Calif. Hwy178

It is open all the time, except for short closures during storms. Rocks can roll onto the roadway. Also open range, meaning cows are on the road. there is a lighted sign on the Bakersfield side that would tell you. On the Ridgecrest side, there is no sign. check caltrans web site.

The highest point on Hwy 178 is Walker Pass at 5,250 feet. It is located between Lake Isabella and Hwy 14. Cal Trans keeps it plowed when needed.

Between Lake Isabella and Bakersfield is the Kern River Canyon. We seldom see snow at that elevation but rocks are common after a rain storm. Cal Trans stays on top of clearing that road.

From Ridgecrest through Trona and on to Death Valley is desert and subject to flash flooding during winter storms. Do not cross flooded sections of roadway!

The same applies from Death Valley on eastward.

I live in Ridgecrest and what's posted above is true. We had some snow just the other day and Walker's Pass did get a couple of inches but as soon as the sun came out, the snow melted.

So be aware, it does snow up there when we have storms. Other than that, it's always clear.

Re: open range. I assume that this is still the case, but I haven't seen a cow in that area in 10 - 15 years.

Re: Trona - DV. Actually Hwy 178 ends at the road to the Trona Pinnacles (about 5 miles south of Trona). From that point on, it's just called Trona Rd and it does continue on over Slate Range down into Panamint valley and connects to Hwy 190 that goes over into DV.

Ron

Thanks everyone for the information, I haven't been on that highway since I was a kid.

What has been said is correct. But on the lake Isabella side of Walkers Pass is open range and I have encountered cattle on the road, especially in areas with tight blind corners to many times to count over the past 50 years. Be careful.