
• Connected Network – establishes Class 1 connection points, dirt trail connection points, new trailheads or trailhead improvements, and additional connections to landowners, neighborhoods and other destinations.
• Zonal + Designated Use – assigns new or distinct types of users into zones where appropriate or designated-use trails. Also monitors zones close to facilities.

The complete 2022 Trails + Open Space Master Plan update can be found at tahoedonner.com/trails-open-space-master-plan-updates.

TRAILS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

In conjunction with the Trails and Open Space Committee, staff is establishing a subsequent Trails Implementation Plan (TIP) based on the board-adopted 2022 Trails + Open Space Master Plan Update. The TIP outlines a 10-year project outlook that includes a detailed project list and encompasses both non-construction and construction projects for new and existing trails, trailheads and other ancillary facilities. In essence, the TIP provides a roadmap for prioritizing, planning and executing trail improvements while enhancing safety and the user experience.

TIP activities commenced in 2023, as land management began transitioning much of the Tahoe Donner Trail system from bi-directional and multi-use to a specified designated use and unidirectional trail network. These trail and zone use designations were based on factors such as existing trail design, location, connections, usage monitoring, member feedback and recommendations from the 2022 Trail + Open Space Master Plan Update. Moving forward, the TIP will address restoration, revegetation, rerouting existing trail sections and establishing new trails and connectors.

SUMMER 2025 PLANNED PROJECTS

A number of projects are currently underway or may be under construction this season. Although not a complete list of all trail maintenance projects in 2025, the following activities may require closures to the trails or surrounding areas.

Euer Valley Restoration

The Euer Valley Restoration Project includes improving and restoring Coyote Crossing. A new bridge will be installed across the creek, and a boardwalk will be installed in the wetland area of the trail. Significant work will also be done to restore the damaged wetland to its natural habitat. Additional information on this project can be found online at tahoedonner.com/coyote-crossing-repair-improvement.

Phase 1 Closures in the Coyote Crossing zone have commenced and will continue through October 2025, including Coyote Crossing and Fool’s Gold Trail. The project will cause intermittent closures on South Euer Valley Road, Hidden Gem and Giddy Up. All visitors are asked to respect closure signs and avoid areas under construction. Learn more about staying informed about closures on the newly implemented Trail Status Report.

Galcier Way Interpretive Loop

Land management is considering the feasibility of an interpretive and stroller/wheelchair-friendly loop at the Glacier Way parking lot and trailhead.

Upper Teewinot Trail Realignment

This realignment will occur to avoid the future Glacier Way Interpretive Trail.

Nature Loop

Work is being done to revegetate the dirt parking area near the driving range and connect the trail to an established trailhead at the Trout Creek Recreation Center parking lot.

Cinnamon Twist

Consideration for establishing a more cohesive connector at the multi-use road along the trail.

Flying Squirrel to Wild West Uphill

A study is currently underway to determine how to extend lower Flying Squirrel and Wild West Uphill into a loop. A minor realignment has occured on the lower section of flying squirrel to improve the trail intersection.

NEW TRAIL STATUS REPORT + INTERACTIVE MAP – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

At Tahoe Donner, safety is a top priority. To keep residents and visitors informed on the evolving status of the trail system, the Land Management team has developed the new Trail Status Report, which provides daily updates on trail closures, detours, construction projects and more. Visitors are also encouraged to check the “Open and Closed Status Board” located near the boardwalk at the Alder Creek Adventure Center before heading out on trail. The Trail Status Report and interactive summer trail map are available online at tahoedonner.com/trails.