Carson Pass (Highway 88): A Scenic Drive Through the Sierra Nevada
Stretching from the Sacramento Valley of California to the Carson Valley in Nevada, this 58-mile byway winds its way through the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, reaches the summit at Carson Pass, and ends up on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada.
Embark on a scenic drive over Carson Pass (Highway 88), a historic route connecting the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe. This high-altitude pass offers breathtaking views of alpine lakes, towering peaks, and dense forests.
Key Highlights of Carson Pass:
Plan your scenic drive over Carson Pass and experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
One of the most visually dramatic of the trans-Sierra highways in California, you will witness views of ragged volcanic skylines, cool green meadows, mountain lakes framed by timber-covered slopes, adventure-filled rock valleys, and distant mountain peaks.
Crossing the Sierra during the summer season is a right of passage for many that love to adventure into the Sierra for travel and recreation. Typically the three largest scenic Byways (Tioga Pass/ 120, Sonora Pass/108 and Ebbett’s Pass / 4) open in mid may to Early June each season and recreational visitors scramble up … Read more
Kirkwood Ca, November 27, 2022 – The hike from Carson Pass to Winnemucca lake is one we have done often when there is dirt showing on the ground. But this holiday weekend, we decided to try this trip with snow on the ground for #outoutside Friday. What a different and beautiful trip. Carson Pass Trail … Read more
Last Night for Camping September 10 Highway 88 – September 6, 2022 – Eldorado Irrigation district, which run the Silver Lake West campground on Highway 88 Near Kirkwood announced today that Silver Lake West Campground is closing for the season. The last night of camping will be on September 10, gates will close at noon … Read more
STATE ROUTE 4/EBBETTS PASS, ROUTE 89/MONITOR PASS AND ROUTE 108/SONORA PASS CLOSED IN ADVANCE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER Sierra Region – December 8, 2021 – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has temporarily closed State Route 4/Ebbetts Pass, Route 89/Montior Pass and Route 108/Sonora Pass due to inclement weather that is expected to arrive in the … Read more
KEY ROUTE IN SIERRA NEVADA CLOSED DUE TO CALDOR FIRE NOW FULLY OPEN ALPINE AND AMADOR COUNTIES – The California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) and partner agencies reopened State Route 88 at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday,September 16, 2021.The roadway had been closed between Peddler Hill and Route 89/Picketts Junction,and later from Peddler Hill to Kirkwood due … Read more
Propane Okay Within Designated Recreation Areas Due to high fire danger, no wood or charcoal fires are allowed at EID’s day-use facilities along Highway. 88. Propane camp stoves for cooking are okay in designated recreation areas. As of Monday, July 26, 2021, following Forest Order 03-21-12 , all EID Recreation along the Highway 88 corridor no … Read more
ALPINE/MONO COUNTIES , July 22, 2021 – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed portions of State Routes 4, 88, 89 and 395 in the Sierra Nevada due to theTamarack Fire that has consumed more than 50,000 acres and is zero percentcontained, according to Tamarack Fire Information. Here is the latest information, as of … Read more
Growing and developing fires in multiple regions of the Sierra Cloud the region in smoke and concern Sierra Nevada – July19, 2021 – As summer has progressed and warnings of drought have been continually issued, matched with record heat in June and dry conditions heading into July. We all expected fire season to arrive sooner … Read more
May 27, 2021 – Just in time for Memorial day weekend, Eldorado irrigation District EID, has opened several feature recreational sites including the Caple Lake and Silver Lake boat ramps off HWY 88 and Carson Pass. EID’s Recreation division wants everyone to have fun while enjoying the outdoors this summer season. Don’t ruin the fun: … Read more
Highway 88 Recreation- Update October 2, 2019 Sandy Cove and Ferguson Point day use areas will close October 3 for the 2019 season. Sandy Cove and Ferguson Point day use areas will close tomorrow morning for the 2019 season. The Silver Lake Boat Ramp and Caples Lake Boat Launch facilities will remain open as long … Read more
Placerville, Calif. — El Dorado Irrigation District’s (EID) Board of Directors recently approved a contract to begin making improvements to the Eldorado National Forest campgrounds located along Highway 88 at Caples Lake and Silver Lake East. These improvements are requirements of EID’s 40-year hydroelectric operating license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2006. Planned … Read more
Lake Users Advised to avoid Water Contact at Red Lake and Indian Creek Reservoir The Alpine County Health Department has been working with The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Red Lake), South Tahoe Public Utility District (Indian Creek Reservoir), and the Alpine Watershed Group (AWG) in determining that … Read more
Alpine County CA – Just as the summer heat finally breaks through our long winter the single hardest cycling event in the Sierra The Death Ride invades the quiet spaces of Alpine County, Markleville and the various scenic byways known as the California Alps Saturday July 13, 2019. An annual tradition for hundreds of riders, … Read more
Storm damage and construction will affect recreation in the Eldorado Nat’l Forest Eldorado National Forest , May 1, 2019– Current snow conditions, potential storm damage and scheduled recreation site closures will affect visitor access this year on the Eldorado National Forest (ENF). Anyone planning a trip to the forest this summer is urged to check … Read more
Saturday In Alpine County California is Filled With Some of The Worlds Most Daring Riders Sierra Rec Magazine – Alpine County Ca, July 2018 – Here we are on the eve of the 2018 Death Ride in Alpine County Ca, and as I sit here planning my alternative route in the morning for my hiking adventure in … Read more
17th Annual Thin Air Chili Cook Off and Annual 5K/10K Run Set For Saturday in Kirkwood September 02, 2017 – September 02, 2017 Location: Kirkwood Time: 12 pm – 5 pm Kirkwood Resort – Alpine County HWy 88 – August 31, 2017 – The ‘Thin Air’ Chili Cook Off, an event sponsored by the Kirkwood Meadows Public … Read more
Inyo National Forest Opens Lakes Basin Road Wednesday Here Are The Most Recent Update For Popular Sierra Passes and Scenic Byways Sierra Rec Magazine, Eastern Sierra News – June 22, 2017- Almost on cue with the Summer solstice in 2017 road crews and county agencies have started to get the upper hand on the 2017 snowpack and access … Read more
Mudd Lake Recreational Area Snowshoeing Adventure New Years Day 2017, a beautiful bluebird ski and great temperatures before the next storm rolls into the Sierra. Time to strap on the snowshoes with my oldest son Brandon and try out a new area in the Sierra. The Silver Lake region on HWY 88 is one of my favorite summer … Read more
The Annual Death Ride in Alpine County will Run Saturday Closing Several Recreation Highways for Several Hours Alpine County Ca – June 9th, 2016 – The Annual Death Ride, this iconic event is back again in Alpine County California this Saturday. 129 Miles, 5 Central Sierra Passes, and 15,000′ of climb await each rider taking on the … Read more
Alta Alpina Challenge: A Valley Tradition Every year, as the snow melts and the sun begins to warm the Carson Valley, a special energy fills the air. It’s the time for the Alta Alpina Challenge , a grueling test of endurance for cyclists from around the world. I’ve watched as year after year, these determined … Read more
A friend of ours (Andi Van Berkum) in the Carson Valley sent over a few photos of their Horseback Ride on New Years Day in The Carson Valley. Looks like a gorgeous ride this time of year. Weather on News Years was a bit brisk but enjoying the trails on the Eastern Sierra was a … Read more
We all have firsts in life right. Well this last weekend was Sierra Rec Publisher, Charlie Pankey, first time snowshoeing. This is an account of the trip, the adventure and elements of snowshoeing that make it an addictive Winter REC option in the Sierra. Merry Christmas to me- Snowshoes given to me by my parents. … Read more
The Best Places to take the family Sledding near Tahoe. We get requests this time of year about sledding and tubing options Near Lake Tahoe. So here is a list of both Paid and Free sledding options known around the Tahoe Basin. Obviously the best place to sled for some is the nearest patch of … Read more
