Driving to Dodge Ridge

Dodge Ridge sits off Hwy 108 near Pinecrest, above Sonora. In winter there is effectively one approach, from the west: Sonora Pass beyond the resort closes for the season (typically November through May), so you cannot come in from the eastern Sierra.

Routes to Dodge Ridge

Sonora Route Hwy 108 from Sonora, Modesto & the Bay Area via Pinecrest

The only winter approach: Hwy 108 east through Sonora and past Pinecrest to the Dodge Ridge Road spur, about 45 minutes from Sonora, 2 hours from Modesto, and 3 from the Bay Area in good conditions. Two-lane climb that steepens into the pine belt; chain controls stage on the upper mountain section. The resort leaves 108 before the seasonal Sonora Pass gate, so a pass-closed sign farther east does not block you, but anything that holds 108 west of the spur does.

Sonora Route live status →

The times above assume clear roads. In storms, chain controls, plow pacing, and closures can multiply them several times over: a drive that takes 3 hours on a clear day can take 8 or more on a bad one.

Winter driving to Dodge Ridge

Seasonal dead end Caltrans closes Hwy 108 at Sonora Pass for the winter. There is no eastern alternate; if the Sonora Route is closed, Dodge Ridge is unreachable by highway.
Services Sonora has full services; Pinecrest and the upper 108 stops are limited. Fill up in Sonora before the final climb. The resort spur itself has no highway fuel.
EV charging Top up in Sonora; there is no fast charging to count on above it, and winter range runs well below rated.
Cell service Usable through Sonora, then spotty on the upper Hwy 108 stretch. Check the live report and save directions before you leave town.
Two-lane climb Undivided mountain highway with limited passing and ski traffic on powder mornings. Expect plow pacing and chain-control stops on storm days.
Chains and gear During a storm, California can require tire chains to use the highway and enforces it at a checkpoint. It posts three lettered levels, R1 through R3; always obey posted signs.
- R1Chains required, except vehicles with snow tires on the drive wheels.
- R2Chains required on all vehicles except 4WD/AWD with snow tires on all four wheels.
- R3Chains on every vehicle, no exceptions.
In all three, "chains" means any approved traction device, cables included. Carry chains even if your snow tires mean you do not have to put them on, and even if the valley looks clear: a control can step up a level while you are driving, and the level that counts is the one posted when you reach the checkpoint.
- ChainsBuy a set that fits your tires before you leave; mountain-town stock sells out mid-storm and costs far more.
- TiresThe 4WD/AWD exemption needs snow tires (the M+S sidewall stamp) on all four wheels with real tread left, and officers at a control do check.
- ChecksSigns give you about a mile of warning before the checkpoint. Skipping an active control is a citable offense, and vehicles that do not comply are turned around.
- FittingInstall only at signed chain-control areas or turnouts, fully off the roadway. At the larger control points, permitted installers will fit or remove chains for cash; they cannot sell or rent them, so arrive with your own.
- TowingThe tow vehicle needs chains on a drive axle when controls are posted, and a trailer with brakes needs chains on one of its own axles.
- RentalsRead the agreement first; most rental companies prohibit chains, which makes an AWD or 4WD rental on M+S tires the practical way to clear an R2.
If the road closes During active storms, a road can close with little warning, and it stays closed until conditions let crews clear it. A slide or a spinout can be cleared in under an hour; a full storm closure can hold overnight or for days.
- No back roads Do not let a navigation app detour you over Sonora Pass; the gate is closed for the season regardless of what the map says, and there is no back way in.
- Be prepared to wait A closure can stop you above Sonora with thin services. Full tank; water, food, warm layers, blankets. If stuck, stay with the vehicle, run the engine sparingly, keep the tailpipe clear of snow.

Before you go

Dodge Ridge live report Current status for the Sonora Route here on TahoeDrive, with alerts for chains and closures.
Caltrans District 10 Maintains Hwy 108 to Dodge Ridge; District 9 posts the seasonal Sonora Pass closure on the east side. Check QuickMap for both.
Caltrans winter driving tips The full winter preparation checklist, including what to carry.