Sonora Pass
CA 108SR 108Strawberry to Sonora Junction · California
Distance49.0mi · 79 km
Drive time1 h 48 minon the road
DifficultyDemanding
MountainForest
A steep, narrow crossing of the Sierra Nevada with sharp gradients.
CA 108 over Sonora Pass is one of the steepest and least-tamed Sierra crossings, climbing past 9,600 ft on a narrow, twisting ribbon with pitches that bite hard at the summit. Open only in the warmer months; mind the abrupt gradients, the narrow sections without barriers, and the high-altitude weather.
Where it runs
StrawberryStart · California
Sonora JunctionEnd · United States
Character
Corners40bends
Tightness7of 10
Max gradient24%≈ 1-in-4
Hairpins1tight bends
Climb1485 mtotal ascent
Summit2916 mhighest point · 9567 ft
SummerAutumn
Elevation
1232 m rangeKnow before you go
- Very steep gradients near the summit
- Narrow with sheer sections
- Snow and ice outside summer
Along the road
- viewpoint Donnell Vista
- viewpoint Leavitt Falls
Sources
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Sonora Pass.
