After three days in Bridgeport and a pleasant brekky in Lee Vining, Sami and I hit the road and headed north along U.S. Route 395 to CA-108. California State Route 108 is an east-west highway that traverses the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. The Sonora Pass, a portion along 108, is steep and winding in many places. Indeed, it is considered one of the steepest passes in California as well as the United States; the sign at the start of the pass warns drivers that there is a 26 percent grade in some areas. It is also high up in elevation. At 9624 at the pass, it is the second highest highway pass in California, just under the Tioga Pass along CA-120. While it can definitely be a challenging drive, it takes travelers through some truly spectacular scenery. While on the road, we saw stunning vistas, mountain waterfalls, and drove through the Stanislaus National Forest. It was a beautiful trek, even with my vehicle in low gear for parts of the drive.
There are some things to consider. The Sonora Pass portion of 108 is closed during the winter as snow accumulates and makes it impassable. Additionally, the road is not recommended for vehicles that are particularly long or wide. The hairpin curves can be navigated well in a van, however I can imagine it would be much more difficult with a trailer.
With care and attention to the road, a drive along the Sonora Pass can open up numerous opportunities for adventure. During the summer and early fall months, it is a drive worth taking. Happy trails!
The Cranky Camper 
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