A drive to the top of Henness Pass in California
Usa, north-america
172.2 km
2,115 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Henness Pass, nestled high in the Sierra County of California, a hidden gem northwest of Reno, inside Tahoe National Forest. This isn’t just a drive; it’s a time machine, cutting through historic sites and ruggedly beautiful landscapes!
Word has it Patrick Henness himself laid out this route back in the gold rush days, around 1849 or 1850. Back then, it was THE route from Virginia City, Nevada, to Marysville, California.
Now, the road itself is an adventure. Some parts are paved (from Highway 89 to Jackson Meadows), but a big chunk is pure forest road. We’re talking mostly a high-clearance two-wheel-drive dirt road, with a few bumpy spots thrown in for good measure. It's a secluded, winding mountain road stretching about 88 to 107 miles, depending on where you jump on, climbing up to a whopping 6,938 feet!
You’ll find it labeled as Henness Pass Road (Forest Road 07), linking Highway 49 through the forest until it kisses Highway 89 near Little Truckee Summit and then continues on through the Kyburz Flat area to Verdi, NV.
Keep in mind this beauty is usually open from May to November. You might hit some mud or sand, but generally nothing too crazy. But hey, this is the Sierra Nevada! Snow can linger, so be prepared to turn around, pack a shovel just in case, and keep an eye on the weather, especially early in the season.
Where is it?
A drive to the top of Henness Pass in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.3758, -99.6596
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 172.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,115 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.3758, -99.6596
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