Yuba Pass (Sierra County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yuba Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 6,709 ft (2,045 m) |
| Traversed by |  SR 49 |
| Location | Sierra County, California, U.S. |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Coordinates | 39°37′03″N 120°29′20″W / 39.61750°N 120.48889°W |
| Topo map | USGS Sattley |
Yuba Pass is a special place high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. It's a mountain pass, which is like a natural path through mountains. This pass is located in Sierra County and is part of State Route 49. It sits at a height of about 6,709 feet (2,045 meters) above sea level.
Yuba Pass helps people travel over the mountains. It connects different areas by allowing roads to go through lower points in the mountain range.
Contents
What is a Mountain Pass?
A mountain pass is a low point or gap between two mountains or ridges. Think of it like a natural doorway through a mountain range. These passes have been used for thousands of years by people, animals, and even rivers to cross difficult terrain.
- They make travel easier and safer than trying to climb over high peaks.
- Many roads and highways, like California State Route 49, follow these natural paths.
- Passes are important for trade, exploration, and connecting communities.
Where is Yuba Pass Located?
Yuba Pass is found in the northern part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This range stretches along the eastern side of California. The pass is specifically in Sierra County, which is in the northeastern part of the state.
Elevation and Nearby Areas
The pass reaches an elevation of 6,709 feet (about 2,045 meters). This makes it quite high up! It is located about 3.4 miles west of a small place called Sattley.
Yuba Pass sits on the natural boundary between two important rivers:
Not on the Great Basin Divide
Unlike many other famous passes in the Sierra Nevada, Yuba Pass is not on the Great Basin Divide. The Great Basin Divide is a line that separates rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean from rivers that flow into the Great Basin. The Great Basin is a large area in the western United States where rivers and streams do not drain into the ocean. Instead, they flow into lakes or dry up.
Because Yuba Pass is not on this divide, the water that falls on it eventually makes its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Yuba Pass vs. Yuba Gap
It's easy to get Yuba Pass confused with another place called Yuba Gap. However, they are two different locations!
- Yuba Pass is on California State Route 49 in Sierra County.
- Yuba Gap is a smaller pass along Interstate 80. It is located on the border between Nevada County and Placer County.
So, if you're traveling on State Route 49, you'll find Yuba Pass. If you're on Interstate 80, you might come across Yuba Gap.
