Sonora Pass - Dardanelle

Highway 108 from Sonora to near Bridgeport is the second-most scenic asphalt road crossing the highest mountain range in the continental United States. The west side starting from Dardanelle is spectactular especially in the springtime just after the road is opened when theres still snow on the rocks - (this pass is normally snow-covered and closed during winter months). For some photos and reports see www.chainreactionbicycles.com/sonora_pass.htm

The Sonora Pass is situated in California and belongs to the Sierra Nevada . Starting from Dardanelle, the Sonora Pass ascent is 22.5 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1173 heightmeters. The average percentage thus is 5.2 %.

Are you planning to climb the Sonora Pass? Here, you find all the information to train to climb the Sonora Pass successfully.

Look for other sides to climb the Sonora Pass.

Story by Kurt Geiger from , United States, submitted on 08/10/2009

Friday August 7, 2009 Started at Pinecrest Lake. Late start, 1200. Weather was overcast mid 70s winds from the West. Perfect riding weather. Im 54 still ride 150 miles a week around Los Altos and Woodside. I was agonizing about the ride up Sonora Pass thinking it was going to be a real ball buster. However, I felt strong all the way to the top. The ride down was womderful!! I peaked at 50mph down through Blue Canyon to Kennedy Meadows, thats plenty fast for me. The road was silky smooth. I recommend this ride for anyone who appreciates the finner things in life.

My personal climb rating:

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