Sonora Pass

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > California

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 6 visitors

State: California

Date Submitted: September 1, 2008
Submitted by: Dennis Barr
Motorcycle Road Length: 127330 Miles

Written Directions

Start in Sonora, CA and head east on CA 108 all the way until it junctions with US-395 in the town of Sonora Junction - 79 scenic miles in all.

Scenery

This route delivers breathtaking vistas of snow covered mountain peaks, mountain meadows, wild flowers, wild life, water falls, and trees of every description. Panoramas so beautiful, they look painted. This is strictly a summer road as it is closed in winter. You can still see snow at the end of summer near the mountain peaks.

Photo contributed by a visitor in July 09: "This is the top of Senora Pass, approximately 10,000 ft."

Road Quality

The pavement quality is good for a two lane mountain road. The road is steep, narrow and very twisty near the pass. Overall this is not a beginner's road. Steep and narrow, with sheer drop offs. Awesome ride for an experienced rider.

Roadside Amenities

There are no stores or gas station on the east side of the pass, and 18 Miles from the west junction to the nearest town Bridgeport. One recommendation for food - Strawberry ski lodge is a great lunch stop.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Dennis Barr

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Reviewed by Guest on September 29, 2010 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jeff Steele
Comment: A GREAT ride. Just experienced 9/2010 as i took it as an alternative to Tioga Pass road back through Yosemite (heading back to CA 395) and have to say it's probably the best all around "short" road I've ever been on. It has killer views coupled with straights, sweepers, sharp turns, twisties, drop-offs, etc...quite technical on the eastern end. I did it from West to East and that made the technical end even more exciting because it was on the downhill side! Anyway, if you get the chance do the ride...I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.
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Reviewed by Guest on September 20, 2009 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Dale
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: I live in Sonora and do this ride several times a year. It never gets old. I've always told my ridin' buddies, it's prettier than Yosemite, with ALOT less traffic. I'll have to disagree about amenities though. Kennedy Meadows is open through the Summer, as well as Dardenell Resort. Kennedy's has a lodge and bar/diner. Dardenell has a great diner, store, and gas pumps,, as well as cabin rentals.
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Reviewed by Guest on August 2, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Chris
motorcycle_year: 2002
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
Comment: This is a great ride. Happened on it by luck, as I got chased out of Yosemite NP due to a controlled burn that got out of hand. Was told by a local to take this road. Glad I listened, excellent scenery, lots of twisties, some serious grades with tight curves.
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Reviewed by Guest on June 19, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Stan Rich
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Indeed one of the best High Sierra rides, spring & summer only. Check to make it is open. July 2009 road in very good condition so navigating a brisk pace is made to order. East side has great twisties with some fun rising switch-backs. West side terrific too. Hwy 120-Tigoa Pass to the south and Hwy 4-Ebbets Pass to the north are also spectacular, however, Sonora may have a slight edge for Scenic Grandeur. Have made this ride several times & you can definatley savor the flavor and mouth waters just thinking about the next time. Super Scenic with breathtaking waterfalls, Red, Brown and Grey Granite Peaks usually capped with snow, Blooming Mtn Meadows. Time permitting for an unbelievable ride, criss-cross the Sierra's using all three passes..Tioga, Sonora and Ebbetts. Doesn't matter which end you start or what direction you take.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 24, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Steve Marineau
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: I rode this route in July 09 but, I started from Hwy. 395. It was an exciting ride to say the least. Starting out there are many sharp curves and some that will surprise you, with switchbacks coming just over a small rises. It is well suited to a sportbike but, can be fun on a tourer. You have to be careful as there are some surprising turns. After you get over the summit the road gets better with more sweeping turns. This was by far one of the best sections of my trip from Alaska. Beautiful scenery and fantastic views.
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Reviewed by Guest on September 27, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Joe Silva
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Just rode this last weekend. This is by far one of the greatest rides in NorCal, starts out with fast sweeping turns and beautiful scenery and just gets better, the road becomes a roller coaster of sharp well banked corners and steep up and down grades. As you reach the pass every turn brings on a new and awe inspiring view of the Sierras.
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