"Lake Van Norden once covered more than half of Summit Valley before Pacific Gas and Electric began lowering the water level in 1976 due to fears of the dam’s potential failure following an earthquake. A coalition spearheaded by the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT ) recently purchased the land, and efforts to restore the area to a more natural condition are ongoing. Following the course of one of Royal Gorge’s cross-country ski trails, the Summit Valley History Trail loops around the meadows of the namesake valley, providing opportunities to experience some of the human and natural history along the way. Midsummer visitors should enjoy a fine wildflower display, and wildlife enthusiasts should be well rewarded by the variety of birds." Read more