Event Dates: September 08, 2012

The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association is proud to present The Sixth Annual Scenic Celebration “Come Play on the Pass” Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) was designated as a California State Scenic Highway in 1971 and was honored with National Scenic Byway status September 22, 2005 by the U.S Department of Transportation in Washington D.C. It is one of only seven nationally-designated byways in California and the 151st in the nation.  The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association is the proud non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and promoting the unique resources of the byway.

Highway 4 is one of the most intimate and untamed trans-Sierra routes. With Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park as its neighbors, the byway is a 61-mile stretch of one of a kind beauty.

On Saturday, September 8, the association invites music fans and all who appreciate the wild and scenic Sierra Nevada mountains to "Come Play on the Pass". The centerpiece of the celebration will be the all day, free live music event in Hermit Valley which is affectionately refer to as "Hermitfest". While you are visiting, make time to check out the entire Scenic Byway from Arnold to Markleeville.  Bike,hike, or even ride from Bear Valley to Lake Alpine with the Bear Valley to Lake Alpine Trail. Camp, fish, and kayak at near by Carson River Resort and Highland Lakes. These are only a few destinations Ebbetts Pass has to offer for all your recreational needs.There is a variety of sites to see and numerous scenic vistas to absorb along the entire 61 mile route as well as dining and shopping opportunities at the communities along the way.

Hermit Valley performers will include the Tour Guides, Bill Welles, Grover Anderson and Jens Jarvie.  The music begins around noon, powered by a solar generator provided by Sol Sierra, and will officially end at 5 pm. However, those who have attended before will tell you that additional low key acoustic music will be played around the evening campfire by performers and local musicians who have come to join. There will be food and beverages, a few select vendors and Ebbetts Pass souvenir items available for sale throughout the day.  The Forest Service will also be joining the festivities with activities for the kids. 

Hermit Valley is located on the Scenic Byway (Hwy 4) in the Stanislaus National Forest about 38 miles east of Arnold and 23 miles west of Markleeville on the North Fork of the Mokelumne River at about the 7000 foot elevation.

Ages Event is Appropriate For: All Ages