Ebbetts Pass (CA-4)
CA-4 crosses Ebbetts Pass at 8,736 feet in Alpine County, one of the least-traveled trans-Sierra highways and a dual-designated California State Scenic Highway (1971) and National Scenic Byway (2005). The western approach from Lake Alpine follows Silver Creek canyon through dense forest before the road tightens into a series of swooping switchbacks leading to the summit. The descent east delivers what many riders call the best descending road in California — a mile of wide, railable sweepers with ideal pitch and near-zero commercial traffic. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the road at the summit. Closed roughly November through late June due to snow; check Caltrans for exact open dates.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Copperopolis
A small Gold Rush-era town that marks the western gateway to the route before the terrain begins to climb.
Chevron
Reliable fuel stop in Murphys, a good point to top off before heading into the higher Sierra elevations where services are scarce.
Liberty Vista Point
A roadside viewpoint offering an open look across the Sierra Nevada landscape as the road gains serious elevation.
Lake Alpine Resort
A lakeside stop with food and a scenic alpine setting, one of the last services before the pass summit.
Ebbetts Pass
The high point of CA-4 at roughly 8,730 feet, passing through the Stanislaus National Forest with views in both directions.
No runs logged on this road yet — be the first.
Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.