Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in California. Within California it covers roughly 55 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
State Route 4 crosses the Sierra Nevada at Ebbetts Pass, 8,736 feet, on one of the narrowest and least-traveled paved passes in the range — parts have no center line. The route climbs through volcanic crags, alpine lakes, and meadows past Lake Alpine and the Calaveras Big Trees sequoias lower down. Its tight, steep grades close it to large vehicles and to all traffic in winter.
- Ebbetts Pass (8,736 ft)
- Lake Alpine
- Calaveras Big Trees
- volcanic Sierra crags
- SR-4
Designated for its scenic qualities
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Places to stop along Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Groves of giant sequoias, including the North Grove, whose discovery in 1852 made the trees world-famous.
WebsiteBear Valley
A small resort village above 7,000 feet with skiing in winter and mountain biking and music festivals in summer.
Lake Alpine
A granite-rimmed lake right on the highway with campgrounds, a lodge, and trout fishing.
Mosquito Lakes
Tiny lakes beside the road at over 8,000 feet, with picnic spots among the granite boulders.
Ebbetts Pass
An 8,736-foot crossing where the Pacific Crest Trail meets the road, on one of the narrowest paved passes in the Sierra.
Grover Hot Springs State Park
A spring-fed hot pool in a mountain meadow outside Markleeville, with a campground nearby.
Website
Where to Stay along Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
17 campgrounds and RV parks sit within about 5 miles of Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway.
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What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.