Originally Posted by
blueskytheory
hello,
I'm planning a tour to visit some relatives in Reno. I'll probably leave from SF or Sacramento, but my question is: what is the shortest route over the sierra nevada, in terms of elevation gain? I understand most of the passes are around 9000 feet. This isn't daunting to me if stretched over 2 days, but I am wondering about the amount of up-and-down, which would make it more like 11-12000 or more. My memory of driving over 80 is that its fairly direct in terms of elevation gain; any backroads of a similar nature, ie not much gain/loss but a steady grade?
Yuba Pass.
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If from SF: SF-Vallejo via ferry, then Davis, then Knights Landing, then Yuba City-Marysville, then Hammonton-Smartville Road (skirting Beale AFB), then Pleasant Valley Road to French Corral and North San Juan, then 49 to Downieville, Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley (great hot springs in Sierra Valley).
There are options from there to Reno, depending on whether you want to avoid traffic and ride a scenic route or not.
You can also take Marysville Road to Bullards Bar to Camptonville (instead of skirting Beale).
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From Sacramento, you can take the Garden Hwy north along the river, which is beautiful riding.