Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 1.4 miles one-way |
| Starting Elevation |
8600 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
-700 feet |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Short |
| Season | Late November through April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Carson Pass |
| Start | Carson Pass Sno-Park on Highway 88. |
| End | Red Lake parking area on Highway 88, 2.3 miles east of Carson Pass. |
Description
The new Highway 88 replaced the one that descends east from Carson Pass on the south side of Red Lake. This tour, along the narrow old road is completely downhill. You will probably ski the 1.4 miles in much less than one hour and may want to extend the tour by visiting Forestdale Creek.
If it were not for the continuous and moderately steep gradient, this tour would be rated a notch less difficult. Because of the gradient this tour is clearly best left for when snow conditions allow you to control your speed.
One word of caution. Due to the steepness of the cliff to the south of the route and its orientation to the prevailing wind, this route is susceptible to avalanches. Do not ski here unless you are sure it is safe.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Begin by locating the old highway. From the Carson Pass Sno-Park walk east 100 yards to the old roadway on the south side of Highway 88. Be careful when walking on the highway.
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.2
Elevation change: -100 feet
From Highway 88 (1) ski down the old highway for 0.2 mile until you reach an obvious lookout point (2). Just before reaching the lookout point there is a monument located about 20 yards to the south of the road. This is a memorial to the unknown pioneers, one of whom is buried here, who brought honor and stability to the character of California. The monument stands only several feet high so your ability to locate it will depend on the snowpack.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.2 - 1.4
Elevation change: -600 feet
Continue down the road for 1.2 miles until you reach Red Lake (3).
