Lower Carpenter Valley - 2021

Truckee Donner Land Trust invites you on a guided hike in the magnificent Lower Carpenter Valley. Minutes from Truckee but hidden from view, Carpenter Valley offers grand scenery, lush meadows carpeted by wildflowers, and the chance to see wildlife in its natural environs. The Land Trust acquired the property in 2017 and it is now fully open to the public with trails and infrastructure in place. You can view this exquisite valley with hikes led by docents who are available to guide the route and answer questions about the land and its inhabitants.

Hiking details: Enjoy a docent-led, 5+mile hike on mostly flat terrain on somewhat rough ranch roads.  Please be out of your vehicle and ready to hike at the time set for the hike to begin.  

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

   From downtown Truckee:

Take 89 North toward Sierraville and turn left onto Alder Creek Road. Past the intersection with Schussing, take your first right turn onto Carpenter Valley Road (a dirt road with USFS signage).

   From Tahoe Donner:

Follow Alder Creek Road toward Highway 89. Just past the Tahoe Donner campground, turn left at Carpenter Valley Road (a dirt road with USFS signage)

   Then:

Trailhead parking is on the right hand side at the locked gate. Please be careful not to block the road or the locked gate.

How strenuous is the hike?

The hike is slightly over 5 miles on a lollipop trail on mostly flat terrain on somewhat rough dirt roads at about 6200 feet in elevation. You should be able to hike about 2.5 hours at a moderate pace with some stops.

What should I bring to the event?

Please wear closed toe shoes and bring bug spray, sunscreen, water, and snacks you'll need for our outing. Depending on the weather, you may need sun protection (hat/glasses) or rain gear or cold weather gear.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Need to cancel or change your date? Contact [email protected]

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes. Tickets are interchangable, but please inform your docent and be willing to fill out the required paperwork at the trailhead. Please make sure that your substitute is aware of the difficulty of the hike.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes. A porta-potty has been installed near the start of the hike for the hiker's use. A permanent vault toilet will be installed during the summer season.

Can I bring my dog on the hike?

No. Due to the sensitive nature of this unique and pristine environment, dogs are not allowed in the Carpenter Valley. Pets will not be allowed on any of the group hikes. We kindly ask that you please leave your pets at home. Your canine companion is welcome at every Land Trust property that is currently open to the public. Please visit tdlandtrust.org for recommendations. 

RELEASE and HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

I, the Undersigned, for myself and on behalf of my spouse, heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns, acknowledge and agree to all of the following:

In consideration of my participation in Truckee Donner Land Trust trail building, maintenance days, guided tours, docent led hikes and/or volunteer events, I hereby waive, release and discharge any and all claims for damages or injury arising as a result of my participation in these activities, and further agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Truckee Trails Foundation, Truckee Donner Land Trust, and the U.S. Forest Service on whose property the above activities may occur (collectively “Releasees”), and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any loss, liability, damage, causes of action, cost or expense for or on account of bodily injury or property damage arising from or in any way related to my participation in the above activities or as may be related thereto. This Release and Hold Harmless Agreement shall apply regardless of any negligence or carelessness on the part of Releasees.

I acknowledge that there are natural conditions which are or may be inherently dangerous and that I may suffer serious bodily injury or death, or which may cause injury to property. I hereby agree to and assume all risks of harm, including but not limited to property damage, bodily injury, or death, as may result from engagement in the above activities or resulting from the acts, omissions or conduct of Releasees.

I give the Truckee Trails Foundation and Truckee Donner Land Trust permission to use for publicity purposes any photographs or video footage including my likeness that may be taken during the above activities.

I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its contents. I have freely and voluntarily executed this agreement.

Photo credit: Tom Lippert

Host or Publisher Truckee Donner Land Trust