Where is Henness Pass?
Usa, north-america
172.2 km
2,115 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Henness Pass, perched high in California's Sierra County at a cool 6,938 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in the Tahoe National Forest, northwest of Reno.
This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a winding adventure through historic sites and seriously rugged terrain. Word has it that Patrick Henness himself mapped out this route way back in the Gold Rush era, making it the go-to trail for folks heading from Virginia City, Nevada, to Marysville, California.
The road, officially called Henness Pass Road (Forest Road 07), connects Highway 49, slices through the forest, and pops out at Highway 89 near Little Truckee Summit. It then keeps cruising through Kyburz Flat all the way to Verdi, NV. Depending on where you start, you're looking at an 88 to 107-mile trek.
Now, a heads-up: while some of the road is paved (from Highway 89 to Jackson Meadows), a good portion of it is forest road. You don't *need* a 4x4, but a high-clearance vehicle is a smart move because it's mostly a dirt road with some rough spots.
You can usually hit this road from May to November. Keep in mind that snow can linger late into the summer, so be ready to turn around if needed and maybe pack a shovel, just in case. Mud and sand can also be part of the fun, but should be easily passable. Get ready for scenic mountain passes and views for days!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 172.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,115 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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