The Death Ride – Tour of the California Alps is a one-day ride in Markleeville, Alpine County, held every July since 1980. The 2027 edition is on Saturday, July 10, 2027. The current route covers 103 miles with over 14,000 feet of climbing, crossing Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and Pacific Grade (five climbs in all), starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park.
Historic route: 123 miles with 14,200 feet of climbing
Route Profile
Death Ride • Climbs
Death Ride • Description
The Death Ride, aka Tour of the California Alps, is an epic ride in the Sierra Nevada held in Markleeville since 1980.
The course starts in Turtle Rock Park and leads over five mountain passes: Monitor Pass West and East (8,314 feet), turning around at Highway 395, Ebbetts Pass East and West (8,730 feet), turning around in Hermit Valley, and Carson Pass (8,574 feet). This describes the historic 123-mile course; the current route is 103 miles.
Many of the only 1,500 residents of Alpine County volunteer in this event (the Skeleton Squad), which brings about 3,000 visitors to the area (the Death Riders).
Death Ride • Interactive Map
Death Ride • Pictures
Markleeville
Steep Winding Narrow Road
Monitor Pass West
Monitor Pass East
Ebbetts Pass
Carson River
Carson Pass
By: Bernd Straehle
See Also: Super Centuries