Hello everyone,I've never driven 88 from the valley up to Nv. Is it good enough to take our 35 foot class A up there? We will intersect 395 near Minden and go south to Topaz Lake. I can't tolerate the twists and turns in Hwy. 50 and I don't want to go all the way north on 80 just to back track thru Washoe Valley. Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.Thanks!

We use 88 over the hill when we go to Jackson Rancheria and central CA from our home base in Reno.Good road...much better than 50.Depending on when you go you'll of course want to keep an eye on the weather as we approach the time of the year when the Sierra's get snow...Tahoe has already had some dustings.Enjoy the ride.

SR 88 attains an elevation of 8600 feet at Carson Pass, about 1300 feet higher than Echo Pass on US 50. If you don't like a windy road then SR 88 probably is not for you. If you take your time it is very scenic and enjoyable. As mentioned previously, winter can make SR 88 your less desirable choice due to it's elevation. In many ways driving SR 88 slower will still be quicker from your area to Topaz than driving the faster speeds on IR 80 through Reno and Sacramento and longer miles. There is no part of SR 88 that is not RV friendly, but it is windy.

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

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.

Is Hwy 88 good to Topaz Lake? | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

jmtandem
Explorer II
Oct 01, 2013
SR 88 attains an elevation of 8600 feet at Carson Pass, about 1300 feet higher than Echo Pass on US 50. If you don't like a windy road then SR 88 probably is not for you. If you take your time it is very scenic and enjoyable. As mentioned previously, winter can make SR 88 your less desirable choice due to it's elevation. In many ways driving SR 88 slower will still be quicker from your area to Topaz than driving the faster speeds on IR 80 through Reno and Sacramento and longer miles. There is no part of SR 88 that is not RV friendly, but it is windy.
Us_out_West
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013
We use 88 over the hill when we go to Jackson Rancheria and central CA from our home base in Reno.

Good road...much better than 50.

Depending on when you go you'll of course want to keep an eye on the weather as we approach the time of the year when the Sierra's get snow...Tahoe has already had some dustings.

Enjoy the ride.

Forum Discussion

Is Hwy 88 good to Topaz Lake?

12 Replies

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

iPhone Good Sam app(s)

Topaz Lake California reservations

From Sacramento To Topaz Lake NV

Panther Lake NJ

Lake Tahoe