The Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park, a bronze family group on a stone pedestal

U.S. 50 · 3 stops · 61 mi

Donner Memorial to Virginia City: U.S. 50 Road Trip Stops

3 stops · 61 miles · about 1 hr 41 min of driving

Open this route in Google Maps3 stops in order · 61 mi · free, no sign-up

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Route map: Donner Memorial to Carson City to Virginia City, 61 miles

Road distance and drive time are a routing estimate (OSRM) with no traffic and no stops.

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The three stops from our co-pilot reel, in the order you would drive them through the Lake Tahoe corridor. Facts and visitor notes come from official sources (linked under each stop). The photos are ours. Mileage and drive time are a routing estimate without traffic or stops. Check current road and hours before you go.

  1. Donner Memorial State Park

    The Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park, a bronze family group on a stone pedestal

    Our photo.

    Verified facts

    • Trapped through the winter of 1846-47, 40 of the 87 emigrants died before spring rescue. Source: nps.gov ↗
    • The Pioneer Monument, California Historical Landmark #134, was completed June 6, 1918 on a 22-foot pedestal. Source: parks.ca.gov ↗
    • The Donner-Reed party of 87 emigrants left Illinois in April 1846 bound for California. Source: nps.gov ↗
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  2. 46 mi · 1 hr 17 min from stop 1

    Carson City

    The Nevada State Capitol in Carson City with its silver-colored dome

    Our photo.

    Verified facts

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  3. 15 mi · 24 min from stop 2

    Virginia City

    A classroom with rows of wooden desks inside the Fourth Ward School in Virginia City

    Our photo.

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