Luther Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luther Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 7,740 ft (2,359 m) |
| Traversed by |  SR 89 |
| Location | Alpine / El Dorado counties, California, United States |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Coordinates | 38°47′13″N 119°56′45″W / 38.78694°N 119.94583°W |
| Topo map | USGS Freel Peak |
Luther Pass is a high mountain pass in California. It is located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. This pass connects the Carson River area to the southeast with the famous Lake Tahoe to the northwest. You can drive over it on State Route 89. The pass also marks the border between Alpine County and El Dorado County. It sits at an elevation of 7,740 feet (2,359 meters).
Contents
History of Luther Pass
How Luther Pass Got Its Name
Luther Pass is named after a man named Ira M. Luther. He was part of a group called the "Irish Brigade." The famous writer Mark Twain wrote about this group in his book Roughing It. In 1854, Ira Luther traveled over this pass using a covered wagon. He also tried to make the pass a route for the Central Pacific Railroad later on.
Luther Pass and the Pony Express
The Pony Express was a fast mail service that used horses. In 1860, the first Pony Express route across the Sierra Nevada mountains used Luther Pass. It connected Placerville and Lake Valley to Woodfords and then to Nevada. However, this route was soon changed. The Pony Express started using the Kingsbury Grade instead.
What Luther Pass is Used For Today
Winter Travel and Skiing
During the winter, Luther Pass is very important for people who love to ski. It connects South Lake Tahoe and U.S. Route 50 (which are north of the pass) with the Kirkwood ski area to the south. This makes it easier for skiers and snowboarders to reach the slopes.
Summer Adventures and Scenic Drives
In the summer, Luther Pass is part of a popular driving route. You can travel from Placerville and Route 50 to U.S. Route 395 and the eastern Sierra Nevada. This route goes through Monitor Pass. It's a great way to see beautiful scenery. However, this route is closed during the winter because of snow.
