TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; The Truckee Donner Land Trust recently acquired 260 acres in Summit Canyon west of Donner Lake and immediately below Donner Summit. Bisecting this property is the and#8220;Old Stock Trail.and#8221; This historic route was one of the earliest routes over Donner Pass and is part of the Dutch Flat-Donner Lake Wagon Road. Previously private property, it is now available for public use.

Announcement of this acquisition came after the printing of the 19th Annual Donner Party Hike brochure, to be held Oct. 8 and 9, 2011. The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce hosts this popular event that unites two passions and#8212; love for the Sierra Nevada wilderness and fascinating emigrant history.

The Summit Canyon hike is being added for the first 30 hikers who register. This hike will explore the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road, and all inclusive history, from Donner Summit all the way to Donner Lake. The hike is one way, moderate, about 3.5 miles in length. The hike will be led by Greg Palmer, a volunteer guide for the Donner Party Hike for the past 19 years. and#8220;All of us history buffs are truly excited about this new hike and want to share it with locals and visitors alike,and#8221; said Palmer.

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and#8220;The acquisition would not have happened without the help of Nevada County Supervisor Ted Owens, and Truckee Town Council member Barbara Green. They served as critical intermediaries with the sellers Frank and Julie Cadjew of Reno,and#8221; said Truckee Donner Land Trust Executive Director Perry Norris.

The property provides access to the historic features on Donner Pass such as petroglyphs and China Wall. and#8220;It has significant historical values playing a role in emigration, the transcontinental railroad, and development of Americaand#8217;s highway system,and#8221; said Owens.

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To register for the new Summit Canyon hike, or any of the other six hikes offered, visit http://www.truckee.com to download a registration form or call the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at 530-587-8808. Space is limited for all hikes and reservations are required. Early registration for the Saturday hikes is $45 ($50 after Sept. 20, 2011) per hiker and includes a guided hike, commemorative water bottle, barbecue lunch and afternoon presentation. Sundayand#8217;s walking tour is $15 and includes the guided walk and entrance to the Emigrant Trail Museum. Two-day hike package is $60 ($65 after Sept. 20, 2011).

Sponsors of this event include: Cedar House Sport Hotel, Donner Lake Village Resort, Donner Memorial State Park, Hampton Inn and Suites Tahoe-Truckee, Larkspur Hotel Truckee-Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Town of Truckee, Truckee Donner Lodge and the U.S. Forest Service.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com