Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Running trails & routes

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Routes

Running trails & routes

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Moderate

4.7

(7066)

17,548

runners

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Q: What is the terrain like on the Truckee River Legacy Trail?

The trail is primarily a paved, Class 1 multi-use path, making it wide and comfortable for various users. While mostly paved, you'll also find gravel hiking trails within the connected Truckee River Regional Park.

Q: What scenic views can I expect along the trail?

You can expect picturesque views as the trail largely follows the Truckee River. There are glimpses of the High Sierra Crest, and segments are shaded and pine-scented. Other parts run closer to the river, offering excellent river views.

Q: Are there any historical or natural points of interest along the way?

Yes, the trail features interpretive signage that shares historical and natural information about the area, including the Washoe people and the Truckee Ice Company. You'll also find the Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park nearby.

Q: What's the best way to tackle the elevation changes on the trail?

The difficulty can vary depending on your starting point. For a mostly gradual downhill experience, start from the Truckee River Regional Park and head east. If you prefer minimal grade issues, begin at the pedestrian bridge at East River Street and head east. Be aware that starting from Glenshire Drive and heading west involves a significant uphill grade, and the descent from the Glenshire Trailhead to the river can be strenuous on the return.

Q: Where are the main access points and parking for the trail?

The trail connects downtown Truckee to the Glenshire neighborhood. You can access it from various points, including the Truckee River Regional Park and Riverview Sports Park. Parking is available at these locations.

Q: Is the Truckee River Legacy Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is pet-friendly. You'll find waste bags provided at various locations along the route, making it convenient for dog owners.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Truckee River Legacy Trail?

The trail is accessible year-round. It's regularly plowed in winter, making it a great option even when other trails are snow-covered. Mornings are particularly popular for joggers.

Q: Are there any permits or fees required to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or fees required to use the Truckee River Legacy Trail itself. It's a public multi-use path.

Q: What are the rules for Donner Memorial State Park, which the trail is near?

While the trail itself doesn't require fees, if you plan to enter Donner Memorial State Park , standard state park entrance fees and regulations apply. It's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for the most current information on fees, hours, and specific rules regarding pets or activities within the park.

Q: Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Truckee River Legacy Trail (Proposed), Nature Trail, and Deerfield Trail. It also forms part of the larger Tahoe–Pyramid Bikeway network.

00:34

5.43km

20m

Running

Lace up your shoes for a refreshing jogging experience on the Truckee River Legacy Trail, a moderate 3.4-mile (5.4 km) route that follows the scenic river. You will gain a gentle 80 feet (24 metres) of elevation, making it a pleasant outing that takes about 33 minutes to complete. As…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Donner Memorial State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

44 m

Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

The Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park is a memorial park and museum. In the 1840s, immigrants came over to this area to seek a better life on …

Tip by

1.21 km

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Truckee River Legacy Trail is a great spot year-round, as it gets cleared of snow in the winter and is a nice spot during the summer as well. It …

Tip by

4.38 km

Cold Stream Creek

Highlight • River

Cold Stream Creek is a Donner Creek tributary. Those who pass by it will see it flowing strong during snowmelt and pretty mellow the rest of the year.

Tip by

5.43 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.05 km

271 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.50 km

653 m

271 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Saturday 11 July

28°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Truckee River Legacy Trail?

The trail is primarily a paved, Class 1 multi-use path, making it wide and comfortable for various users. While mostly paved, you'll also find gravel hiking trails within the connected Truckee River Regional Park.

What scenic views can I expect along the trail?

You can expect picturesque views as the trail largely follows the Truckee River. There are glimpses of the High Sierra Crest, and segments are shaded and pine-scented. Other parts run closer to the river, offering excellent river views.

Are there any historical or natural points of interest along the way?

Yes, the trail features interpretive signage that shares historical and natural information about the area, including the Washoe people and the Truckee Ice Company. You'll also find the Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park nearby.

What's the best way to tackle the elevation changes on the trail?

The difficulty can vary depending on your starting point. For a mostly gradual downhill experience, start from the Truckee River Regional Park and head east. If you prefer minimal grade issues, begin at the pedestrian bridge at East River Street and head east. Be aware that starting from Glenshire Drive and heading west involves a significant uphill grade, and the descent from the Glenshire Trailhead to the river can be strenuous on the return.

Where are the main access points and parking for the trail?

The trail connects downtown Truckee to the Glenshire neighborhood. You can access it from various points, including the Truckee River Regional Park and Riverview Sports Park. Parking is available at these locations.

Is the Truckee River Legacy Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is pet-friendly. You'll find waste bags provided at various locations along the route, making it convenient for dog owners.

What is the best time of year to visit the Truckee River Legacy Trail?

The trail is accessible year-round. It's regularly plowed in winter, making it a great option even when other trails are snow-covered. Mornings are particularly popular for joggers.

Are there any permits or fees required to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or fees required to use the Truckee River Legacy Trail itself. It's a public multi-use path.

What are the rules for Donner Memorial State Park, which the trail is near?

While the trail itself doesn't require fees, if you plan to enter Donner Memorial State Park, standard state park entrance fees and regulations apply. It's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for the most current information on fees, hours, and specific rules regarding pets or activities within the park.

Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Truckee River Legacy Trail (Proposed), Nature Trail, and Deerfield Trail. It also forms part of the larger Tahoe–Pyramid Bikeway network.

Are there amenities available along the route?

Yes, you'll find picnic tables, benches, and a bike repair station at East River Street. Pet waste bags are also provided at various locations.