Highway 108 - Sonora Pass, CA

Highway 108 - Sonora Pass is one stretch of asphalt that captures the pure, dramatic extremes of California mountain riding. Reaching a breathtaking 9,624 ft at its summit, this alpine jewel is an absolute must-add to your Sierra Nevada bucket list.

The true magic begins the moment you leave the historic Gold Rush town of Sonora behind. The landscape undergoes a stunning transformation, steadily climbing, morphing from rolling oak-covered foothills into dense, towering pine forests, before revealing the stark, granite-sculpted peaks of the high country.

Sonora Pass is a road of extremes. It boasts one of the steepest inclines in the state—hitting a staggering 26% grade at the 9,000-foot level and a 25% downhill grade on the east side. Paired with numerous switchbacks and the repetitive S-curves of the “Que de Porka” section (pictured), it will thoroughly test your braking, gear selection, and cornering confidence. The payoff for navigating these technical hairpins is unparalleled.

But, take the time to slow your roll—make sure to pull over at the majestic Donnell Vista overlook (too easy to blow by it-don’t) for a picture-perfect view, then check out Column of the Giants, then stop for ice cream at Kennedy Meadows.

Ready for the ultimate day loop? Combine Hwy 108- lunch stop in Walker- with Hwy 89 over Monitor Pass, then Hwy 4-Ebbetts Pass for miles of non-stop smiles.

Note the full-length article link suggests numerous side road excursions to further explore this region. Bodie SHP is also in the middle of this loop. https://www.pashnit.com/ca-highway-108

Highway 108-Sonora Pass is endless mountain curves with a 26% grade.

While every year's Sierra snowpack is different, the 2022- 2023 winter was one for the books.

Donnells Vista along Highway 108 is easy to miss. Don't.

Climbing Highway 108 - Sonora Pass to the summit.