Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway

The Park is home to groves of Giant Sequoias and spectacular Dogwoods and provides access to the Stanislaus River.

The recreation area provides camping, picnic facilities and access to offroading trails right on the banks of a particularly wild & scenic piece of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.

The meadow contains a large Forest Service campground and a large grove of mature aspens.

The reservoir provides water access to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness and is a favorite of experienced kayakers.

Located above 7000', the village is a great base camp for year round outdoor activities.

The Stanislaus Meadow trail winds through the meadow, forest, and over granite providing a spectacular wildflower show.

Home of the much photographed cabins on the granite boulders and a popular fishing location.

Ebbetts Pass, the Pacific Crest Trailhead, & Kinney Reservoir are all located near one another at about 8,700' with parking at the trailhead.

Founded in the 1860s after a silver strike, it became the county seat for a time and is now an historic site.

Another silver mining boom area that is now known for the spectacular fall color of the aspen trees.

A unique town on the East Fork of the Carson River with a museum and State Park featuring natural hot springs.

This pull out area provides an opportunity for photographs and a chance to stretch your legs or do a little bouldering.

This is the first west to east viewpoint of the glaciated canyon of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River with granite outcroppings, a conifer forest and views of the mountains.

Enjoy expansive views of the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, Union, Utica and Spicer Reservoirs and the Dardanelles beyond.

Named for Kit Carson, the Wildlife Pullout is a scenic stop where you are likely to see bald eagles, river otters, and is a popular catch & release fishing location.

Begin at Highway 4 in Arnold, California. Allow 2 hours to drive the byway and 5 hours to explore. Pack a lunch and snacks. This byway will take you past rugged granite boulders and forests with groves of pine, cedar, oak, and Giant Sequoias. The route travels northeasterly through the Stanislaus National Forest. Stop in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park to see the Giant Sequoias up close. Stop in Sourgrass Recreation Area to hike the river shore trails or try fly fishing. Hope you brought a camera for the scenic views from Hell’s Kitchen Vista. Big Meadow offers wildlife viewing, picnicking, and has a campground. Spicer Reservoir offers fishing, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Check out the resorts, like Bear Valley Village and Ski resort, along the way. The trail at Stanislaus Meadow will lead you to Mosquito Lake for more camping and horseback riding opportunities.

There are many vista pull-offs to choose from to admire the views and watch wildlife, including bald eagles. After going through Ebbetts Pass and traveling past a few more campgrounds, turn onto Highway 89 and continue to Markleeville where the byway ends. While in the Markleeville area, check out the Grover Hot Springs Park to the west on Hot Springs Road. Take a dip in the swimming pool fed by the area’s natural hot springs. Note that parts of this byway are closed in winter and there are limited take-out restaurants and lodging options in Markleeville.