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Highway 395 California
The Eastern Sierras Scenic Byway is one of California’s most spectacular road trip destinations. This 200-mile stretch of Highway 395 winds through the stunning Eastern Sierra region, offering travelers a chance to explore some of the state’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.
From towering mountain peaks to clear alpine lakes, the ‘East Side’ (as most outdoors locals call it, myself included) is a must-see for any adventure enthusiast seeking to experience the best of California’s wilderness.
In this guide, I’ll share the highlights of one of the best scenic drives in Northern California, from Lone Pine to Bridgeport, and show you why this area is truly a slice of heaven.
Directions to Highway 395
Lone Pine is considered the start of the scenic drive along Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierras. The drive from Los Angeles to Lone Pine is approximately 3.5-4 hours, of course depending on LA traffic and the route you choose.
Most people drive through Lancaster via State Route 14, while some others choose to drive east through San Bernardino and up to Adelanto. Whichever direction you choose, the impressive scenery doesn’t really begin until you hit Lone Pine.
Routes Along Highway 395
The Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway is about 200 miles, with the Lone Pine to Bishop being about a 1-hour drive.
If driving direct, Bishop to Mammoth Lakes is about 45 minutes, and includes the fairly quick 5-minute drive off Hwy 395 to the actual town of Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport is just over an hour. If you opt to take the June Lake Loop, it will add an extra 16 miles to your trip.
Once you’ve arrived to Bridgeport, and if you have the time, I highly recommend taking the extra route up to Lake Tahoe.
If you opt to head up to Tahoe, the Mammoth to Tahoe driving route is about 3 hours, depending on weather and stops, of course.
Top Sights on Hwy 395
Lone Pine
Once you’ve made it to Lone Pine, you are in for a treat. The beginning of this drive starts in this small town and is the gateway to Mt Whitney and the Alabama Hills.
Here you take in views of snowy mountains in California, vast elevation differences from the valleys to the peaks, and have access to the amazing Museum of Western Film History.
Alabama Hills California
Located just west of Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills are covered in a range of almost Mars like rock formations. There have been countless movies filmed in Alabama Hills, so be sure to visit the Lone Pine film museum for insight.
If you are looking for eastern Sierra camping, the dispersed camping in this area is top notch! That of course means no amenities, no water, but in return you have full wilderness bliss.
NOTE: since the invention of social media, this area has been inundated with people looking for the next ‘influencer’ shot. PLEASE be respectful of this area, leave no trace. With that said, there is ample space to get away from it all, just be responsible.
Mt Whitney
Mt Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, with an elevation of 14,505 feet. The portal is accessed from Whitney Portal Rd, right off Hwy 395.
On a clear day, you can see the peak from almost anywhere in Lone Pine. Even though it is the tallest mountain in California, it can be tricky to pick out which peak it actually is. Hint – it sits back a bit further from the few peaks that at first glance seem the tallest.
Although you do need a permit, hiking Mt Whitney in one day, is very much doable – if you are in good shape. I’ve summited Mt Whitney on a day hike, as well as a multiday backpacking trip. I highly recommended both options.
For the one-day hike, you need to begin hiking around 2am-3am, to summit early and get back down before afternoon weather blows in.
Onion Valley
The drive from Independence up Onion Valley is jaw dropping. The elevation change is no joke, as you start at 3,900 feet in Independence and end up at 9,600 feet at the Onion Valley Campground. This 6,000 foot elevation change occurs in only a 15-mile drive.
Due to the nature of this side trip, it is highly recommended to not drive an RV up the hill. However, if you want some amazing eastern Sierra camping, away from the crowd, this is it!
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is a 45-minute drive from Big Pine, and while this side trip is a bit far, it is completely worth it. The Ancient Bristlecone Pines here are the oldest living organism on the planet – over 5,000 years old.
The twists and turns of the tree trunks show how they have stood the test of time and are a true testament to the resilience of nature.
If you have the extra time, make the trip!
Bishop
Bishop is the largest town along Hwy 395 and provides the most amenities. From here you are in proximity to great fishing, and with plenty of things to do in Bishop, including excellent bouldering in the Buttermilks and Happy Boulders.
Aside from Buttermilk Country, you can stop in town at Erick Schat’s Bakkery, a mainstay since 1938, for deli sandwiches and fresh baked goods.
Eastern Sierra Hot Springs
North of Bishop is Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, otherwise known as Crowley Hot Springs. The easiest way to find the springs, is to turn at the ‘green church’ right off Hwy 395. Take Benton Crossing Rd to the 2nd cattle crossing, and turn right, following the dirt road to the hot springs.
There are many other small hot springs in the Owens Valley area as well to explore, but Wild Willy’s will give you a great experience!
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is an outdoors enthusiast playground – boasting year-round activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, fishing, backpacking and more.
If you want snowy mountains in California, this is a one of the top 2 locations (Lake Tahoe being the other). If mountain summers are more of your vibe, this also ranks in the top 2 spots (again, with Tahoe taking the other spot).
You will not see the town from Highway 395, so be sure to take the exit and make the quick drive into Mammoth Lakes.
Devils Postpile National Monument
One of the most popular sights in Mammoth, and for good reason, is Devils Postpile National Monument. This unusual formation of basalt columns formed as lava cooled, offering a fascinating geological feature, one that almost looks man made.
June Lake Loop
This side trip could be easily missed, but the 16-mile loop is a gem in the Sierra Nevadas. You will pass several alpine lakes, have ample fishing opportunities, as well as numerous hiking trails and picnic areas.
Lee Vining and Mono Lake
Lee Vining and Mono Lake sit at the base of the east side of Yosemite National Park. Be sure to read my Lee Vining guide, for details on all the options here. But a few quick highlights are easy access to Yosemite National Park and tufa covered Mono Lake.
From Lee Vining, take Tioga Road up to the Yosemite East Entrance and Tuolumne Meadows.
If you are looking for a great eastern Sierra camping option, there are some quick access campgrounds along Tioga Road as well.
And I always mention, be sure to stop at the Whoa Nellie Deli inside the Mobile Mart gas station, for an excellent lunch and picnic spot. Yep, the gas station – it’s a Hwy 395 treasure.
Bodie State Historic Park
Bodie State Historic Park is an abandoned town north of Mono Lake. This well-preserved ghost town was once a thriving mining town that was deserted when the boom started to slow around 1882. Some folks lingered until about 1940, and now it sits is abandoned decay, with cars, clothing, kitchenware, and more. It is like time is standing still.
The side trip is about 13 miles off Hwy 395, and one of the most interesting historical spots in all of California.
Bridgeport
The small town of Bridgeport, California provides great access to more hot springs, backpacking routes, and camping and fishing at Twin Lakes.
Buckeye Canyon and Buckeye Hotsprings are two must see spots if you have extra time. I have spent ample time backpacking up Buckeye Canyon, and this less popular area is an all-time favorite. The eastern Sierra hot springs are accessible via a dirt fire road, and a 4-wheel drive is not needed.
You can also head out to Twin Lakes if you prefer fishing and lake lodging. The area also boasts trailheads for heading into the less crowded Yosemite High Country.
Lake Tahoe
Once you officially leave the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, you will travel though Walker, Topaz Lake, and Gardnerville before arriving in Carson City, Nevada.
Just before downtown Carson City, you will turn West onto Highway 50 and head up to the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is unlike any other place in California, and the crystal clear water will make you want to stay forever.
Eastern Sierra Camping
There are endless options for eastern Sierra camping, but here are 6 narrowed down areas.
- Alabama Hills dispersed camping
- No amenities
- Amazing rock formation terrain
- Mt Whitney Portal Campground
- At the base of the Mt Whitney trailhead
- Many hikers use this as a starting point for their summit hike
- Onion Valley Campground
- Camping at 9,600 feet after a short 6,000 elevation gain
- About as good as it gets in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
- Bishop Camping
- A few private RV parks here
- Great spot if you need hookups
- June Lake Camping
- Multiple campgrounds along the June Lake Loop
- June Lake, Oh Ridge, and Silver Lake campgrounds are all excellent choices
- Bridgeport Camping
- Twin Lakes campground
- Honeymoon Flat is a great backup option (creek location on the south side of the road is usually very peaceful and often has deer roaming through camp)
Eastern Sierra Hotels
If you are looking for hotels along Highway 395, here are some of the best options.
- Lone Pine
- Best Western Plus Frontier Motel – a great hotel that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and is within walking distance to the Museum of Western Film History
- Bishop
- Creekside Inn – right in the heart of town, walking distance to many shops and restaurants, complimentary breakfast, and clean modern rooms
- June Lake
- The Double Eagle Resort and Spa – a resort spa offering stunning views of June Lake and the surrounding Sierras, a full-service spa, and access to nearby hiking and fishing
- Lee Vining
- The Tioga Lodge at Mono Lake – a cozy lodge setting with views of Mono Lake, and is located just minutes away from Yosemite National Park and the eastern entrance of Tioga Pass
- Bridgeport
- Walker River Lodge – a rustic lodge providing a peaceful natural setting and quick access to fishing locations.
Extra Tips for a Successful Road Trip
- CELL RANGE – Cell range is sporadic, download what ever you may need and send texts while in range.
- GAS – Gas is expensive along 395, with Bridgeport having the highest prices. Use the Gas Buddy app and fill up whenever you pass lower prices. Pro-tip, the far north end of Bishop has lower prices than the South end of town.
- FOOD – There are some excellent food options on the route, such as Schat’s in Bishop and the Whoa Nellie Deli in Lee Vining, but it’s always advised to have snacks packed in the car.
- CLOTHES – layers, layers, layers. The weather in the Eastern Sierras can change drastically within the same day. From scorching heat to snow. Always have extra layers in the car. Always!
- SPEEDING – I’ve seen way too many people getting pulled over on Hwy 395 for speeding. Be mindful of your speed and don’t get a ticket.
Before You Go …
Be sure to read my Lee Vining Guide for more in depth information
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