Overview

Hwy 88 (also known as the Carson Pass Highway) allows you a side-trip of magnificent beauty when you visit Lake Tahoe. Ragged peaks, sparkling lakes and natural forestlands provide scenic panoramas and lots of outdoor fun. Carson Pass is the main highlight of the trip, where you will climb to 8,650 feet in elevation.

Driving Directions

Highway 88 CA is not far out of South Lake Tahoe. You can reach it by taking US Highway 50 south to California Highway 89, which takes you right to Highway 88.

Time/Distance

California Highway 88’s scenic route is 58 miles. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

Highlights

CA Highway 88 offers you great places to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings.

• Bear River Reservoir
  Along the 9-mile shoreline you’ll discover beautiful fir and pine forests. You can take a boat out in the reservoir or fish from the shore for some rainbow or brown trout.
• Silver Lake
  This is the perfect place to stop to camp or to take a hike down some wilderness trails or fish.
• Mokelumne Wilderness
  This wilderness area has many miles of trails, and some lovely lakes and rivers. There are many quiet places to explore here, while enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks.
• Kirkwood Ski Resort
  In winter months, you can take to the white landscapes by skiing, sledding or snowmobiling.
• The Kit Carson Marker
  When at the top of Carson Pass, be sure to see where Kit Carson carved his name in a tree. He was here in 1844, and the pass is, of course, named after him.