Where is Crystal Lake, anyway?
Only 2 miles from Highway 80 in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the estate is easy to reach from the Reno, Sacramento, or San Francisco Bay areas.  We are on the west side of Donner pass, less than 3 hours from the Bay Bridge – you can be relaxing on your private beach a half hour before your friends even enter the Truckee traffic.

Do I need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to get there?
The house is off the Yuba Gap exit from 80, at about 5800 feet elevation. The first mile is paved, and the second mile is unpaved and a little bumpy but not a problem for a 2wd car.  When you book your stay, we will send you detailed directions, including the gate code.

Where’s the nearest town?
Truckee is about a half-hour drive, and Auburn or Grass Valley are about 45 minutes away.  We can arrange for groceries to be delivered before you arrive.  We have often spent an entire week at Crystal Lake without getting in the car – paradise!

Where’s the nearest shopping? Restaurants?
There are good shops and restaurants in Truckee, Auburn, and Grass Valley.

What’s the nearest airport?
Fly in to Reno (1hr away) or Sacremento (1.5hr away) for the shortest drives. The drive from San Francisco (SFO) is just over 3 hours.  If you have access to a private plane, Blue Canyon has a 3300′ paved runway only 5 miles away, and we can arrange for pickup.

Do you have internet access?
Yes, the great room has wifi, connected to a cellular internet connection. There is also a fax machine.

Do you have satellite or cable TV?
Yes, we have DirecTV satellite TV.

Is the lake safe to swim in?
Yes, it is fun and safe to swim in the lake. But if you have children swimming, we require that an adult be outside watching them at all times. And that means an adult that is focused on the kids – not reading, swinging in the hammock, etc. We usually trade-off with a very verbal and conscious hand-over. All guests must understand that while the lake is fun, it is also a hazard, and it is only 50 yards from the house.