Bear Valley, CA…The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has removed the winter snow, cleared the debris, made necessary repairs and opened State Route 4 (SR4)/Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway at noon on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Caltrans manages three trans-Sierra passes in the Central Sierra that are closed during winter and generally open in spring: Ebbetts Pass/SR-4 in Alpine County, Sonora Pass/SR-108 (Tuolumne County) and Monitor Pass/SR-89 (Alpine County). State Route 120/Tioga Pass is a 12 mile section from US Highway 395 to the Yosemite National Park east entrance gate. Caltrans crews have cleared the snow, removed loose rocks, and completed road repairs from the record breaking snow fall this past winter. Tioga Road and the east entrance gate to Yosemite National Park remains closed. Park road crews continue to clear snow and make road repairs. To check the status of Tioga Road go to: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm.

Ebbetts Pass rises to 8,730 feet, making it one of the highest passes in the Sierra. Even with low volumes of snow, Ebbetts Pass and Sonora Pass require closure during the winter season. Sonora Pass has grades in excess of 20% and Ebbetts Pass had grades in excess of 23%, far exceeding typical highway grades of 6%. The steep grades, high elevation and narrow road cannot accommodate snow removal equipment and vehicular traffic at the same time.

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 full tank of gas 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.

Caltrans crews responsible for the road opening extend their best wishes for safe summer traveling to those who enjoy the recreational opportunities this part of California has to offer. State of California • Department of Transportation