Walker Pass, Mountain pass in Kern County, California
The pass reaches an elevation of 5,246 feet, connecting the Kern River Valley and San Joaquin Valley to the Mojave Desert through State Route 178.
Joseph Rutherford Walker first charted this Sierra Nevada crossing in 1834, leading to its designation as a National Historic Landmark for its role in westward expansion.
The pass served as a vital transportation corridor during the California Gold Rush from 1848 to 1855, enabling miners to access the western territories.
State Route 178 through Walker Pass remains open most of the year, with brief closures during winter snowfall due to its lower elevation location.
The Pacific Crest Trail intersects Walker Pass, where a campground located 0.6 miles southwest serves as a regular stop for hikers and astronomers.
Location: California
Elevation above the sea: 1,600 m
GPS coordinates: 35.66306,-118.02694
Latest update: May 11, 2025 14:29
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