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World-Class Cycling

Celebrating 45 Years of Riding the California Alps

For nearly half a century, the Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride has defined endurance cycling in the High Sierra. On July 11, riders will take on 103 miles, over 14,000 feet of climbing, and up to six Hors Catégorie alpine passes.

This is a ride, not a race. Push for all six climbs or ride as far as your legs and lungs will carry you. However you show up, the mountains will meet you there.

Challenging. Iconic. Unforgettable.

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!

Learn More About the Famous California Alps Route

The Route

Starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, Calif., the 103 mile course begins at 5:00 am and covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4). The full course is not for the faint at heart! The course will be closed to traffic from Markleeville through all sections of climbing, with a turnaround point at Lake Alpine where participants will head back to the finish at Turtle Rock Park.

Those who complete all of the climbs and return to the finish line within the event timeframe may purchase the sought-after Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride® Finisher's Jersey. All athletes, their families, and spectators are encouraged to join us at the Turtle Rock Park finish line festival for food, photos, massage, camaraderie and visit our expo booths and sponsors.

The course route, water and rest stop locations and cutoff times are subject to change. Road closures will be in effect from 5am - 4pm. The event time limit ends at 6:30 pm, and all riders must be off the course by 6:30 pm. All cut-off times are strictly enforced. Segment cut-off times indicate the latest time that a rider will be allowed to begin each segment. Riders attempting to begin a segment after the cut-off time will not be allowed to proceed.

Photograph from the 1970s of an early Death Ride

History

The Death Ride started in 1978 when five guys decided to cycle the California Alps in one day, with just the support of friends and family following along in a vehicle. The event quickly grew to worldwide recognition in the cycling community, and is a sought-after event for those looking for a serious challenge.

Today, the ride still caters to the elite mountain cyclists, but also offers a range of challenge levels, from one pass to up to six highly categorized climbs over Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and the Pacific Grade.

The event is not only a highly sought after cycling challenge, it is the primary fundraiser of the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and many local nonprofits that serve the communities of Markleeville, Woodfords, Bear Valley and Kirkwood.

The goal: Supporting a vibrant economy and healthy community while providing a world class destination for cyclists, fishermen, hikers, climbers, skiers, and many more. We thank those who have participated in past year's Death Rides, and who have contributed to help us keep our mission alive.

Current Route Map

Click Here to View and Download Our Course Map

View the Route on Strava

View the Route

Become a Sponsor

Put your brand in front of thousands of cyclists from all over the world! The Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride® is an opportunity to get brand recognition, connect with the outdoor community, and foster an ongoing love for cycling.

Choose one of our unique sponsorship levels to reach thousands of active cyclists and promote your brand at one of the most recognized cycling events in the United States.

Email us: info@deathride.com

Learn About Sponsorship