Ebbetts Pass is a very steep narrow road in Sierra Nevada
Usa, north-america
98 km
2,666 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to add Ebbetts Pass to your California road trip itinerary. This hidden gem, nestled in Alpine County, climbs to a breathtaking 8,746 feet!
This road isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Picture this: you're winding through the Sierra Nevada on California State Route 4 (also known as Alpine State Highway and part of the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway) a completely paved, 61-mile stretch from Arnold to Markleeville. This is one of the quietest passes in the Sierras, so you might even feel like you have the mountains to yourself.
Now, a little history: Back in 1851, John Ebbetts thought this route might be perfect for a transcontinental railroad but alas, it wasn’t to be. Today, the pass bears his name!
Heads up, though: this road is not for the faint of heart. Expect seriously steep sections – up to a gut-wrenching 24% grade! And those hairpin turns? They're blind, they're tight, and they demand your full attention. Definitely not recommended for big rigs, buses, or RVs! Also, keep an eye out for when the snow starts to fall, usually in early November, as the pass is not plowed and will close. You can usually expect it to open again around Memorial Day.
What you get in return are views that will blow your mind. Think soaring alpine vistas, charming little hamlets, and a raw, untamed beauty that's hard to find anywhere else. Just be prepared to downshift and hug those curves – this is one ride you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
Ebbetts Pass is a very steep narrow road in Sierra Nevada is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.1845, -100.6453
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 98 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,666 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.1845, -100.6453
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Mount Spokane?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Have you heard of Mount Spokane? This gem sits pretty in Spokane County, Washington, not far from the Idaho border. It’s the highest point in the area, clocking in at 5,856 feet! You'll find it nestled inside Mount Spokane State Park, which is huge, by the way. Forget Mount Carlton or Mount Baldy — those are old names! Mount Spokane offers killer views of Idaho, Montana, and even Canada on a clear day. Keep your eyes peeled for deer; they love to wander across the road. The road up, Summit Road, is paved, though the final stretch can be a little bumpy. This winding beauty, built way back in 1912, is a four-mile climb from Mount Spokane Park Drive. You'll gain over 1,300 feet in elevation, so buckle up for a fairly steep ride. Just a heads-up: the road is usually open from mid-June to mid-October due to its high-altitude location in the Selkirk Mountains.
hardDriving the challenging Fish Rock Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Mendocino County in Northern California? You HAVE to check out Fish Rock Road! This hidden gem winds 28.4 miles from CA-128 to the coast at Fish Rock (Highway 1). Picture this: you're cruising through the Maillard Redwood Reserve. The road is a mix of well-maintained dirt in the middle and pavement at either end. Keep it mellow, especially since there are some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 19%! It's not for the faint of heart (or big rigs and trailers!), but if you're up for a bit of gravel and some narrow spots, the views are totally worth it. Most of the road is wide enough for two logging trucks to pass, except for a small part running through the Redwoods Start Park. Oh, and get ready for the infamous 5 mph zone! Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in. Just make sure you hit this road during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery.
moderateRepeater Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to Lincoln County, Nevada, and prepare for the wild ride that is Repeater Road! This isn't your Sunday drive – you'll be climbing to a lofty 6,187 feet, topping out at the site of an old radio station. The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and constant surprises. Conditions are always changing, and Mother Nature throws winter at it early and often. Mid-summer might be your only safe window. Seriously, bring a 4x4 – you'll need it! It’s a constant up, down, left, right situation, a real test for even seasoned drivers. But oh, the views! This is where Repeater Road really shines. The panoramas of the Pahranagat Valley are simply breathtaking, and you'll find plenty of spots (official and not) to pull over and soak it all in. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bighorn sheep, and wild horses. Hunters love this area, so be aware. The climb kicks off from Lincoln Avenue in Alamo and stretches for about 11.2 miles. You'll gain almost 2,600 feet in elevation along the way, with some seriously steep sections hitting 10% grades. It's short, it's challenging, and it's absolutely unforgettable. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready!
moderateWhere is Gold Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna experience a real Colorado thrill? Then Gold Hill is calling your name! This beast of a pass tops out at a whopping 12,309 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find this epic trail nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Think Taylor Park on one side, and the glitzy Aspen/Ashcroft on the other. Word to the wise: Gold Hill isn't a year-round fling. Winter slams the door shut with massive snowfall, so plan your trip between July and October. Even then, keep an eye on the weather; early snows can ruin the party! The adventure stretches for about 28.8 miles (46.34km) of glorious, unpaved road. This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive, folks. We're talking high-clearance vehicles only! The views? Absolutely breathtaking, as long as you keep your eyes on the road. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!