Rebuilding the Trails at Donner Pass & Lookout Mountain
- mikeballmedia
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Located within the Cameron Peak Burn Scar, the Donner Pass & Lookout Mountain Trails have recently undergone their first major maintenance since the devastating wildfire. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our crew alongside volunteers and Overland Mountain Bike Association these trails are not only open again, they’re better than ever.
A Post-Fire Renewal
This project marks a major milestone: it’s the first trail maintenance work completed since the fire swept through the area. With sustainability and safety at the forefront, trail crews focused on erosion control, visibility improvements, and long-term durability. Major accomplishments include:
Clearing Overgrown Aspens: Improving sight lines for motocross riders, mountain bikers, and hikers alike.
Trail Reroutes: Designed to better manage erosion and improve flow.
New Switchbacks & Rock Features: Enhancing the trail experience while preserving natural aesthetics.
Naturalizing Old Trail Sections: Restoring retired segments of trail back to their natural state.
Installing Drainage Systems: Controlling runoff and reducing trail washouts.
Expanded and Improved Trail System
Donner Pass Trail now stretches 6.1 miles (up from 5.3 miles), with a challenging 2,480-foot elevation gain.
Lookout Mountain Trail (East) extends approximately 5 miles, starting from a new trailhead on Crystal Mountain Rd and climbing 2,123 feet.
Rock Work That Rocks
A highlight of the project was the construction of a 7-tier rock wall at a problematic corner on the trail. This collaborative effort between us and Overland Mountain Bike Association tackled an unsustainable turn by tying into a natural rock bluff and stacking over 500 square feet of hand-laid stone, all completed in just one week.
A Community Effort
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Overland Mountain Bike Association, a dedicated non-profit. Together, our work has helped create safer, more sustainable trails that will serve outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.
