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.