Where is Carson Pass?
Usa, north-america
22.53 km
2,619 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Let's talk Carson Pass, an awesome high-altitude crossing sitting pretty at 8,592 feet in California's Alpine County.
You'll find this gem in eastern California, close to the Nevada border, chillin' within the El Dorado National Forest.
The road? Smooth sailing on fully paved California State Route 88, aka Carson Pass Highway.
The journey stretches for about 20 miles, cruising east to west from Alpine Village to Kirkwood, hugging the Sierra Nevada range. Word to the wise: the parking lot at the top gets packed on weekends, so plan accordingly!
This road usually stays open all winter, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with snow, avalanches, or ice. Closures are rare, but keep an eye on the weather! Avalanche danger is the main concern, especially around Carson Spur (between Silver Lake and Kirkwood) and the eastern side of the pass. Apparently, there are over 20 avalanche chutes just waiting to dump snow on the road.
But honestly? The views are worth it. Think dramatic volcanic skylines, lush meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and rugged valleys. This drive is all about those photo ops! There are tons of places to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 22.53 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,619 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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