Royal Gorge

Soda Springs | California

What We Did
Preserved 3,000 acres of land rich in natural resources, enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

Our Goal
Ensure public access to beloved wilderness and recreation areas in perpetuity.

Support Our Work in California

Royal Gorge by the Numbers

3,000

acres protected

One

internationally acclaimed year-round recreational resource preserved

Saving the Sierra

Straddling the Sierra Crest at Donner Summit, the 3,000-acre Royal Gorge property is a mosaic of lush mountain meadows, old-growth forests, and crystal clear streams—a place rich in natural resources and human history. As the largest cross-country ski resort in North America, Royal Gorge enjoys international acclaim and draws thousands of visitors every year.

Previous owners attempted to turn Royal Gorge into a major resort and later a large subdivision. Thankfully, generations of skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts rallied to protect it. The development stalled in the face of opposition and the economic downturn, creating a unique opportunity to conserve the land forever.

Trust for Public Land and partners purchased Royal Gorge and permanently protected it as a year-round recreational resource. The nearby Sugar Bowl Resort manages the ski area in winter. Improved hiking trails and other amenities provide opportunities for summer exploration too.

The Royal Gorge purchase represents a crowning achievement for conservation in the Sierra Nevada. We could not have succeeded without our long-time partners, the Truckee Donner Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Northern Sierra Partnership.

Perry Norris, executive director of the Truckee Donner Land Trust, says, “This is great news for all of us who love Donner Summit and the northern Sierra Nevada. The Royal Gorge property has been a top priority for us for decades. Now we finally have the opportunity to protect it for generations to come. The response from the community is inspiring.”

About This Project

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Seven Snowy Spots for Winter Fun

Our favorite thing about winter? Snow! From snowball fights in frosty fields to sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing, we love to play in fresh powder. Many of the parks and natural spaces we’ve protected—or are working to conserve—are best explored when blanketed in white. So grab your coat and mittens, and enjoy one of our favorite winter wonderlands this season. And don’t forget the hot chocolate!

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Get in Touch With Our California Team

Los Angeles Office

135 West Green Street
2nd Floor
Pasadena, CA, 91105
(323) 223-0441
california@tpl.org

Sacramento Office

1107 9th Street
Suite 1050
Sacramento, CA, 95814
(916) 557-1673
california@tpl.org

San Francisco Office

23 Geary Street
Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA, 94108
(415) 495-4014
california@tpl.org

Guillermo Rodriguez

Vice President Pacific Region, California State Director

california@tpl.org