Enjoy a Scenic Slice of the Sierras Along Rural Sonora Pass
Although Tioga Pass is usually the top choice for trans-Sierra travel, sleepy little Sonora Pass offers an equally scenic, if not somewhat circuitous route across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s definitely the road less traveled, and as far as off-the-beaten-path drives go, that’s definitely a good thing. As an added bonus, there are also a few accessible trails to explore along the way. So take your time, enjoy the scenery, and consider Sonora Pass a destination rather than a journey.
The Route
Sonora Pass dates back to 1852, when the Clark-Skidmore wagon train first crossed the summit. And although the route has improved a bit since then, the two-lane road is filled with curves, and it sports grades from 8% to 26% along the way. It’s not recommended for vehicles with trailers, and that in itself offers a welcome respite for travelers.
The road begins in Sonora and follows Highway 108 east through pine filled forests past Long Barn, Pinecrest and Strawberry. After that the climb begins, and the forests soon give way to massive granite formations on both sides of the road. Snowfields dot the landscape, even in the summer months; and although you’ll probably spy some hitchhiking backpackers at the 9,624-foot summit, that’s clearly the largest crowd you’ll encounter along the way. On the east side, the windshield views are equally enthralling, with hidden waterfalls from the snowpack tucked away in nooks and crannies along the road.
The road ends at Sonora Junction at the intersection of Highway 395. From there you can head south to Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes, or north to Carson City and Reno. All in all it’s about a 97-mile drive, but because of the curves it takes well over two hours to travel the entire route. And although Sonora Pass is closed in the winter, it’s often open when Tioga Pass is closed in the fall and spring.
Donnell Vista
For a wonderful view, be sure to stop at Donnell Vista (www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=15073) along the way. It’s located about 18 miles east of Pinecrest on the north side of the road. There’s accessible parking next to the accessible vault toilets, and level access over to the paved trail out to the overlook
Although the paved quarter-mile trail is not level, it’s still quite doable for many folks. There are a few stretches of slight uphill, with level spaces between them. There are also a number of interpretive plaques along the way, and benches to sit down and take a break. At the end of the line, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the Stanislaus River and Donnell Reservoir below. It’s definitely well worth the short walk. It should be noted that there is another trail to the overlook that is across from the restrooms that is not wheelchair-accessible.
Columns of the Giants
Another worthwhile stop is at Columns of the Giants (www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=15071), which is located about eight miles east of Donnell Vista, next to Pigeon Flat Campground. There’s accessible parking, with level access to a paved trail that leads out to a collection of intriguing rock formations. Shaped by fire and ice, these vertical columns began as a lava eruption 150,000 years ago. The lava flowed into the nearby Stanislaus River, where it hardened and shrank. Later, when glaciers covered the area, the rock split into the vertical columns you see today.
The trail winds along the Stanislaus River, crosses a bridge and continues over to the formations. There are a number of interpretive panels along the way, at vantage points that offer different views of the columnar formations. Near the end, the trail winds through a recovering pine forest, before it ends at the base of a massive talus rock pile that was also formed by freezing weather. It should be noted that even though the Donnell Fire burned through this area in 2018, the trail is now clear; however fallen trees dot the landscape.
Although the trail is wheelchair-accessible, there are some changes in the grade along the way. It’s a half-mile round-trip hike, but if you can’t manage the whole length, at least try and make it 150 feet out to the bridge. From there you’ll get a commanding view of the wild river, as well as a tiny glimpse at the formations in the distance. If you’d like to make this a lunch stop, there are several accessible picnic tables located in a grove near the parking lot. And like the rest of Sonora Pass, you really won’t find any crowds here either.
Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 the Forest Service has closed the accessible vault toilets and replaced them with standard non-accessible porta potties. Consult the websites for updates on the toilet facilities.
