A Spectacular Road Trip Along California’s Highway 395

US Highway 395 is California’s backbone. Running east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it’s a road of superlatives: highest, lowest, hottest, deepest, oldest – the 395 passes close by a whole host of -ests. Moreover, this route features ghost towns, vibrant towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations, and more.

For all its many attractions, Highway 395 remains relatively unexplored, especially compared to California’s more famous destinations. It takes about four days to get a good feel for the region so join us on a north-south, semi-secret, always spectacular road trip.

Day one: Lake Tahoe

Start your adventure in Lake Tahoe, a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing in winter and numerous activities throughout the rest of the year. The east shore’s Flume Trail is particularly popular for mountain bikers. The lake itself, renowned as the largest alpine lake in North America, features crystal-clear waters. Thanks to its elevation (6225ft above sea level) and depth (1644ft in places), algae can’t grow here, allowing for unparalleled underwater views.

Stay and eat: For convenient access to Highway 395, stay in South Lake Tahoe at Basecamp Hotel. This motel has received a stylish boutique makeover and features an industrial-style bar and hot tub for post-activity relaxation. For dining, consider making a reservation at Cafe Fiore to enjoy superb Italian cuisine. Alternatively, for hearty American fare, visit Evans or the Beacon Bar & Grill, both located west of town on the way to the stunning Emerald Bay.

Day two: Tahoe to Mammoth Lakes

Two hours south of Tahoe, accessible via a side road off the 395, lies Bodie, a historic mining ghost town reputed to be haunted. A self-guided tour map is available from the small museum, guiding visitors through eerily preserved homes filled with belongings of their last residents. For a more in-depth experience, opt for a guided tour to access buildings typically closed to the public.

Just 45 minutes south is Mono Lake, notable for its unique tufa formations – fascinating, tower-like limestone structures created by interactions between the lake’s water and salts. This region is also home to billions of tiny shrimp and, during autumn, millions of migrating birds that feast on the shrimp and flies.

From Mono Lake, a quick 30-minute drive leads to Mammoth Lakes, a hub of skiing and nightlife, perfect for an overnight stay.

Stay and eat: Dine at Mono Inn, located on the 395, for a meal with stunning views, but note it’s generally only open in the evenings. For accommodations, Mammoth Lakes offers a variety of decent alpine-style options, including Tamarack Lodge. For an evening filled with good food and enjoyment, Mammoth Rock ‘n’ Bowl combines a bowling alley with an excellent French-influenced restaurant upstairs.

Day three: Mammoth Lakes to Lone Pine

Begin your journey with a short detour west to Minaret Vista, which reveals breathtaking views of a large swath of the Sierra Nevada. Drive, hike, or bike around Mammoth’s lakes and explore the intriguing basalt columns of Devil’s Postpile. Back on the 395, it’s only 100 miles to Lone Pine, yet there are delightful stops along the way.

Stop in Bishop for any supplies you may need and make sure to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to see some of the oldest living trees on Earth, some over 5000 years old. Just before reaching Lone Pine, visit the Manzanar National Historic Site, a poignant former internment camp from WWII, which tells the less-known story of thousands of Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated during the war.

Upon arrival in Lone Pine, consider taking Whitney Portal Road, which ascends thousands of feet to the trailhead for Mt. Whitney. The drive passes through the Alabama Hills, a favorite filming location for numerous movies and TV shows, showcasing diverse landscapes.

Hiking to the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, is manageable. The path, established in 1904, was designed for mules transporting materials to build the Smithsonian shelter at the summit. However, securing a permit for this hike is more complex, requiring participation in an annual lottery due to limited access. Whether you obtain a permit or not, the views and fresh mountain air make the drive worthwhile, along with the opportunity to eat and gather souvenirs at the Whitney Portal Store.

In downtown Lone Pine, the Museum of Western Film History highlights the area’s connection to legendary shows like The Lone Ranger and films like Django Unchained. The surrounding scenery has served as a backdrop for stories set in locations ranging from India to Spain – retrieve a locations map from the museum to explore further.

Stay and eat: Whitney Portal Hostel & Hotel, managed by the same team as the nearby store, is the best accommodation option in town, offering both dormitory beds and motel-style rooms – request a room with a mountain view. Just down the road, Seasons is Lone Pine’s top eatery, serving well-prepared hearty dishes.

Day four: Lone Pine to Death Valley

Leaving the Sierra Nevada and the 395 behind, it’s time to venture into Death Valley, known as the hottest place on Earth with a record temperature of 134°F (56.6°C) recorded in 1913. Interestingly, it is also the largest US national park outside of Alaska. Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282ft below sea level, is found here, featuring strikingly white salt flats that create a stunning landscape.

In addition to Badwater, Zabriskie Point offers a must-see view of erosion-carved rocks that ripple across the terrain. For relief from the heat, ascend to Dante’s View, where you can savor not just lower temperatures at an elevation of nearly 5000ft, but also take in vistas that include North America’s highest point, Mt. Whitney, and the lowest point, Badwater Basin, situated below you. Have your camera ready to capture these breathtaking sights.

Stay and eat: Three principal areas in the park provide sleeping and dining options: Panamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells, and The Oasis at Death Valley. Most accommodations in these areas are comfortable motels. For a casual dining experience, the Toll Road Restaurant offers filling meals, as does Panamint Springs Resort. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing beer to toast the end of your unforgettable journey along the scenic Highway 395.