You may love the great outdoors of Lake Tahoe, the virtually untouched back-country of the Sierra Nevada, but that doesn’t mean you’re always prepared. If you’re wondering what the latest is on gear, and how you should prepare for hiking this summer, then look no further!

REI-Reno is pleased to partner with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for the return of the April Speakers Series; every Wednesday this April. The presentations this year will give special attention to hikers and mountain bikers. The TRTA will also give insightful local tips on the best places to go, what the bring, and what to expect from the trails and conditions.

“The Properly Equipped Hiker,” Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 to 8pm.

This presentation is essential for both segment and thru-hikers. REI hiking experts will discuss gear, clothing and back country skills that will help you enjoy your time on the trail. They will also help you to distinguish between essential gear versus what gear is nice to have. Gear and clothing selections will also be reviewed for weight, cost, durability and ease of use considerations. This session will also serve as an unveiling of the newest in 2012 gear. Backcountry skills will focus on hydration techniques, navigational skills and Leave No Trace principles. Combine this class with the first class and you will be ready to hit the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer, dressed and outfitted for success.

Admission to each presentation in the series is FREE!

Location:

REI Reno

2225 Harvard Way

Reno, NV 89502

Click here for more information and to learn about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association!

Hosted by the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, the Donner Party Hike returns for its 19th year on October 8th for a two day event – sure to be just as successful as the last. The goal is to highlight the area’s beauty, recreational sights and emigrant history.

If you are unfamiliar with the history of the Donner Party, here is a quick historic recap to bring you up to speed. On April 16, 1846 several families, in nine covered wagons, left Springfield, Illinois heading west to California. After a tragic, twisting series of events the Donner Party made their way to California and split into two camps for the winter of 1846-47. One group made it to the eastern end of Donner Lake, and another was unable to proceed beyond camp at Alder Creek. Unfortunately, they were one day shy of crossing Donner Summit to due to snow, and resorted to waiting the winter out at Donner; where grisly cannibalism occurred for survival. Although 46 members of the Donner Party survived, two-thirds were women, and the majority of men in the original group of families had perished.

Following are the hikes available for the choosing of event goers on Saturday:
• Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road 1913 Corridor Lincoln Highway: Pass petroglyphs, roadside billboards and the China Wall. Find out where and why these roads were built.
• Roller Pass: Hike up the Pacific Crest Trail and back to see views of Donner Pass, Coldstream Pass and Roller Pass where emigrants were forced to winch their wagons up a 35-degree granite slope.
• Roller Pass / Judah Loop: Enjoy the Roller Pass hike with an additional mile at the top to go around the Judah Loop and on to Donner Peak.
• Coldstream Pass: Hike over one of the most heavily traveled emigrant routes. The hike is strenuous, rising and descending over a minimum of 1800 vertical feet.
• High Sierra Lakes: Incredible vistas seen by emigrants as they passed through the High Sierra years ago. Discover hidden alpine lakes while exploring Donner Summit.
• Railroad Snowsheds: View the China Wall and go through several railroad tunnels with views of Donner Lake.

For further information and admission fees, contact Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce.