Beckwourth Pass, Road mountain pass in Sierra Nevada, California.
Located at the eastern edge of Sierra Valley, Beckwourth Pass crosses through the Sierra Nevada mountains at an elevation of 1,591 meters above sea level.
James Beckwourth established this passage in 1850 and created a trail to Marysville, leading the first wagon train of settlers through the route in 1851.
The pass received recognition as California Historical Landmark Number 336 in 1939, with a commemorative bronze plaque installed by Native Daughters of the Golden West.
California State Route 70 traverses the pass, providing an alternative connection between Sacramento and Reno when Interstate 80 becomes impassable during winter storms.
The Union Pacific Railroad operates beneath the mountain through the Chilcoot Tunnel, constructed in 1906 as part of the Feather River Route.
Location: California
Elevation above the sea: 1,591 m
GPS coordinates: 39.79170,-120.10800
Latest update: May 15, 2025 13:18
Oroville Dam
121.4 km
Sutter's Mill
129.1 km
Donner Lake
53.9 km
Lake Oroville
118.2 km
Foresthill Bridge
125.6 km
Lake Almanor
103.3 km
Donner Memorial State Park
53.8 km
Carson City Mint
75.4 km
Emerald Bay State Park
93.3 km
Vikingsholm
93.5 km
Desolation Wilderness
97.2 km
Empire Mine State Historic Park
103.6 km
Mackay Stadium
36.9 km
Nevada State Capitol
75.8 km
Nugget Casino Resort
41.5 km
Tahoe National Forest
60.3 km
Plumas National Forest
28 km
Topaz Lake
133.6 km
Reno Arch
38.7 km
Thunderbird Lodge
70.4 km
Auburn Dam
130.4 km
National Automobile Museum
39.2 km
Cinder Cone and the Fantastic Lava Beds
133.1 km
Nevada Governor's Mansion
75.2 km
New Bullards Bar Reservoir
99 km
Mount Tallac
98.6 km
Emigrant Gap
72.5 km
Bowers Mansion
60.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes