Caltrans will reopen Sonora Pass (State Route 108) for the season this Thursday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m., Mono County Tourism announced on social media. The scenic mountain highway, which connects the Central Valley to the Eastern Sierra via the Sierra Nevada, closes each winter due to heavy snow accumulation. Crews from Caltrans Districts 9 and 10 have been working for weeks to clear the high-elevation route in preparation for the summer travel season.
Motorists planning to travel the pass are advised to check road conditions at roads.dot.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-427-7623. Travelers should remain alert for wildlife on or near the road, especially in early morning and evening hours.
Sonora Pass is one of California’s highest paved mountain routes, cresting at an elevation of 9,624 feet. It is home to some of the most awesome spring backcountry skiing in the state. It typically reopens between late April and mid-June, depending on snowpack and spring weather.
The reopening of Sonora Pass is a welcome development for skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and regional travelers looking to access the Sierra’s backcountry skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
