Walker Pass

Walker Pass is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada connecting the Kern River Valley and San Joaquin Valley to the Mojave Desert. The route follows State Route 178 at an elevation of approximately 5,246 feet.

Joseph Rutherford Walker first mapped this Sierra Nevada route in 1834. The location later became recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its crucial role in westward expansion.

The pass served as a crucial route for people moving westward during the Gold Rush era. Visitors can experience the historical significance of pioneer migration through this landscape today.

State Route 178 remains passable year-round, with occasional winter closures due to snowfall. A campground located roughly 1 kilometer southwest provides basic facilities for visitors.

The pass sits along the Pacific Crest Trail, a major long-distance hiking route. Clear night skies in this high elevation area make it an exceptional spot for stargazing.

Location: California

Elevation above the sea: 1,600 m

GPS coordinates: 35.66306,-118.02694

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03