Donner Summit Train Tunnel
Opened on November 30, 1867 after 15 months of blasting and drilling by mostly Chinese workers, the 1,659 foot tunnel was used continuously for by the trains of the Central Pacific, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, and AMTRAK. This was the first rail line to traverse the Sierra Nevada Range with the first train to pass through it on June 18, 1868. The last train passed through it in 1993.
This is an easy hike in a beautiful area with Donner Lake in view and long tunnels and snow sheds filled with artwork painted on the walls. Accessing this is easy but the number of visitors makes parking somewhat tricky at times. There is a turnout right before the Donner Bridge which requires a short, but easy climb up the granite rocks to reach the tunnel trail. Alternatively, you can park at the Donner Ski Ranch or a dirt lot across the road which is right in front of the beginning tunnel. A heavy metal gate sits in front of the entrance to prevent cars from driving into the tunnels.
If you climb the rocks to the tunnel you'll also run into faint petroglyphs, a reminder of the long history of the area. A plaque marks these historic petroglyphs that you may miss seeing if not for the sign.
The artwork on the tunnel walls is amazing with bright colors and details that could rival work done on canvas. I did pick up the scent of fresh paint in one tunnel so there is new work completed in here from time to time. From portraits to cartoon characters to styled letters, the work done in here alone is worth the visit.