How to drive the scenic Blue Lakes Road in California

Blue Lakes Road is a very scenic drive located in the heart of Alpine County, in the US state of California. The road runs entirely over 2.200m above sea level.

Blue Lakes Road

Where is Blue Lakes Road?

The road is located in the eastern part of California, within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Is the Blue Lakes Road paved?

The road is totally paved in very good condition. It is a delight to drive, with every kind of twist and turn and offers great views of the Sierra Crest and the Carson Pass. It receives a moderate amount of fishing/camping traffic in the summer, but is relatively empty in the fall.

How long is the Blue Lakes Road?

It’s 23.3km (14.5 miles long) running north-south from Highway 88 (Carson Pass Highway) to Lower and Upper Blue Lakes, part of a cluster of lakes.

Is the Blue Lakes Road open year-round

Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the road tops out at 2.535m (8,316ft) above sea level. It isn’t plowed in winter and is therefore impassable above the snow line, from November through June. It is subject to a variety of weather conditions, including summer thunderstorms and heavy snowfall in the winter.
Pic: Michael

 



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