Yuba Pass (Sierra County)
| Yuba Pass | |
|---|---|
Yuba Pass Sign on CA State Route 49 | |
| Elevation | 6,710 ft (2,045 m)[1] |
| Traversed by | SR 49 |
| Location | Sierra County, California, U.S. |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Coordinates | 39°37′03″N 120°29′24″W / 39.61750°N 120.49000°W[1] |
| Topo map | USGS Sattley |
Location in California | |
Yuba Pass[1][2] is a mountain pass on State Route 49 in Sierra County in the U.S. state of California. The pass lies at an elevation of 6,710 ft (2,050 m)[1] about 3.4 air miles west of Sattley, on the divide between the North Yuba River and the Middle Fork Feather River (Sierra Valley). Thus, unlike most of the well-known Sierra Nevada passes, including the much lower Beckwourth Pass on the east edge of the Sierra Valley, Yuba Pass does not lie on the Great Basin Divide.
This Yuba Pass should not be confused with Yuba Gap, a minor mountain pass along Interstate 80 on the Nevada-Placer county line.
History
Winter Recreation Hub
Within the Tahoe National Forest, Yuba Pass serves as a year-round hub for outdoor recreation. During winter, the area is renowned for its Yuba Pass Sno-Park, a facility that provides plowed parking and access to a vast network of over 100 miles of groomed trails designated for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding.[3]
Summer Camping and Wildlife
As the snow recedes, the landscape transforms, revealing prime opportunities for different pursuits. The Yuba Pass Campground, typically open from June to October, offers 19 single-family campsites that serve as a base for exploration.[4] The pass area is particularly celebrated among birding enthusiasts. It is recognized as a key birding site where one might spot species such as the Williamson’s Sapsucker, Black-backed Woodpecker, and various nesting warblers and finches, especially during the late spring and summer months.[5]
Historic Route and Travel
The route itself, Highway 49, is steeped in history, tracing the path of the "49ers" and linking the historic mining communities of the California Gold Rush. While the pass provides stunning views of the surrounding Sierra, its gentle grades make it a reliable and generally open all-season route for travelers. However, Caltrans advises all winter travelers to carry chains, as conditions can change rapidly. This combination of accessible history and diverse, season-specific recreation makes Yuba Pass a significant destination beyond its geographical stats.[6]
Gallery
See also
References
- ^ a b c d U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Yuba Pass (Sierra County)
- ^ "Yuba Pass - OHV Parks CA GOV". Retrieved 2022-06-26.
- ^ "Tahoe National Forest | Recreation | Forest Service". www.fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
- ^ "Yuba Pass Campground, Tahoe National Forest". Recreation.gov. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ "Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley (Summer): Birding the mid-Sierra". Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance. February 17, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ "Yuba Pass - Sierra Mountain Passes". sierramountainpasses.com. 2019-01-16. Retrieved 2025-06-24.