ebbetts pass scenic by-way

813terir

In all my travels on the back seat of a Harley - back roads were my favorite places to ride in. My favorite is right here at home. Ebbett's Pass Highway 4. The beauty of this mountain region is bar none to any other. I've traveled the entire Western half of the U.S. an when I come home and spend a day on this winding road I find heaven. I highly recommend a motorcycle ride or convertible for Summer rides. Take Highway 4 from Murphys California through Arnold, Dorrington and Bear Valley - Stop at Lake Alpine for a leg stretch and then over the pass - taking it slow is the key. Stop and see the views, the groves of aspens, the creeks. The Highway split off at Moniter Pass where you can either end up in the green valley of Walker and head over to Bridgeport or Historical Bodie California - or you can stay straight on and end up in the quaint little community of Markleeville. This pass closes in the Winter. From there South Lake Tahoe is a left turn and about 20 minutes away. Summer thunder showers are common - always plan ahead for weather, Enjoy the Ride!

vintagetrailer

What a great road for a motorcycle or sports car. We were doing a little "pass bagging" doing this and Sonora and more in one day on sport bikes. The road curves, drops, swells. Whoops and at times it is less than two lanes wide. WonderfulMaybe not so great in a 45 foot motor homeWhile we did it fast it would be even better taking your time, camping and hiking and smelling the flowers. Grand either way

pacuarecholo

One of my favorite routes to explore in the Sierras. Highway 4 is not on the main tourist circuit, so rarely is the road crowded.Lots of trails and lakes to explore all the way from Arnold up and over the summit.I just hiked on the relatively new Arnold Rim Trail. This is a good hike for Winter, Spring or Autumn as it is a mid-elevation destination.Trail access is at the Logging Museum in White Pines or the Valley View Parking Area off of Lakemont Drive in Arnold. Beautiful scenery and spectacular vistas will be the reward for your efforts.

CA7777

This scenic highway is fun to drive, and even more fun if you are a passenger. Stanislaus National Forest has lots of areas to stop and explore. Enjoy the curves and the scenery that unfolds.

PepeTravels44

We made the drive from Murphy's to South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 4 and really loved Ebbetts Pass. There was lots of smoke in the area from fires near Yosemite, but this did not stop us. We only saw about six other cars during our drive and loved the view and seclusion of this drive.It was one of our favorite parts of our entire trip. The drive itself was fun and all the turnouts and small lakes were stunning. We took our time, drove slow and stopped often. Mosquito lake was beautiful and serene. We definitely recommend this drive to anyone who loves nature and a fun drive combined together.

590RebeccaC

The smell of the air and the open road,I have enjoyed many rides over the pass's in California. There is something about taking that ride,being able to pull off and look out over the valley of trees below with the wind blowing the smell of fresh pines..it honestly feels like heaven on earth and makes you feel like such a little piece of this vast world.

refugerun

This is the most beautiful hwy in this part of calif. from big trees state park to the biggest burger around at sues cafe in the ceder ridge center. i work here doing all the water plants on the pass and to taste the water is like drinking melted fresh snow.

693StevenB

Every year we take a drive over Sonora Pass and then northon 395 and back over Ebbits Pass. Then we go back to sonora Pass. Both passes in a day's drive make for quite a view of California. Amazing day!

Serenitygardens

Riding over this beautiful pass in August is a thrilling experience and I am sure it would be wonderful in any type of vehicle. There was still snow on the higher peaks and the weather was absolutely perfect. Take a picnic and plan to eat lunch in one of the spectacular meadows.

SheQwolfe

This was a beautiful road for most of the trip. The last couple of miles were a bit blah. The were quite a few narrow twists and turns that made me wish I was't in the passenger seat and closer to the edge. If you don't have a fear of heights and want to take a slow drive through some really pretty country this by-pass is the place to do it.

Maithean

Yes you should drive this road but slowly, if you are suicidal tow a trailer. Pretty but hard to pull off to see vistas, road is windy with some grades of 26%.

KarenJoyJ

Lots of beautiful scenery on this winding road. Don't try to take this drive too fast. You would miss too much if you don't take it slow.

salttram

Give yourself a full day to explore this route. Many slow turns and the single lane keep your attention focused.

LarryA440

Just an hour from home, Ebbetts Pass is a nice drive to the High Sierra where the crowds seldom go. If you simply go to Bear Valley for skiing in the winter, you owe it to yourself to come back when the pass is open and take the drive to Markleeville. The road narrows once you are past Lake Alpine and winds up to the wonderful view of the Dardanelles at Cape Horn. You reach Mosquito Lake and plunge down Pacific Creek down to Herman Valley where you'll find nice primitive camping. From there, take the detour over to Highland Lakes through an authentic High Sierra Cow Camp. Make your way back and continue over Ebbits and down the east side of the Sierra to Markleeville and back to civilization.

471BOVIC471

Very interesting drive going up to Ebbetts Pass. I live in the valley where it is mostly humid and very agricultural. SO my trip/drive with my son was one very refreshing experience especially this time of the year (Autumn). Way before you reach the scenice Pass, our eyes were dazzled by the changing colors of the foliage. There were these never-ending vista of gold, brown and orange colors with the blue sometimes gray skies as the backdrop. Then as you ascend farther, your eyes will feast on this beautiful, green pines , and when you open your car windows, our olfactory senses were greeted with that sweet, fresh smell of pines as our ears begin to pop, an indication that we are no longer in the valley. Drive carefully. This whole scenic spot is known to be the deers, the squirrels and the chipmunks playground! DO not hestitate to stop and enjoy watching these playful creatures playing and perched on many pine trees you will see along the way. Of course, the deers prefer to stop and look at you as if to say: You are entering God's country!