Beckwourth Pass

Beckwourth Pass is a mountain crossing in the Sierra Nevada located at the eastern edge of Sierra Valley at an elevation of about 1,591 meters. The route is now traveled via California State Route 70, which winds through the mountains.

James Beckwourth discovered this mountain crossing in 1850 and developed a trail to Marysville, leading the first wagon train of settlers through the route in 1851. The path later became an important alternative for travelers moving between Sacramento and Reno.

The pass earned recognition as California Historical Landmark Number 336 in 1939, marked by a commemorative bronze plaque placed by the Native Daughters of the Golden West. This designation reflects its importance in the story of westward settlement.

The pass is accessible by car via California State Route 70 and offers a practical alternative to Interstate 80, especially when winter storms make that main route impassable. Travelers should check weather conditions before using this higher-elevation crossing.

Running beneath the pass is the Chilcoot Tunnel, built by Union Pacific Railroad in 1906 as part of the Feather River Route and still in active use today. This underground section demonstrates the engineering solutions railroad builders developed to cross this steep mountain terrain.

Location: California

Elevation above the sea: 1,591 m

GPS coordinates: 39.79170,-120.10800

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03