Lower Carpenter Valley Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Find Carpenter Valley road, the only turn North off Alder Creek Drive between the Tahoe Donner subdivision and Highway 89. This Forest Service dirt road is gated in the winter but drive-able in the summer. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended in early season when there are traces of snow on the road. Follow Carpenter Valley Road 2.25 miles from Alder Creek to a locked gate with Truckee Donner Land Trust signage. Please park in the parking area on the right hand side.

The 2.75-mile trail wanders above Prosser Creek on the edge of the forest and meadow, with long stretches of boardwalk to help protect the sensitive meadow habitat. Keep an eye out for beaver in the creek, many species of flowers and migrating birds in the meadow, and the always-impressive sandhill crane. The trail re-joins the dirt road for a short period of time to avoid private property.