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eAdventures – Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride®
May 6, 2025 - Nestled between Lake Tahoe to the north and Yosemite National Park to the south, Alpine County in the Sierra Nevada mountains boasts some of the best riding and trails in North America in the so-called California Alps.
One of the region’s crown jewels is Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride® celebrating its 44th anniversary this year.
Welcoming 1,500 riders from all over the world, the 103-mile course is not for the faint of heart — participants tackle a massive 14,000+ feet of climbing all in one day.
With the start/finish at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, the route covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4) for a total of six (6) HC Alpine climbs. These passes are part of the rich history that led to California’s statehood.
The event allows Class 1 & 3 e-bikes for riders 12 years and over and encourages their use given the daunting course.
The ride is fully-supported and the course is on 90% closed roads with more than 250 volunteers.
Those who complete all of the climbs and return to the finish line within the event time frame may purchase the sought-after Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride® Finisher’s Jersey. E-bike riders are not eligible for the all-pass Finisher perks (jersey, pins, poster signing, etc.)
All athletes, their families, and spectators are welcome to the finish line festival for food, photos, camaraderie, and to visit our expo booths and sponsors. The quaint town of Markleeville offers several accommodation options, including the Creekside Lodge and Carson River Resort.
Cyclists ride through two national forests, Humboldt-Toiyabe US Forest on the east slope and Stanislaus US Forest on the west slope. There are many Forest Service and State Park campgrounds, as well as private campgrounds at Desolation Resort or Carson River Resort.
After a day in the saddle, the town also offers some great places to refuel including the Stonefly Wood-Fired Restaurant with outdoor seating, the Mad Dog Cafe at Woodfords Station or the Cutthroat Tavern.
