Copyright: California Scenic Highway Program
Ebbetts Pass Road winds through the stunning High Sierra
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Description - This road winds through the High Sierra past alpine meadows, lakes, pine forests and scenic vistas. Several national forests provide recreational opportunities and incredible scenery. The byway also leads past Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Attractions
- Route 4--Ebbetts Pass Road courses through both Calaveras and Alpine Counties from east of Arnold to State Route 89. Travelers will experience forests of aspen, cedar, pine, fir, and tamarack; cross high mountain meadows; skirt around glacial lakes; and parallel mountain streams. The scenic route winds above the canyon of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River, over Pacific Crest Summit, down into Hermit Valley to cross the Mokelumne River, rising again to go over Ebbetts Pass, dropping, finally, down along Silver Creek and the East Fork of the Carson River. Except for several miles near the beginning, which are within Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the route lies entirely within the Stanislaus, El Dorado, and Toiyabe National Forests. Throughout the length of the route are a number of spectacular vistas of far-off mountain peaks with intervening canyons plunging several thousand feet below the highway.
Recreation - The Route 4--Ebbetts Pass Road is known for it's natural, recreational and scenic attractions. Climate - The High Sierra generally experiences warm, dry summers and cold, snowy and wet winters. Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. This precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, it comes mostly in the form of snow. A snowpack from 5-10 feet or more is usually present from December to May at elevations above 6,500 feet. Winter temperatures below zero and summer temperatures above 100 degrees indicate the normal seasonal spread. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered," ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear. Location -
Ebberts Pass Road is located in the High Sierra Region, about half way between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. Calaveras County: From east of Arnold to the Alpine County line.
Alpine County: From Calaveras County line to State Route 89. Steep and mountainous at times. Chains may be required or partial road closures can occur during winter storms.
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