Donner Summit Rock Climbing

Donner Summit's Legendary Climbing Just Steps from Donner Ski Ranch

Donner Summit offers Tahoe's true crown jewel for climbing, and Donner Ski Ranch is your gateway for bold outdoor adventures. Nestled directly on Donner Pass Road—Old Highway 40—the Ranch is surrounded by world-class granite cliffs overlooking Donner Lake and Truckee, offering everything from trad and sport climbs to bouldering and multi-pitch challenges. Climbers can roll straight from the parking lot to legendary crags, chasing multi-pitch thrills or tackling steep boulders with unmatched energy at the summit. For those who crave the outdoors, Donner Ski Ranch is as close as it gets: gear up, and high-quality granite awaits just steps away.

Most of these incredible climbing walls and boulders are easily accessed directly from Donner Pass Road, making your approach quick and convenient. While a few spots are accessible from Interstate 80, the majority of the action is right in our backyard.

Summer offers prime conditions for sending, though spring and fall also provide excellent climbing opportunities. While winter brings the snow we love for skiing, a few south-facing crags, like the southwest face of Grouse Slab, can even be climbed year-round.

Start your day at the Old 40 Bar & Grill, the heart and soul of the Ranch, and kick it off with breakfast as the sun hits the cliffs. After a day of high adrenaline and bold sends on the summit, the adventure doesn’t end—come back for a cold beer, swap stories with fellow climbers, and grab a slice of Janet’s Famous homemade pie, baked fresh daily right at the bar. Whether cooling off with a frosty pint or fueling up with a rustic slice of pie, Old 40 is the basecamp where mountain missions start and epic days finish.