Markleeville, CA - Ebbetts Pass
This challenging ride begins in Markleeville, CA.You can park in the lot behind the general store near the city building. It is not usually crowded. This is where the Death Ride passes between its passes and the start and finish are in this area. For more info on the Death Ride you can check out this website: Tour of California Alps . Some riders start their ride at the Junction of Highways 89 and 4 about 4 miles south of Markleeville. Route 89 will take you over Monitor Pass to US 395 and route 4 goes up and over Ebbetts Pass and beyond. For this ride take route 4. Ebbits Pass offers a challenging but scenic ride. The grade ranges from 5-9% in most places. You will leave Markleeville and not begin climbing for about 12 miles on highway 89. About 4 miles out of Markleeville 89 takes a turn to the left and over Monitor Pass to US 395 (this route will be covered on another page) then it is up to Ebbetts summit on route 4. The climbing will be easy for the first few miles then get tougher as you ascend up the pass. The scenery is nice and the climbing is steady. Once at the summit of Ebbetts Pass you will have around six miles of downhill back Into Hermit Valley. There are no services here. There are no facilities unless you go over Pacific Grade or head back the way you came so plan accordingly.
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1. Start in Markleeville or at the Junction of CA 89 and CA 4 (Ebbetts and Pacific are on 4 - Monitor Pass is route 89.2. Traffic is usually not too heavy.3. The road is good and shoulder is good for the most part.4. Watch out for weather changes it can change quickly in these mountains.5. Food and water are limited so plan accordingly. |
