Welcome to one of the most intimate and untamed trans-Sierra routes — the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. Jutting up from the heart of the Sierra Nevada with Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park as its neighbors,
the byway is a 61-mile stretch of Highways 4 and 89, in between the towns of Arnold in Calaveras County and Markleeville in Alpine County, California.

Glacially carved valleys, granite outcroppings, basalt columns, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyons, thick forests, bald eagles, majestic stands of Giant Sequoia, open meadows, pristine alpine lakes, precarious drop-offs, small
hamlets, warm hospitality, hot mineral pools, swiftly flowing streams, cascades and rivers, and some of the most dramatic and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range—these are just a few of the natural wonders awaiting you as you travel the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic yway.

Ebbetts Pass is a vital link to spectacular Central Sierra attractions, including two state parks—Calaveras Big Trees and Grover Hot Springs State Parks—as its "bookends," the nationally-recognized Pacific Crest Trail, the Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, the Carson-Iceberg and Mokelumne Wilderness areas, the North Fork of the Stanislaus, Mokelumne and StateYour Guide to the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway 5 designated East Fork of the Carson rivers, and Bear Valley cross country and downhillski areas. With a range in elevation from approximately 4,000 to 8,700- feet, this winding mountain pass through the "California Alps" in their most natural state allows visitors the awe-inspiring experience of having the threshold of the Sierra literally at their feet.

The driving experience on this narrow asphalt ribbon is like no other, providing an exceptional and intimate high country experience. As most of the byway is surrounded by national forest and wilderness areas, recreational opportunities are the mainstay of the Ebbetts Pass region with hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming during the warmer months, and crosscountry and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling in the winter.

Unlike any other Sierra pass, it is silver that built Ebbetts Pass. With the discovery of gold on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, Native American trails were transformed into dirt roads by fortune seekers heading west. In 1861 the route reversed direction and became a booming toll road transporting silver miners to the east side Comstock Lode. Calaveras Big Trees was also a main attraction early on and continues to be one of California's most soughtout destinations. Ebbetts Pass, first surveyed in the 1850s as a possible railroad crossing for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company, is one of the oldest trans-Sierra routes with many rich stories. The national conservation movement gained strength when John Muir visited Big Trees, and became outraged after witnessing the stump of a behemoth Giant Sequoia that had been felled and its bark stripped and taken on a tour as a traveling exhibit.

Ebbetts Pass was designated as a California State Scenic Highway in 1971 and was honored with National Scenic Byway status September 22, 2005 by the U.S Department of Transportation in Washington D.C. It is one of only seven nationally-designated byways in California and 151 in the nation.

Let this site be your guide to the stunning sights and friendly feel that can only be found on the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. A full-sized folded map is bound at the end of this guidebook that outlines 38 key points of interest, campgrounds, lakes and rivers, as well as major roads and trails. In the pages that follow you will learn about how Ebbetts Pass was formed, both geologically and historically, as well as flora, fauna and recreational opportunities. Slow down and savor the Sierra!

Compared to the high-speed trans-Sierra routes such as Highways 50 and 80,
driving the Ebbetts Pass is a truly unique and unparalleled experience.
At both ends of the byway (between Arnold and Lake Alpine to the west
and between Markleeville and Silver Creek to the east), the road is a modern,
full-width, two-lane State Highway that is maintained for year-round travel, with
a double yellow center line, shoulders and passing lanes. Visitors travel through
seemingly endless miles of pristine scenery, interjected only occasionally by
welcoming communities. However, in the middle portion between Lake Alpine
and Silver Creek, the road and the travel experience changes dramatically,
becoming a narrow two-lane road with no center line and no shoulders as it
slowly winds its way up and over the Sierra crest.

This part of the byway contains some steep, narrow and curvy portions
with a few precipitous drop-offs. The route is recommended for cars and
motorcycles, but is not accessible to tractor-trailers, buses or large recreational
vehicles (RV's).

The high-country segment of Highway 4 between Lake Alpine and Silver
Creek is generally open from June to mid-November. During snowy months the
U.S. Forest Service keeps portions of this section groomed for winter recreation
activities such as snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Close to Ebbetts Pass is the Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road National Scenic
Byway, providing a unique opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind "trans-Sierra
loop" connecting the burgeoning Central Valley, Bay Area and beyond through
Yosemite National Park following the eastern Sierra's Highway 395 to the
wonders of Ebbetts Pass.

Driving Tips

You are invited to become a steward of this pristine environment. As you travel
please keep the following safety and etiquette tips in mind:

• Keep your eyes on the road at all times.

• Do not pull off the road or park except at designated pullouts.

• Do not attempt to pass other vehicles except in designated passing lanes.

• No services (gas, food, and lodging) are available between Lake Alpine and Markleeville.

• Your cell phones will likely not have service over much of the pass.

• Pay attention to weather reports and carry chains, blankets, warm clothes, water and snacks in case of a winter snowstorm, which can happen as early as September and as late as June.

• Please respect the road, the wildlife, the wilderness, and the people sharing the Ebbetts Pass experience with you.

• Tread lightly and pack out everything you pack in.