🎙 New Episode of Sierra Rec Now Podcast
If you’ve ever hiked a scenic trail near Truckee and paused to take in the views of meadows, lakes, or peaks, there’s a good chance the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT) had something to do with it.
In our latest Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down with Greyson Howard, Communications Director, and Jesse Cassidy, Trail Director for TDLT, to talk trail building, conservation, and how 30 years of dedication is finally bringing the Donner Lake Rim Trail closer to completion. It’s an eye-opening conversation for anyone who loves exploring the Sierra and wants to understand what it takes to protect it.
🎧 Watch /Listen to the episode here
🥾 What is the Truckee Donner Land Trust?
Founded in 1990, the Truckee Donner Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that has conserved over 45,000 acres of open space across the Sierra. Their mission is two-fold: protect wild places and connect people to them.
Whether it’s negotiating land deals in the historic “Sierra Checkerboard” (a relic of Lincoln’s land grants), or restoring riverfronts, meadows, and forests, TDLT works year-round to ensure that future generations can enjoy the landscapes we often take for granted.
🛠 How Trails are Built to Protect the Land
Trailbuilding isn’t just about putting a path from A to B. As Jesse explains in the episode, it’s a delicate balance between recreation and restoration.
Take their Carpenter Valley project: rather than routing the trail through sensitive meadows and riparian zones, they designed it to offer sweeping views while preserving wildlife habitat. Trail alignment, erosion control, and even water drainage are all factored into the design—by hand, often with nothing more than a clinometer and a sharp eye for terrain.
🏞️ Big News: The Southern Donner Lake Rim Trail Project Begins
One of the most exciting announcements in this episode is the kickoff of the southern half of the Donner Lake Rim Trail, a long-anticipated loop that’s been in development for nearly 30 years.
The northern section—from Donner Summit to Truckee—is already open and spans about 15 miles. The southern route will connect Donner Memorial State Park, climb over Shellenberger Ridge, loop around Mount Judah, and eventually link with Castle Valley. It will also align with Placer County’s Memorial Overland Emigrant Trail, creating incredible connectivity from Truckee to Auburn.
🌄 Pro Tip: Until the southern loop is built, hike the northern stretch and explore connected trails like Johnson Canyon and the Truckee River Legacy Trail.
🛏️ Hidden Gems: Frog Lake Huts & Truckee Springs
The Land Trust doesn’t just build trails—they create experiences. One highlight from our talk is the Frog Lake backcountry huts, perched on the Sierra Crest at 7,600 feet. These ski-in/ski-out or hike-in cabins offer a rare blend of solitude and access.
Another gem is Truckee Springs, a 26-acre greenbelt newly connected to downtown Truckee via pedestrian bridge. This riverfront oasis offers instant access to the Truckee River Legacy Trail—perfect for families, bikers, and first-time visitors.
🙌 How You Can Help
TDLT is actively fundraising for the Donner Lake Rim Trail’s next phase (goal: $1 million), and volunteers are always needed for trail days, donation drives, or corporate team projects.
🔗 Visit: truckeedonnerlandtrust.org
📬 Sign up for the newsletter to get notified when trail work events are announced
💰 Donate to support trail building, land protection, and access for all
🧭 Planning a Trip? Don’t Miss These Trails:
- Martis Valley Trail – Family-friendly meadow views and fall aspens
- Johnson Canyon – Easy access off I-80 with epic views of Shellenberger Ridge
- Royal Gorge (Route and Peak Trail) – Alpine hiking on Donner Summit
- Frog Lake & the Sierra Crest – A wilderness experience with reservable huts
🎙️ Final Thoughts from the Episode
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a long-distance trail dreamer, this episode is packed with insider insights, personal stories, and hope for the future of public access in the Sierra.
👉 Listen now to get inspired, learn about Truckee’s trails, and find out how to be part of something bigger.
