Monitor Pass loop from Centerville Flat Campground
Monitor Pass loop from Centerville Flat Campground
4.8
(8640)
18,147
riders
Monitor Pass loop from Centerville Flat Campground
02:33
44.7km
1,040m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 20, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 0 m for 2.60 km
Closed: • November-May (otherwise open)
After 2.70 km for 26.1 km
Closed: • during winter (otherwise open)
After 28.9 km for 2.99 km
Closed: • November-May (otherwise open)
After 44.4 km for 395 m
Closed: • November-May (otherwise open)
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
15.7 km
Monitor Pass
Mountain Pass
38.1 km
Silver Mountain City Stone Jail Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
44.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
44.7 km
Surfaces
44.7 km
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Elevation
Highest point (2,530 m)
Lowest point (1,740 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
19°C
10°C
53 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly epic road cycling challenge in the California Alps, the Monitor Pass loop from Centerville Flat Campground delivers. This difficult 27.8-mile (44.7 km) route packs in 3426 feet (1044 metres) of climbing, taking around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. It's a serious test for experienced riders, known for its demanding grades and dramatic Sierra Nevada scenery.
What to expect on Monitor Pass loop from Centerville Flat Campground
Expect a ride of stark contrasts as you tackle this loop. The eastern side, rising from near the Nevada border, throws you into a desert-like landscape with sagebrush and naked rock outcrops, offering big views into the valleys. As you climb towards the 8,314-foot (2,534 meters) pass, the scenery shifts dramatically to alpine forests, grassy meadows, and dramatic Sierra cliffs on the western side, where you'll pass a rushing High Sierra trout stream and ride through pine and fir forests and aspen groves. This route is a continuous climb and descent on smooth pavement, but don't underestimate the effort; the eastern ascent is particularly tough, with an average grade of 6.5% over 9.5 miles and sections reaching 10-15%. It's best suited for experienced cyclists comfortable on mountain highways.
Planning your visit
Centerville Flat Campground is located near Markleeville, at the intersection of CA Highway 4 and Wolf Creek Road, providing a convenient starting point. Remember there are no provisions directly on the climb, so plan to carry all your water and snacks, with options for resupply in nearby Markleeville. While Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass) is subject to winter closures, the eastern access via the Highway 89/4 junction may remain open depending on conditions. Traffic is generally light, but expect it to increase in summer and early fall, especially with training for the annual "Death Ride" event.
- Distance: 27.8 miles (44.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 3426 feet (1044 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 32 minutes
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