The Ultimate Eastern Sierra Road Trip - Exploring Highway 395
California's Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra is one of America's most spectacular road trips—and somehow, it still feels like one of the state's best-kept secrets.
Stretching along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, this unforgettable drive winds through dramatic mountain scenery, charming small towns, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and some of California's most breathtaking natural wonders.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you'll find no shortage of incredible places worth pulling over for.
If there's one road trip every outdoor lover should experience, this is it.
👉 Planning your trip? Grab my printable Eastern Sierra Highway 395 Checklist so you don't miss any of the region's must-see stops.
🎵 Hitting the road? Download my Ultimate Road Trip Playlist on Spotify to soundtrack your Highway 395 adventure.
Eastern Sierra Road Trip at a Glance
📍 Route: California Highway 395 (Eastern Sierra)
📏 Distance: Approximately 250+ miles (Lone Pine to Topaz Lake)
⏱️ Drive Time: 5–6 hours without stops (allow 3–7 days to explore)
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall (June–October for highest elevations)
🏔️ Don't Miss: Alabama Hills, Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake, Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Lake, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest & Devil's Postpile
🥾 Perfect For: Road trips, hiking, photography, fishing, camping, hot springs, waterfalls & outdoor adventures
🚙 Road Conditions: Highway 395 is open year-round, but some attractions and mountain roads are seasonal.
✨ My Favorite Stops: This is almost impossible to answer, but if I had to choose just one, I would probably pick Convict Lake. It’s stunning.
🗺️ Eastern Sierra Highway 395 Interactive Map
Below you'll find my interactive Highway 395 map featuring the best scenic overlooks, alpine lakes, ghost towns, hot springs, hiking trails, waterfalls, restaurants, and must-see stops along California's spectacular Eastern Sierra. Save it to your phone before your trip so you can easily navigate from one unforgettable stop to the next.
Table of Contents
Why Take a Highway 395 Road Trip
California’s Highway 395 covers a 557-mile stretch (896 km) from I-15 in Hesperia, north to the Oregon state line in Modoc County, and it’s worth exploring each and every mile with all its endless list of things to see and do.
Take a step back in time exploring the historic sites and mining ruins left behind from the days of the California Gold Rush and its boom towns.
Grab a kayak and spend the day exploring the hundreds of hidden lakes and secret gems.
Grab your fishing pole and launch a boat off the shores of a crystal-clear alpine lake; or just set that ice chest along a rocky beach with a chair and a good book.
Get lost in the deafening sound of silence hiking to the top of the peaks of the tallest mountains on a sunny day. Whatever you enjoy doing in your down time, Highway 395 and the Eastern Sierra have something to offer you.
Must See Stops Along Highway 395
There are so many incredible places along Highway 395 that it's impossible to cover them all in one guide. Here are some highlights of the must-sees you won’t want to miss.
Lone Pine & Southern Eastern Sierra
📍 Distance from Los Angeles: 3½ hours
🏨 Stay: Lone Pine (1 night)
Lone Pine is the gateway to Highway 395 where the Eastern Sierra adventure begins. Surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, iconic movie locations, the Alabama Hills, and the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada—including Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States—it's an unforgettable introduction to one of California's most scenic road trips.
🏜️ Alabama Hills
One of the Eastern Sierra's most iconic destinations, Alabama Hills is famous for its otherworldly rock formations set against the towering backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
Hike to natural arches, explore scenic dirt roads, or photograph Mount Whitney from one of California's most recognizable landscapes. It's also been the filming location for hundreds of movies, television shows, and commercials.
👉 Planning to explore Alabama Hills? Don't miss my complete Guide to Inyo County, featuring the Buttermilks, Alabama Hills, Bishop, Death Valley National Park, and more.
🏔️ Whitney Portal
The scenic drive to Whitney Portal climbs into the Sierra Nevada, offering breathtaking mountain views and access to the trailhead for Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.
Even if you aren't hiking to the summit, it's worth the drive for the alpine scenery, waterfalls, and peaceful forest setting.
🎬 Movie Road
Winding through the Alabama Hills, Movie Road takes you past many of the area's most famous filming locations. The scenic drive offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada and countless opportunities to stop for photos or short walks among the unique rock formations.
🌄 Lone Pine
This charming mountain town serves as the southern gateway to the Eastern Sierra and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. You'll find local restaurants, shops, museums, and easy access to Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal, and some of the region's most spectacular scenery.
👉 Planning to explore the Buttermilks, get my complete Guide to Inyo County including this incredible spot.
Bishop & Surrounding Area
📍 Bishop is 45 minutes north of Lone Pine
🏨 Stay: Bishop (1–2 nights)
Bishop is the largest town in the Eastern Sierra making it an excellent base for exploring the region. You'll find great restaurants, local shops, art galleries, and easy access to countless outdoor adventures.
🏔️ Bishop
Bishop is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by alpine lakes, world-class fishing, hot springs, towering granite peaks, and one of the oldest living forests on Earth. Whether you're hiking, rock climbing, soaking in a natural hot spring, or simply enjoying the mountain scenery, there's no shortage of adventures waiting nearby.
🌲 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Home to the oldest known living trees on Earth, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is one of the Eastern Sierra's most extraordinary destinations.
Some of the twisted, weathered bristlecone pines are more than 4,000 years old, having survived harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and drought for millennia.
The scenic drive into the White Mountains offers breathtaking panoramic views before reaching several hiking trails, including the popular Methuselah Trail, where you'll walk among these ancient living giants.
It's a truly humbling experience and one of the most unforgettable stops along Highway 395.
✨ Pro Tip: Don't underestimate the wind! It can be incredibly strong in the White Mountains. I once had my car door catch a gust and swing open so hard that it bent the hinges and left a dent in my car.🧗 The Buttermilks
Known worldwide for its massive granite boulders, The Buttermilks attracts climbers from around the globe. Even if you don't climb, it's worth visiting for the scenery and incredible views of the Sierra Nevada.
🚂 Laws Railroad Museum
Step back in time at this fascinating open-air museum showcasing the history of the Owens Valley and the historic Carson & Colorado Railroad. Explore restored buildings, vintage trains, and artifacts from California's frontier days.
♨️ Keough's Hot Springs
Relax in one of the largest natural hot spring pools in the Eastern Sierra. Fed by mineral-rich geothermal water, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring Highway 395.
👉 Planning to explore beyond Highway 395? Don't miss my complete Guide to Inyo County, featuring Bishop, the Buttermilks, Alabama Hills, Death Valley National Park, and more.
Crowley Lake & Mammoth Lakes
📍 Mammoth Lakes is 45 minutes north of Bishop
🏨 Stay: Mammoth Lakes (2–3 nights)
The area around Crowley Lake and Mammoth Lake is home to towering granite peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and endless outdoor recreation, the Mammoth Lakes area is one of the highlights of any Highway 395 road trip. Whether you're hiking to waterfalls, soaking in a natural hot spring, fishing, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, it's easy to spend several days exploring this spectacular corner of the Eastern Sierra.
🏞️ Crowley Lake & Crowley Lake Columns
Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada, Crowley Lake is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and photography.
It's also home to the remarkable Crowley Lake Columns, one of the Eastern Sierra's most unusual geological formations and a worthwhile detour for adventurous travelers.
⛰️ Mammoth Lakes
One of California's premier mountain destinations, Mammoth Lakes offers something to do in every season.
Explore scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, or ride the scenic gondola for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or several days, Mammoth is an ideal base for exploring the Eastern Sierra and nearby attractions like Devil's Postpile, Rainbow Falls, Convict Lake, and Hot Creek Geological Site.
🏞️ Convict Lake
Native Americans believed the Great Spirit created Convict Lake as a safe haven for magical fish infused with the spirits of children that swam through the surrounding mountain streams.
Convict Lake is one of the most photographed and famous lakes in California’s Eastern Sierra and it’s quite easy to see why.
The oblong alpine lake is relatively small surrounded by massive peaks circling it, some of which are over 7,500 feet high.
Because the lake was created naturally, it has beautiful blue crystal-clear waters resembling glass, is an average of 100 feet deep, and is home to some of the best trout fishing around, and Eastern Sierra is known for its fishing!
🏛️ Why is it Called Convict Lake? Convict Lake has gone by many names over the years including Monte Diablo or “Mountain of the Devil.” However, in 1871, it became known as “Convict Lake” after a group of convicts broke out of prison in Carson City, Nevada. A posse caught up with them near the lake and a shootout took place killing two of the posse members including Robert Morrison. After the incident, the lake became known as “Convict Lake” and its biggest peak was named Mount Morrison in his honor. Later, two of the convicts were caught and brought to frontier style justice. Ouch!
✨ Pro Tip: If you have time, rent a boat from Convict Lake Resort Marina and spend a few hours on the water. If you're staying overnight, Convict Lake Resort is the perfect place to wake up surrounded by the lake's spectacular mountain scenery.
✨ Pro Tip: Visiting in spring or fall? Plan your trip around one of Convict Lake's popular fishing events—the Round Up at the Lake derby in spring or Ambush at the Lake in the fall.
🌋 Devil's Postpile National Monument
One of the Eastern Sierra's most remarkable natural wonders, Devil's Postpile features towering hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows nearly 100,000 years ago.
A short, family-friendly hike leads to this fascinating geological formation, making it one of Mammoth Lakes' most popular attractions.
♨️ Wild Willy's Hot Springs
One of the Eastern Sierra's most popular natural hot springs, Wild Willy's features several soaking pools with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. A short boardwalk leads to the springs, making them one of the easiest and most rewarding geothermal spots to visit.
♨️ Crab Cooker & Rock Tub Hot Springs
These rustic natural hot springs offer a quieter alternative to Wild Willy's. Surrounded by open sagebrush and mountain scenery, they're perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring Highway 395.
June Lake Loop
📍 June Lake is 20 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes
June Lake offers a beautiful scenic detour filled with sparkling alpine lakes, towering mountain peaks, and some of the Eastern Sierra's most breathtaking scenery. The June Lake Loop is especially beautiful in the fall when golden aspens transform the landscape into one of California's premier fall color destinations.
🏞️ June Lake Loop
This spectacular 16-mile scenic drive branches off Highway 395 and winds through a horseshoe-shaped canyon along the southern rim of the Mono Basin.
Along the way, you'll pass June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake, each offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, camping, and lakeside picnics. Whether you're stopping for an hour or spending a few nights in one of the cozy cabins or campgrounds, the June Lake Loop is one of the most memorable side trips along Highway 395.
Lee Vining & Mono Basin
📍 Lee Vining is 20 minutes north of June Lake
Lee Vining and the Mono Basin area offer landscapes unlike anywhere else in California where volcanic geology meets ancient lakes and ghost towns.
📸 Mono Lake Tufa & The Tufa Tower
Located off Highway 395, just 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park, near the quaint little all-American town of Lee Vining, stands the unique world-famous tufa towers of Mono Lake.
This ancient saline lake is over 1 million years old and covers over 65 square miles. It is surrounded by wetlands and home to trillions of brine shrimp and millions of birds. It is also a California state natural reserve.
Tufas are calcium-carbonate spires formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline water and are some of the most interesting natural structures I’ve ever seen, each one truly unique.
Over the years as the freshwater evaporates, salts and minerals are left behind resulting in Mono Lake being about 2-1/2 times as salty as our oceans.
✨ Pro Tip: Try to time your trip to Mono Lake at sunset on a cloudy day where the reflection off the water will blow your mind.
♨️ Benton Hot Springs
Relax in private, rustic mineral-rich soaking tubs beneath wide-open desert skies. This historic hot springs resort offers a peaceful escape and one of the Eastern Sierra's most unique overnight experiences.
Bodie Ghost Town
📍 Bodie State Historic Park (Bodie Ghost Town) is about 20-30 minutes from Lee Vining
🏚️ Bodie State Historic P
I think what I love most about Bodie is that it is quite literally frozen in time, full of rust, weathered buildings and decay.
The Park has chosen to leave the buildings in their natural aged state rather than restore them. Yet, it is incredibly well preserved.
Bodie may just be the most impressive ghost town that exists anywhere in the world. It has been run by the California State Park system since 1962.
Bodie got its origins in 1859 when William (aka Waterman) S. Bodey discovered gold near what is now Bodie Bluff.
A mill was established and by 1880, the town had grown from about 20 miners to an estimated 10,000 people. The town went into decline in the subsequent decades and came to be described as a ghost town by 1915. It’s quite amazing what its residents literally left behind.
You can spend hours wandering dusty gravel roads, peering in windows of homes, churches and stores.
There is a pool hall complete with an old dusty billiard table, a coroner’s office with old coffins and store front windows full of colorful desert glass in shades of aqua green and purples.
The old schoolhouse includes a board with the day’s lessons written in chalk and vintage children’s desks. This was not the original school house in Bodie though.
The first one was burnt to the ground by an angry student who got in trouble and thought it would be fun to set the bushes out back on fire! Bodie has 110 structures in total as well as an old gas pump with a broken-down truck and a cemetery full of the town’s long forgotten residents.
As you wander its streets, you can practically picture Bodie in its heyday. Miners coming down from the mills at the end of a long day, heading to loud saloons full of chatter, piano music, whiskey and cards.
Brothels with women of the night out front luring them in as they stumble home, hoping they’ll spend the last of their day’s pay for some “company.” Imagine the chaos in a town full of so much gold, guns and alcohol.
✨ Pro Tip: If you visit Bodie, plan to spend most of your day there. There’s a LOT to see.
Bridgeport & Twin Lakes
📍 Bridgeport is approximately 30 minutes north of Lee Vining
🏨 Stay: Bridgeport (1 night)
Nestled beneath the towering Sierra Nevada, Bridgeport is a hidden gem known for its historic downtown, natural hot springs, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and breathtaking alpine scenery. Whether you're casting a line, soaking in a hot spring, or taking a scenic drive into the surrounding mountains, it's one of the Eastern Sierra's most peaceful and underrated stops.
🏘️ Bridgeport
This charming mountain town offers a glimpse into California's Old West with its historic courthouse, locally owned shops, restaurants, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding lakes, hot springs, and scenic byways.
🏞️ Twin Lakes
Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, Twin Lakes is a beautiful spot for fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, or simply relaxing along the shoreline.
It's one of the most picturesque alpine settings in the northern Eastern Sierra.
♨️ Buckeye Hot Springs
Hidden along Buckeye Creek, these natural rock-lined soaking pools offer a relaxing soak with beautiful canyon views. The rustic setting and warm mineral water make Buckeye one of the Eastern Sierra's most rewarding hot spring experiences.
Eastern Sierra's Natural Hot Springs
Soak in the Eastern Sierra's Natural Hot Springs
One of my favorite things about road-tripping California's Highway 395 is ending the day with a soak in one of the region's natural hot springs. Whether you prefer a developed mineral pool or a rustic soaking tub surrounded by mountain views, there's no better way to relax after a day of hiking, sightseeing, or exploring the Eastern Sierra.
From Keough's Hot Springs near Bishop to Wild Willy's, Crab Cooker & Rock Tub, Buckeye Hot Springs, and Benton Hot Springs, you'll find incredible geothermal pools scattered throughout the region. Each offers a slightly different experience, but all provide the perfect opportunity to slow down and soak in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Some of my favorite hot springs along Highway 395 include:
♨️ Keough's Hot Springs (Bishop)
One of the largest natural mineral hot spring pools in the Eastern Sierra and a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
♨️ Hilltop Hot Springs (Mammoth Lakes)
A small, crystal-clear soaking pool with one of the most photographed views in the Eastern Sierra, overlooking the Sierra Nevada.
♨️ Wild Willy's Hot Springs (Mammoth Lakes)
One of the area's most popular natural hot springs, featuring multiple soaking pools surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
♨️ Crab Cooker Hot Springs (Mammoth Lakes)
A rustic, primitive soaking pool tucked into the sagebrush with beautiful views and a quieter atmosphere than Wild Willy's.
♨️ Rock Tub Hot Springs (Mammoth Lakes)
A small rock-lined soaking tub offering a peaceful geothermal soak just minutes from Highway 395.
♨️ Shepherd Hot Springs (Mammoth Lakes)
A secluded natural spring known for its warm mineral water and peaceful desert setting.
♨️ Benton Hot Springs
Historic private soaking tubs in a tranquil desert oasis, making it one of the most unique overnight experiences along Highway 395.
♨️ Buckeye Hot Springs (Bridgeport)
Natural rock-lined pools overlooking Buckeye Creek, offering one of the most scenic soaking experiences in the northern Eastern Sierra.
♨️ Travertine Hot Springs (Bridgeport)
Perhaps the Eastern Sierra's most famous hot springs, with multiple natural pools, colorful mineral terraces, and spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada.
Is 395 Worth It? List of Pros & Cons
Highway 395 Pros: Reasons to Visit
🌄 Just a few hours from Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
🏞️ Something for everyone — alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, horseback riding, ghost towns, kayaking, boating, fishing, scenic strolls, and challenging hikes.
📸 Jaw-dropping scenery around every bend with towering granite peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and unforgettable mountain vistas.
🗺️ Endless places to explore, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems tucked throughout the Eastern Sierra.
🌲 Easy to escape the crowds and discover your own quiet corner of California's outdoor paradise.
Highway 395 Cons:
If you think of any let me know. I guess having to go home is a con.
All jokes aside, here are a few:
📵 Limited cell service in remote areas
🚧 Seasonal road closures
⛽ Long distances between gas stations and services
🔥 Wildfire smoke can affect summer visibility
Frequently Asked Questions
🗓️ How many days do you need for a Highway 395 road trip?
I would not recommend driving Highway 395 in a single day unless you’re covering just a very small section of it. I recommend allowing at least 3 day, and preferably 5 to 7 days, to fully experience the area. There is so much to see and do. This gives you plenty of time to hike, explore the cute towns along the way, enjoy its alpine lakes, and visit plenty of the scenic stops. There are a lot of them and you don’t want to feel rushed.
🍂 When is the best time to visit the Eastern Sierra?
Late spring through fall (May–October) is generally the best time to explore the Eastern Sierra. Summers are warm and pleasant at higher elevations, though temperatures can become quite hot in Inyo County, especially near Bishop and Death Valley National Park. Winter transforms the region into a breathtaking snow-covered landscape, but colder temperatures and seasonal road closures can limit access to some attractions. Fall is a favorite time to visit, as brilliant golden aspens light up the mountainsides around Bishop, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes.
🛣️ Is Highway 395 open year-round?
Yes. Highway 395 itself is typically open year-round, although winter storms can occasionally cause temporary closures. Some side roads, mountain passes, and attractions like Tioga Pass, Devil's Postpile, and certain hiking trails are seasonal.
❄️ Can you drive Highway 395 in winter?
Generally, yes. However, be prepared for snow, changing road conditions, and seasonal closures at higher elevations. Always check Caltrans road conditions before your trip, especially if you plan to visit between November and April. You should also carry chains just in case unless you have a 4-wheel drive especially if exploring places like Mammoth.
More California Road Trips
Eastern Sierra - Highway 395 Things to Do - Downloadable Checklist
Best Things To Do In Inyo County - Gateway to Highway 395
Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park -Where Nature Pushes Every Limit
Bodie Ghost Town - Road Trip Back in Time to the Heyday of the California Gold Rush
