An incredible time of year to visit the historic mountain town of Truckee, California, autumn is when visitors can expect warm days that lead into crisp nights, leaf-peeping, smaller crowds, popular fall events and the laid back but welcoming atmosphere Truckee has long been known for. New restaurants, trails, events and more continue to elevate the unique experiences that can round out a visit to the mountains this season, and Truckee will welcome the addition of its first new hotel property since the early 2000s when the Marriott SpringHill Suites opens in December.
“Fall truly is Truckee’s ‘secret season.’ The summer crowds have subsided, and this burgeoning mountain town serves as a respite for those who want to reconnect with the outdoors before winter arrives,” said Colleen Dalton, director of Truckee tourism and economic programs for VISIT TRUCKEE. “In addition to all of the great outdoor adventure from your doorstep when you stay in Truckee, new restaurants and a host of events—including Truckee’s inaugural Fall Into Art celebration—offer something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.”
Here’s what not to miss when visiting Truckee this fall:
Hike or Bike 60 Miles on the Newly Completed Tahoe-Pyramid Trail
Those interested in an extended adventure can hike or ride the entire length of the Truckee River from Tahoe City through Truckee and down to Pyramid Lake in Nevada via the new 114-mile Tahoe Pyramid Trail. The trail is now open and a public grand opening will take place Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Floriston, California. The final section of trail included a 600-foot boardwalk section between Hirschdale and Floriston that offers stunning views of “Jaws,” a popular rafting obstacle on the Truckee River. With this trail segment complete, hikers and riders can now travel from Hirschdale to Verdi on a 12.5-mile dirt trail or all the way from Tahoe to Reno on 60 miles of mixed surfaces.
Explore Truckee’s Newest Trails
The recent completion of new trails has expanded Truckee’s extensive network of singletrack trails. Mountain bikers and hikers can now enjoy a new section of the Donner Lake Rim Trail, connecting the Johnson Canyon Viewpoint to Northwoods Boulevard while offering stunning views of Donner Lake.
Taste and Sip at Truckee’s Newest Restaurants
Nestled on Donner Lake’s west end, The Pub at Donner Lake features a seasonal, frequently updated menu of farm-to-fork “pub grub.” Open for lunch and dinner, patrons will also find a full bar with classic and trending cocktails, draft and bottled beers.
Created by the team who owns the popular Truckee Tavern, ROCO is now open in historic downtown offering a unique menu inspired by Japanese ramen and traditionally inspired Mexican food. It’s here where dining guests will find two distinctly different themed dining and bar areas, both featuring the same eclectic menu and from-scratch cocktails.
Located on Donner Pass Road, the new Truckee Food Shop offers an eclectic offering of sandwiches, seasonal entrees, and sides, with a constantly changing menu (every two weeks). Patrons will also find housemade jams, jellies, and assorted desserts.
Don’t Miss Fall Events
Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop – Oct. 5: Sip wine and sample local food at 30+ venues while shopping in historic downtown Truckee from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County. $45 in advance, $55 day of.
10th Annual Fall Festival – Oct. 12: One of Tahoe Donner’s biggest events of the year, this family-friendly harvest festival offers something for everyone and is the perfect community event to celebrate autumn in the High Sierra. Enjoy performances, live music, costume competition, kids carnival area, arts and crafts vendors, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, seasonal beer offerings, Oktoberfest-inspired food and more!
Historical Haunted Tour – Oct. 17 & 18: An unforgettable night of Truckee history and fun are offered on this rowdy tour that features engaging tales performed by talented characters at six historical sites in downtown Truckee. Tours leave every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and last approximately one hour and 45 minutes each. Tickets required ($55), with tours open to ages 21+ only.
Coming Soon…
Located within walking distance of historic downtown Truckee, and targeting a December 2019 opening, the new Coburn Crossing development will include a 114-room Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel, Truckee’s newest hotel property since the early 2000s. In 2020, Truckee will also welcome Old Trestle Distillery Restaurant and Tasting Room. Truckee’s first spirits distillery in over 100 years, Old Trestle Distillery is producing hand-crafted gin, whiskey, and vodka. The tasting room and restaurant will be located on West River Street along the Truckee River.
Get Paid When You Stay
There’s even more incentive to plan a trip to Truckee this fall. Those who book two nights at any Truckee lodging property or nightly rental between September 6 and December 12, 2019, can receive $100 cash. Learn more at www.truckee.com/100cash.
So this guy is describing Truckee 15+ years ago. Truckee has now been officially taken over by hipsters, pseudo hippies and crazy uppity stay at home wives in Range Rovers/Teslas. For real its trying to be a wannabe Aspen or Vail. Locals aren’t locals anymore and if you arent driving a brand new Ford Raptor, F350, Tesla or something European you are looked at like trash. I’m sorry I moved back. I mean paper straws? Curbside recycling everyone is losing their mind about, but all goes to the same place. Tesla Chargers etc etc etc Get a clue on reality. SMH.
That’s too bad. I’ve been trying to move to Truckee for 15+ years. Things just haven’t aligned for one reason or another. A lot of mountain towns are much different than they were 15 years ago.
Don’t listen to him. Truckee rules! Yeah, like most modern mountain towns there has been some unwelcome change, but overall it’s an outstanding place to live, play and raise kids. Can’t think of another place I’d want to be.
Oh dont get me wrong, the area is great! Its the entitled, snobby uppity people that have now taken it over I have the problem with. The schools are so left leaning that unless you want your child to become some sort of ignorant Bernie/AOC atrocity Id stay far away..
You’re not wrong. Recently walking down the sidewalk on central D Pass rd, so many hipsters and yuppie types filling all the establishments. This was a Saturday afternoon about 3:00. My pals and I were getting side eyed due to our grubby post disc golf round. I DID manage to get a smile out of Alyssa Milano who passed me out front of Moody’s.
Go to South lake.
Eww! No thanks
Exactly. Go. To. South. Lake.