I run our local trails all of the time. I am acutely aware of how fortunate I am to be able to go out my door and jump on the amazingly beautiful trails around Truckee and Tahoe for a run, hike, or adventure. And I am beyond grateful to be able to do that. The trails challenge and strengthen me, they feed my inner explorer, they give me a mental respite from busy daily life, and they allow me to share miles with friends.
This is why I am thrilled that DPMR has decided to take an exciting step in formalizing a new trail stewardship program. In past years, we’ve regularly teamed up with local conservation and land groups to provide some muscle and extra hands to maintain, repair and build trails. And now with the opportunity of a long-term partnership with the Truckee Trails Foundation (TTF), DPMR is launching a new commitment to our stewardship program by becoming the sponsor of three local trails!
DPMR has adopted three popular, amazing trails as the backbone of our new trail stewardship program:
The Emigrant Trail
We will be the stewards of the 11-mile section of this trail (in red on the map below) that runs from Donner Picnic Trailhead to Stampede Reservoir. This flattish, rolling trail is a mainstay for runners and bikers, and tends to be available without snow earlier and later than higher trails. Our members and board will regularly scout this trail and plan volunteer times where we can work together to clean up and clear, repair, and provide overall maintenance in conjunction with TTF.
Mt. Judah Loop Trail
The second trail we have adopted is also a popular destination, but a bit higher along the Pacific Crest at Donner Summit. From the PCT heading south, runners connect to the Mt. Judah Loop Trail to make their way up past Donner Peak and climb the east face of Mt. Judah to an expansive 360 degree lookout, then drop back down the south side and reconnect with the PCT near historic Roller Pass. Once back on the PCT, head north to return to the trailhead to complete the 5-mile loop. As with the Emigrant Trail, DPMR will help scout, maintain and service the Mt. Judah Loop portion (in red below) of this trail as well.
Warren Lake Trail
This third trail is a financial sponsorship by Castle Peak 100k to help fund TTF’s work to maintain this trail that stretches from the Donner Lake Rim Trail around to the north side of Basin Peak. A local favorite for its 5 miles of challenging terrain and incredible scenery, the Warren Lake Trail is at the very heart of the Castle Peak race course. Our members will help scout this trail and keep TTF informed about its status and condition. DPMR and the Castle Peak planning team will be developing creative ways to fund the support of this trail, potentially asking racers to make a voluntary donation, attracting race sponsors who may be particularly interested in this type of support, and general donations.
How You Can Help
Over time we will share and promote regular opportunities to be a part of our trail stewardship program on these trails. We will need your help in scouting these trails on your runs early in the spring as the snow melts away, and throughout the year. We will also recruit help for work days to clean up, clear and repair these trails.
Watch for the Trail Sponsorship Signs Starting This Fall
The Truckee Trails Foundation and the Forest Service are creating and posting trail sponsorship signs on these trails for us, so watch for them this fall and take pride as you fly by!
Last but not least, we give a big thank you to our friends at the Truckee Trails Foundation for making this opportunity possible and enthusiastically supporting our desire to help and contribute to our amazing local trail system.
Absolutely love this! Congratulations!