Is Hwy 88 good to Topaz Lake?

We got here about 1 1/2 hrs. ago. Many discourteous drivers and one towing a travel trailer who kept flashing the lights for me to let him pass. We ended up taking 88 after all- very pretty drive but much more twisty with more ups and downs than 50. This is very doable as some have mentioned but if we'd had no wind today I would have opted for 80 instead...much easier on the nerves and my rig. Of course this is my opinion and I would drive this again but probably in the car.

I've towed over 88 many times over the years. You will not have any problems if you take it easy on the downhill sections east of Carson Pass. If you take I-80 up to Reno, you will have a long drive south on 395 to Topaz.

Hwy 50 update.

DW and girl friends took 50 today to go to Apple Valley and it was a slow 3 hour drive from our home base in Reno.

Lots of construction some right in Tahoe but most West of Tahoe with areas down to one lane.

Thank you all again. As scenic as 88 is I'm beginning to think 80 would be less stressful and easier on my rig. You are all very helpful and I'm thankful for the info.

I've posted this list before on the mountain passes in this area. Below is a list based on my experience, from the easiest passes in an RV to the hardest passes to do in an RV and I've done them all in an RV, with the exception of Ebbetts Pass.

1. I-80 (Donner Pass)
2. US 50
3. Highway 120 (Tioga Pass)
4. Highway 88 (Carson Pass)
5. Highway 108 (Sonora Pass)
6. Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass)

I personally would not do 108 or 4 in an RV but there are stories of people on here who have done them.

To the OP, if you can't take the turns on 50 then you certainly cannot take the turns on 88. 88 is a good road and I take it instead of 50 all the time mainly because I'm coming from the south and because there isn't as much traffic on 88 as there is on 50, but it is a windy mountain road with steep grades, just like 50.

Good idea to also check ahead as to any highway repair work being done as this is when it is done, after the peak tourist traffic and before the snows hit.

jmtandem,

Thanks- great advice.

Thanks everyone, After I made my post, I also saw the AAA site on this route. Some of the descriptions say there's a very steep descent into Nv. from Kit Carson Pass. Also, is it a steep grade up to the summit as well? We'll be going before the snowfall so that won't be an issue.

Thanks

If you take your time especially going down it is very doable in any RV. Use the gears and if you have a diesel use the exhuast brake. There are other things more important to worry about then getting from Carson Pass to Topaz. After you travel it you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

Thanks everyone, After I made my post, I also saw the AAA site on this route. Some of the descriptions say there's a very steep descent into Nv. from Kit Carson Pass. Also, is it a steep grade up to the summit as well? We'll be going before the snowfall so that won't be an issue.

Thanks