Three Hidden Gems, One Unforgettable Escape. Discover the magic of Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes — Tahoe’s closest mountain retreats to the Bay Area. Lakefront living, legendary ski culture, epic trails, and year-round adventure all come together here. Find your summit life.
Welcome to Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes — Tahoe’s Hidden Gems
Just west of Truckee, three stunning communities — Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes — offer unmatched beauty, adventure, and year-round convenience. As the closest Tahoe neighborhoods to the Bay Area via I-80, they combine easy access with the timeless magic of the Sierra Nevada. These are Tahoe’s best-kept secrets — and they’re waiting to be discovered.
Donner Lake: The Jewel of the Sierra
Framed by the rugged Sierra Crest and Donner Peak, Donner Lake captures the spirit of mountain living. Here, you’ll find everything from cozy lakeside cabins to sleek, mountain-modern retreats. Residents enjoy a mix of public and private docks, with some lucky neighborhoods offering private beaches and boat launches. With Downtown Truckee, Sugar Bowl, and Royal Gorge just minutes away, Donner Lake is perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation.
Sugar Bowl: Where California Ski Culture Was Born
One of California’s oldest ski resorts, Sugar Bowl is steeped in history — from Austrian alpine traditions to Hollywood glamour and Walt Disney himself. Home to the state’s first chairlift and the West’s original gondola, Sugar Bowl is a magnet for winter sports lovers seeking an authentic, tight-knit mountain community. Here, a charming pedestrian village offers a rare four-season lifestyle: powder days, wildflower hikes, epic biking, and unforgettable summit views.
Donner Summit Adventures: Trails, Peaks, and Powder
Outdoor enthusiasts will find their paradise around Donner Summit. Explore the Pacific Crest Trail, climb Castle Peak, hike Judah Mountain, or take on legendary Sierra rock climbs. In winter, nearby resorts — Boreal, Royal Gorge, Donner Ski Ranch, and Sugar Bowl — deliver world-class skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic adventures.
Serene Lakes: A Quiet Mountain Retreat
Tucked beside Royal Gorge, Serene Lakes lives up to its name — a peaceful haven for canoeing, fishing, and Nordic skiing. Home to North America’s largest cross-country ski area, Royal Gorge offers 92 trails and sweeping Northern Sierra views. In summer, the lakes sparkle with laid-back charm; in winter, they transform into a snow-draped wonderland. This is true Sierra living, just off the beaten path.
Ready to Find Your Summit Escape?
Discover Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes — where the spirit of the mountains meets effortless access to the best of Tahoe and Truckee.
661 people live in Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes, where the median age is 50 and the average individual income is $85,639. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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There's plenty to do around Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Mix’d Menu, The Seasoned Sage Chef Services, and Liv Studio Truckee.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 4.84 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.69 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.94 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.76 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.97 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.28 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.35 miles | 17 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.69 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.26 miles | 24 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.58 miles | 15 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.53 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.56 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.1 miles | 26 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.3 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.39 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.3 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes has 302 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 661 people call Donner Lake, Sugar Bowl, and Serene Lakes home. The population density is 2,666.241 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
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10-17 Years
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Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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