Alpine County – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has removed the winter snow, cleared the debris, made significant emergency repairs and expects to open State Route 4 (SR-4)/Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017. The diligent work of Caltrans crews will allow for the opening of the pass for motorists who use this route. To see some of the challenges that come with opening the mountain routes and footage of the “Big Fix” required this year, visit https://youtu.be/Afcd0086P1A for a Caltrans News Dash that provides insight in to the work.

Ebbetts Pass rises to 8,730 feet, making it one of the highest passes in the Sierra — this is the latest opening in recorded history and only the third time in over forty years that it was not open by Memorial Day weekend. The previous latest opening was May 26, 1942, when the country was deep in the midst of World War II.

Travelers are advised that there are minimal services available and limited mobile phone service along the high elevations of Ebbetts Pass. Visitors can purchase gasoline in Bear Valley on the west side and in Markleeville on the east side of the pass. Visitors are also advised to have a gas tank and to carry extra food, water and clothing to be prepared for any emergencies.

For maps and visitor information, visit the Calaveras County Visitors Bureau in Angels Camp or the Alpine County Visitor’s Bureau in Markleeville.
For the latest highway information call our Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

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