Description
It is the highest point on State Route 178. Aside from the paved road, the pass is essentially unaltered since Walker mapped it in 1834.
Between Walker Pass and Tioga Pass, several hours drive to the north, there is only one paved road for automobiles to cross over the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sherman Pass (California). All roads between Walker Pass and Carson Pass (State Route 88), over 200 miles (320 km) in distance, are subject to extended closure by winter snowfall. Walker Pass is sometimes closed due to snowfall, but due to its lower elevation these closures are for brief periods.
Walker Pass can also be closed, especially during winter, due to rock falls. Road conditions are reported by Caltrans or local radio stations. Rock slides and falling rocks are a danger, and care should be taken at all times of the year. Highway 178 is a narrow, twisting two lane road for most its entire length through the Sierras. For this reason, most east-west traffic utilizes the four lane State Route 58 through Tehachapi Pass, located about one hour's drive to the south.
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses at Walker Pass, and northbound thru-hikers can look forward to the longest roadless stretch of the entire trail.
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