Road trippin': Up and over Sonora Pass on SR-108

Like most any good performer, State Route 108 begins on a low-key note (as a nondescript city street through Modesto) and slowly builds to its spectacular zenith, which in this case is where it cuts across the Sierra Nevada up and over Sonora Pass, elevation 9,624 feet. CT News drives the roadway's entire length, sharing pictures of what surely is one of the country's most scenic high-altitude vehicular corridors.

Gallery

(Screen shot courtesy of Google Maps)

State Route 108 begins its eastward route in the Central Valley town of Modesto, off State Route 99.

A few miles northeast of Modesto, State Route 108 takes its time going through another Central Valley town, Oakdale.

At this point pretty much dispensed with urban areas of any kind, SR-108 teams up with State Route 120 for a stretch.

Knights Ferry is the site of one of a handful or roadside plaques that leisurely motorists can examine along SR-108.

For those motorists heading to Yosemite National Park from Sacramento or thereabouts, this SR-108 intersection with O'Byrnes Ferry Road is familiar.

Less than a mile east of the O'Byrnes Ferry Road intersection, SR-108 and SR-120 go their separate ways.

State Route 108 bypasses one of the Gold Country's most distinctive and visit-worthy towns, Sonora.

Past Sonora , State Route 108 motorists can stretch their legs, check out this wagon and enjoy the view at this roadside spot.

Mountain driving starts shifting into high gear past Twain Harte, as State Route 180 makes its way up and over the Sierra Nevada range.

CT News spotted what was presumably a controlled burn south of SR-108 near Strawberry on an early afternoon in mid-May.

If you are fortunate enough to be motoring along SR-108 on a bright and clear day, do check out Donnell Vista if you have the time.

A short, paved trail at Donnell Vista heads off from the parking lot and shares insights with visitors via several interpretive signs.

More interpretive signs and a bench with a view can be reached in less than 10 minutes from the Donnell Vista parking lot.

From a half-circle viewing platform at the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with a sweeping view that includes, to the west, Donnell Lake.

The air clears and the vegetation changes as State Route 108 wends its way up toward Sonora Pass.

This is one of a few gated, turn-around spots along the roadway where closures can occur. This photo was taken the day after Sonora Pass opened.

This sign off SR-108 tells the story of Nancy Kelsey, "the first female pioneer to travel this route." She made her journey from Missouri in 1841.

Snow and the tree line come into view as State Route 108 begins its final approach to the Sonora summit.

It's up, up and away as the highway continues its ascent. Granite formations contrast starkly with the blue sky and evergreen trees.

Suddenly it becomes clear why Sonora Pass had only recently (the day before!) been reopened after its customary long winter's nap.

It takes a lot of Caltrans equipment to clear off Sierra Nevada passes such as this one on State Route 108. Typically SR-120, through Yosemite, is last to open.

At 9,624 feet above sea level, Sonora Pass is among the highest places that motorists can scoot across in California.

More mountains are ahead for eastbound motorists fresh over Sonora Pass, but the Eastern Sierra descent is comparatively short.

Meadows, streams and jaggedy peaks are distinctive and pleasing sights found along much of the Eastern Sierra.

A few miles from its eastern endpoint, State Route 108 intersects with the California Trail., which was traversed in the mid-1800s by emigrants.

There's pretty much no fanfare of any kind where State Route 108 dead-ends at U.S. Highway 395.

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