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Highway 395 Road-trip Itinerary - California

32 items

Janett

Highway 395 is one of California’s most underrated (and jaw-dropping) road trips. This route takes you from desert to mountains, with epic stops like Lone Pine, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and even a detour to Yosemite. Think hot springs, alpine lakes,...

Sections

Fossil Falls

Lone Pine

Independence

Convict Lake

Bishop

Crowley Lake

Fossil Falls

Fossil Falls is a quick, must-see stop off Highway 395 with dramatic lava rock formations and awesome photo ops.

Fossil Falls is a wild little stop along Highway 395. It's an ancient lava flow sculpted by water into cool, otherworldly rock formations. It’s an easy, quick hike and totally worth pulling over for if you’re into geology, unique landscapes, or just ...

Fossil Falls: Dry Waterfall on Highway 395

Lone Pine

Lone Pine is a small desert town with big views! Perfect for exploring Alabama Hills, Mount Whitney, and classic Western movie sites.

Alabama Hills is a stunning spot filled with unique rock formations and epic views of the Sierra Nevada. Perfect for hiking, photos, or just soaking in the landscape. Bonus: tons of movies were filmed here!

Alabama Hills

Super cool to check out if you're into Western movies and film history!

Museum of Western Film History

A local favorite in Lone Pine, Alabama Hills Café & Bakery serves up hearty breakfasts, fresh-baked goods, and small-town charm. Perfect stop before or after exploring the hills!

Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery

Mt. Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48, and it’s a bucket-list hike for adventure seekers. Whether you're summiting or just admiring it from below, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Seeing and Climbing Mt. Whitney - Sequoia & Kings Canyon ...

Independence

Independence is a quiet town with a rich history, great access to nearby hiking, and a charming small-town vibe. It’s a nice stop if you want to explore the Eastern Sierra off the beaten path.

This historic courthouse, built in 1921 and still in use, is on the National Register of Historic Sites. It’s the Inyo County courthouse and a beautiful building, definitely worth a quick stop to admire!

Locations & Contact Info | Superior Court of California | County of Inyo - CA.gov

The Eastern California Museum is a great spot to dive into the region’s history, with cool exhibits on local culture, wildlife, and pioneer life. Perfect for a quick, interesting stop in the Eastern Sierra!

Eastern California Museum

The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery is a neat stop to see how local fish are raised and released into nearby streams. It’s family-friendly, free to visit, and a fun way to learn about local wildlife.

Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery at Oak Creek

Convict Lake

Convict Lake is a stunning alpine spot with crystal-clear water and amazing mountain views! Perfect for a peaceful hike, fishing, or just soaking in nature.

Great gem to stop by on your road-trip!

Convict Lake

Bishop

Bishop is a charming Eastern Sierra town known for outdoor adventure, mountain views, and seriously good bakery stops. It’s a great base for hiking, climbing, or just exploring Highway 395.

Bishop Creek is a beautiful spot with easy hiking trails, fishing spots, and stunning mountain views. Perfect for a chill day outdoors just outside Bishop.

Bishop Creek Canyon

Erick Schat’s Bakery is a must-visit in Bishop! Famous for its fresh-baked breads, especially the legendary sheepherders’ bread. Perfect spot to grab a delicious treat or fuel up before exploring the area!

Erick Schat's Bakkery - Bakeries

Law’s Train Museum is a cool stop for train lovers and history buffs, with vintage locomotives, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that bring the Old West railroads to life!

Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site

Crowley Lake

Crowley Lake is a popular fishing and recreation spot in California’s Eastern Sierra, known for its scenic views and trout-filled waters.

Crowley Lake Columns are striking volcanic rock formations along the shore of Crowley Lake, popular with photographers and nature lovers.

Crowley Lake

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a year-round mountain escape with epic skiing in winter, gorgeous hiking and lakes in summer, and hot springs to unwind any time. It’s one of the best stops along Highway 395!

Hot Creek Geological Area is a stunning spot where steaming hot springs meet a flowing creek, all with epic mountain views. It’s a quick, unique stop just outside Mammoth!

Hot Creek Geologic Site

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a laid-back, natural hot spring perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking or driving along Highway 395. A hidden gem to soak in some warm mountain vibes!

Wild Willy's Hot Spring Near Mammoth Lakes

The Mammoth Mountain Gondola takes you to the summit for jaw-dropping 360° views of the Sierra. Great for sightseeing, photos, or just enjoying the ride. No hiking required!

Mammoth Mountain Panorama Scenic Gondola

The Village Lodge is a top-rated resort in Mammoth Lakes offering ski-in/ski-out access, spacious condo-style suites, and unbeatable proximity to shops, dining, and the Village Gondola. Perfect for year-round mountain getaways with amenities like hea...

The Village Lodge in Mammoth Lakes - Book Your Stay Today

Juniper Springs Resort is a cozy mountain retreat nestled in Mammoth Lakes, CA, offering spacious condos with full kitchens and balconies. Just minutes from ski slopes and local attractions, it features relaxing amenities like a heated pool, hot tubs...

Juniper Springs Resort in Mammoth Lakes - Book Your Stay

The Rock Tub Hot Springs are natural, riverside hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, CA, perfect for a relaxing soak in a rustic, scenic setting.

The Rock Tub Hot Springs | Outdoor Project

Hilltop Hot Springs are natural geothermal pools near Mammoth, CA, offering a peaceful spot to relax with beautiful mountain views.

Hilltop Hot Springs

Crab Cooker Hot Springs are natural, secluded geothermal pools near Mammoth Lakes, CA, perfect for a relaxing soak surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery!

Crab Cooker Hot Springs - Complete Guide

June Lake

June Lake is a peaceful alpine gem with crystal-clear water, mountain views, and a charming small-town vibe. Perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the shore.

June Lake feels like a hidden escape tucked into the mountains

June Lake | Fishing, Hiking and Camping

Cute charming, historic mountain resort in June Lake, California, offering cozy one- and two-bedroom condos with kitchens and modern amenities. Guests enjoy relaxing outdoor hot tubs, a BBQ deck, and easy access to year-round outdoor activities like ...

Heidelberg Inn, June Lake - Book Your Stay in California's Scenic Retreat

Lee Vining

Lee Vining is a small town on the eastern edge of California’s Sierra Nevada, serving as the gateway to Mono Lake and Yosemite’s Tioga Pass, popular for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

Mono Lake is a unique saltwater lake in California, famous for its tufa towers and rich birdlife.

Mono Lake

Whoa Nellie Deli is a quirky, gourmet deli located in Lee Vining, CA, known for its creative dishes, stunning views of Mono Lake, and laid-back vibe.

Whoa Nellie Deli

Tioga Pass is the high mountain pass through the Sierra Nevada, connecting Yosemite National Park to the eastern Sierra, known for its breathtaking views and access to alpine hiking trails.

Tioga and Glacier Point Roads Plowing and Road Opening Update

Bodie

Bodie is a well-preserved ghost town in California, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Gold Rush era with its abandoned buildings and historic artifacts.

This is a super cool ghost town in Bodie!

Bodie Ghost Town

Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a charming town in California’s Eastern Sierra, known for its hot springs, fishing spots, and as a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing.

Travertine Hot Springs are natural, geothermal pools near Bridgeport, CA, perfect for soaking while enjoying stunning mountain views!

Travertine Hot Spring

This courthouse is right in the heart of town

Bridgeport Superior Court

These burgers absolutely HIT the spot on our road-trip! Highly recommend checking them out!

The Barn - Bridgeport

Buckeye Hot Springs is a serene natural hot spring located near Bridgeport, California, along the banks of Buckeye Creek within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This scenic spot features three mineral-rich pools, a travertine grotto, and a water...

Buckeye Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California features boiling springs, fumaroles, and volcanic peaks, offering unique landscapes and great hiking adventures.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a volcanic landscape with hot springs and hiking trails in Northern California.

Lassen Volcanic National Park