The Emigrant Trail begins at the Donner Camp picnic site about five miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. The trail covers 11 miles to Stampede Reservoir. The route is primarily rolling ups and downs through a scattered forest of Jeffrey pines. Riders will pass several meadows laced with yellow buttercups and bright purple, camas lilies.

For a shorter and less technical version of this ride, start at the alternative trailhead, about one mile further north on Highway 89. Look for a dirt parking area on the right just after passing over the Prosser Creek Bridge. In summer, try this trail early in the morning during the middle of the week to avoid the crowds.

Editor's Note: Tim Hauserman wrote the definitive guidebook to "The Tahoe Rim Trail."