Ebbetts Pass
CA 4SR 4Markleeville to Bear Valley · California
Distance20.6mi · 33 km
Drive time45 minon the road
DifficultyDemanding
MountainForestLakes
A narrow, wild Sierra crossing with no centre line over the top.
CA 4 over Ebbetts Pass is one of the smallest and least-tamed Sierra Nevada crossings, narrowing to a single lane without a centre line as it climbs past granite and alpine lakes near 8,700 ft. Open only in the warmer months; mind the single-lane sections with oncoming traffic, the lack of barriers, and snow outside summer.
Where it runs
MarkleevilleStart · California
Bear ValleyEnd · United States
Character
Corners40bends
Tightness7of 10
Max gradient12%≈ 1-in-8
Hairpins2tight bends
Climb1016 mtotal ascent
Summit2682 mhighest point · 8799 ft
SummerAutumn
Elevation
735 m rangeKnow before you go
- Single-lane sections with oncoming traffic
- No barriers over drops
- Snow outside summer
Sources
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Ebbetts Pass.
