Donner Summit Bridge: A Landmark in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Donner Summit Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge, is a concrete arch bridge located in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Donner Summit, California. It was built in 1924-26 as part of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States. The bridge is 241 feet long and 80 feet high, and it spans the Truckee River.

The Donner Summit Bridge is a popular tourist destination, and it offers stunning views of Donner Lake, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the town of Truckee. The bridge is also a popular spot for photographers, and it has been featured in several movies and television shows. In 1993, the Donner Summit Bridge was restored after it had fallen into disrepair. The restoration project was funded by a grant from the state of California, and it included the addition of a new pedestrian walkway. The Donner Summit Bridge is a historic and iconic landmark in California, and it is a popular destination for people who enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and photography.

Here are some additional facts about the Donner Summit Bridge

It is named after the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who were stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during a winter storm in 1846-47.
The bridge was designed by A.E. Winslow, who also designed the Golden Gate Bridge.
The bridge was built using concrete that was made from limestone quarried near Donner Lake.
The bridge was originally painted white, but it was repainted yellow in 1993.
The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Donner Summit Bridge is located at the Donner Pass Road, a scenic road that runs through the Sierra Nevada mountains between Truckee and Reno, Nevada. The road is a popular destination for motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists, and it offers stunning views of the mountains, the Truckee River, and Donner Lake.

There are a number of things to do in the area around the Donner Summit Bridge and Donner Pass Road:

Donner Memorial State Park from the Old Donner Pass Highway near Truckee, CA., photo by Joe Parks

- Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the area, including the Donner Summit Trail, the China Wall Trail, and the Mount Judah Loop Trail.
- Fishing: The Truckee River is a popular spot for fishing, and there are a number of fishing access points along the river.
- Skiing and snowboarding: There are a number of ski resorts in the area, including Sugar Bowl Resort, Donner Ski Ranch, and Boreal Mountain Resort.
- Visit Donner Memorial State Park: Donner Memorial State Park is a state park located near the Donner Summit Bridge. The park preserves the site of the Donner Party tragedy, and it offers a number of exhibits and historical tours.