Gilbert Pass: Driving the narrow single-lane section of CA-168
Reaching an elevation of 1,948 meters (6,391 feet) above sea level, Gilbert Pass is a high mountain pass located in Inyo County, California. Situated within the Inyo National Forest, the road over the pass is one of the most unusual state highways in the U.S., famous for its extreme narrowness and sections where the asphalt disappears into a single lane shared by both directions.
| Road facts: Gilbert Pass (CA-168) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Inyo County, California, USA |
| Elevation | 1,948 m (6,391 ft) |
| Road Number | California State Route 168 |
| Length | 60.35 km (37.5 miles) |
| Hazard Level | High (Single-lane sections) |
Where is Gilbert Pass?
The pass is located in the eastern-central part of California, serving as a high-altitude link between the White Mountains and the Inyo Mountains. This remote area of northern Inyo County is sparsely populated, making the road feel like a journey back in time. The pass is a key connector for those traveling between the Owens Valley and the Deep Springs Valley, offering a stark landscape of high desert peaks and twisted geological formations.
Is Gilbert Pass paved?
The road to the summit, officially California State Route 168, is well-paved but extremely treacherous. What makes this road unique is that it features long sections reduced to a single lane with blind curves and no shoulder. In these narrow funnels, there is simply no room for two cars to pass each other. Technically, uphill traffic has the right of way, but you must be prepared to stop instantly and back up to the nearest "turnout" or wide spot if you encounter a vehicle coming down. Large vehicles, such as RVs or trucks, should exercise extreme caution as some corners are too tight for long wheelbases to stay within the narrow asphalt.
How long is the road over Gilbert Pass?
The pass spans 60.35 km (37.5 miles), running east-west from the town of Big Pine to Oasis in Mono County. The drive is a relentless series of hairpins and steep drop-offs where the desert floor falls away rapidly. Because of the technical nature of the single-lane sections and the 1,948m elevation, this is not a road to rush. You’ll need to manage your speed carefully, as the limited visibility around the canyon walls makes it impossible to see oncoming traffic until it's right in front of you.
Is Gilbert Pass open in winter?
Given its high elevation and isolation, the road over Gilbert Pass is typically closed in winter due to heavy snow and ice. The high desert environment can be brutally cold, and the narrow single-lane stretches become death traps when covered in black ice. The road usually reopens in mid to late April, depending on how quickly the snow melts in the Inyo National Forest. Always check the Caltrans reports before heading out, as sudden spring storms can close the pass without warning, leaving drivers stranded in one of the most remote sections of eastern California.