Most of our trips to the wonderful Lake Tahoe area have been through US 50, which takes you across the Central Valley to South Lake Tahoe up in the mountains and back. Last fall, when we tripped that side, we took Interstate 80 all the way up to Truckee, and on our way back, took a yet another route — the Carson Pass Highway.
Carson Pass Highway
As its name hints, this highway does make its way through a mountain pass, this one on the Sierra Nevada Range, which runs through California and a part of Nevada. Carson Pass Highway, which has its one end in Carson Valley in Nevada, makes its way down the mountains through NV-88 S and CA-88 W and winds up in Sacramento Valley in California.
Highway 88 in Nevada
As we drove towards the border we passed through the city of Minden, and some farmland and ranches, too. Then, there was the lofty Sierra Nevada. And as it was an October drive, we even caught some colors of the season.
Highway 88 in California
As we crossed state borders, there were more farmland and more fall colors before we went over the mountain pass. Now if you’re going this way around that time of the year, please make sure to stop at Hope Valley (add stops near Desolation Hotel and Hope Valley Historic Barn for some great leaf-peeping).
If it’s not in autumn that you’re driving this way, worry not; Carson Pass Highway will ensure you have a scenic drive.
Carson Pass
The mountain pass that the highway is named after, lies in California. As it passes through Alpine County, it will take you through the Sierra Crest and the southern part of Eldorado Forest. The pass goes up to an elevation of over 8,600 ft. so you can be sure it’s going to be a picturesque experience. Along the way, are pine forests, several historic sites, trails, alpine lakes and even some ski areas.
Note: Given its elevation and the fact that it runs through the Sierra Crest, make sure to check the weather and road conditions if you’re visiting in winter or spring.
Fall color from Highway 88 / Carson Pass Highway
Linking this next section to–
Thursday Tree Love <3
More from this part of the Sierra Nevada:
Found: Fall Color in Hope Valley
Lake Tahoe
This post is also linked to —
My Corner of the World
Amazing views, Loved this post. Great series of photos.
🙂
Thank you, Rupam.
I hope you are having a good week. 🙂
Gorgeous in Autumn — just remember to avoid that pass during the following season! It’s always better to travel off the freeway whenever weather and time allow (IMHO). Your pictures are beautiful.
Oh yes! It’s sure to be a different kind of place in the winter. I’ve heard about how snowy it can be around that time.
Thank you, Sallie. 🙂
Happy fall to you. 🙂
Thank you for the visual treat!
Thank you for tripping along, Magiceye. 😉 🙂
What a stunning drive this must have been!
Carson Pass Highway sounds like a hidden gem, especially with those gorgeous autumn colors.
I can imagine how picturesque the journey through the Sierra Nevada would be, with the changing leaves and alpine lakes along the way.
Happy Thursday, Dee!
It was a good one. And there weren’t a lot of cars going that way that day. 😉
I think we’ll be going that way again.
Thank you for joining the drive, Veronica.;)
Gorgeous photos of a lovely place ~ remember it well ~ fond memories ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
There’s so much beauty in this world. 🙂
Thank you, Carol.
Take care.
Sadly I only take Carson Pass when Monitor Pass is closed. It is so beautiful though. A very well written post and lovely photos.
-Soma
Thank you, Soma. 🙂
This was my first time on Carson Pass and it’s not going to be my last time. I’d like to see all the mountain passes on the Sierras. 😀
I haven’t been on Monitor Pass. I would love to go that side. We’ve only taken Sonora and Tioga to get to the Eastern Sierra.
Thank you for the idea, Soma.
Loved reading this post. Takes me back to my childhood trips with my family in Nevada to Lake Tahoe, and when I later lived in Reno.
Thank you, Yvonne. It’s such a pleasure.
I’m so glad this post brought back memories. 🙂
Have a happy weekend. 🙂
…Dee, you have some beautiful, rugged areas to enjoy. Thanks for taking me along to see the sights. Have a wonderful weekend.
Oh yes, I do. And I am so thankful to my stars for that.
It’s wonderful around here.
Thank you for tripping along, Tom. 🙂
Love the shots and what a drive this would have been. I think the west US has a gorgeous landscape and natural beauty.Thanks for sharing, Dee. You always have such beautiful trees and routes. May you keep seeing more and sharing with us.
I am way behind my post so caching up 🙂 See you around!
Absolutely! The west coast is very geographically blessed. There’s so much beauty!
Thank you for the opportunity to share, Parul. Thank you for hosting TTL.
Have a good week ahead! 🙂
That’s very scenic. I will keep this in mind for the next time.
Isn’t it.
You guys will enjoy this drive.
(Btw, now is a great time to go this way. 😉 )
Beautifully dramatic photos! I love the golden trees and wonder if they are aspens.
Thank you, Joanna,
Some of them are Aspens. 🙂 We seem to only have them in a few small pockets here in CA. :-\