July 14, 2014 (Monday) Donner Summit Rest Area (Eastbound I-80 Side) Paint-Out

this pond is about a 10 min. walk from the parking lot and quiet

Date:          July 14, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Boreal/Donner Summit Rest Stop on the eastbound I-80 side
Amenities:        bathrooms and running water

Directions;  From central Reno, it is 41 miles (40 min.).  Take I-80 West.  Pass Truckee and continue up to the summit.  Take Exit 176 (Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Road).  At the stop sign, turn Left and go under the freeway.  Turn Left again and get back on I-80 going East.  Take the immediate exit for the Rest Area on your right.  Park near the restrooms and we will meet there.

Yes, I realize this is a highway rest-stop....but, there is a BEAUTIFUL little trail loop there that is called "Glacier Meadow Loop Trail" - only about 1.5 mile in total.  As you walk this mostly level and easy trail, you travel away from the freeway noise and it gets quieter.  There is a quiet pond at the end of the loop trail (not the same one as right by the parking lot which is very pretty but noisy)  Here are some pictures of the trail if you take it in the direction of going off to the right side of the restrooms:

this is the pond by the parking lot that you walk behind and into the woods

much of the trail is like this, but some areas are rocky

the wildflowers are out

watch for signs or you might go on the Pacific Crest Trail instead!

there are granite areas carved by glaciers

next you go by a pretty little creek

next you get a glimpse of Castle Peak

now you get to the quiet pond - a great place!  this is also where the PCT intersections with the Glacier Loop Trail

now as the loop goes back to the parking lot, you go by a marshy meadow

now you travel back over the granite area to the parking lot