Highway 395 is arguably the best highway in California. It runs along the Eastern Sierra mountains, and features a scenic galore of views throughout the entirety of the drive.
Dramatic mountains, scenic hot springs, ghost towns, deserts, lakes, quaint mountain towns, fall foliage, and hiking trails are just some of what it offers. There’s an endless amount of things to see, do, and visit. This list compiles a handful of my favorites stops along Highway 395.
Scenic Spots
1) Fossil Falls
Location: Fossil Falls Access Road, Little Lake, CA – (35°58’19.0″N 117°54’38.8″W)
Don’t blink because you might miss the exit to this special gem. A ‘dry waterfall’ with unique volcanic rock and lava formations. This geological wonder is a great stop to stretch your legs by walking the short 0.5 mile trail to the ‘dry waterfall.’ The hike takes about 30 minutes.
2) Twilight Zone House (Airflite Cafe)
Location: Olancha, CA (36°15’30.7″N 117°59’39.8″W)
Twilight Zone was filmed here. There’s not too much to see or do, but it’s still a cool place to snap a photo of the building that was featured in Twilight Zone’s second season, “A Hundred Yards Over the Rim.”
3) Olancha Sculpture Garden
Location: Olancha, CA – (36°15’43.8″N 117°59’50.9″W)
A unique collection of metal art sculptures created by desert artist Jael Hoffmannn. The sculptures are scattered around a desert lot and ranges in size, from small to over 15 feet.
4) Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns
Location: Lone Pine, CA – (36°24’54.1″N 118°00’43.0″W)
Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns is a historical landmark featuring two historic charcoal kilns that were made more than 150 years ago. Both are closed off behind fencing but you can walk around the fencing to get a 360 view of the kilns. There is a one mile dirt road before reaching the small parking lot.
5) Gateway to Eastern Sierra sign
Location: Bartlett, CA – (36°28’36.7″N 118°02’07.0″W)
This artistic sign is on a large rusty colored water tank. You’ll be able to see it going northbound on Highway 395. There’s not much going on other than the art, but it’s worth stopping to take a photo of the “Gateway to the Eastern Sierra.” There’s a small pullout right before this sign.
6) Alabama Hills
Location: Lone Pine, CA – (36°36′53″N 118°05′45″W)
Brown rock formations sit at the base of the Eastern Sierra mountains providing stark contrast between the two. This is a popular movie filming location, as well as a climber’’s paradise. It’s a great place to explore, climb, hike, and visit the famous Mobius Arch, a rock arch with a perfect framed view of Mount Whitney. There are also free designated campsites here with some of the best views!
7) Law’s Train Museum
Location: Silver Canyon Rd, Bishop, CA 93514
This is one of the coolest museums along Highway 395. If you love admiring old artifacts and historic buildings, stop by Law’s Train Museum. Law’s Train Museum is a great window into the past with original structures all restored to depict life more than 130 years ago. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits on the 11 acre property.
8) Convict Lake
Location: 2000 Convict Lake Rd Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
A popular lake amongst Mammoth Lakes lovers, Convict Lake offers dramatic mountain backdrop views. In the summertime, you can rent pontoon boats or fishing boats from the small marina. Convict Campground is within walking distance. My personal favorite time to visit is during the fall when all the Aspen trees display a sea of golden fall colors.
9) Mammoth Hot Creek Geological Site
Location: Hot Creek Hatchery Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
A short dirt/gravel road leads you to this geological phenomena of hot water and periodic geysers. My personal favorite spot is a spot labeled “Brees Lookout” in Google Maps. If you go further down the dirt road, turn left onto a small road and you’ll be presented with a vista looking down at the winding river and mountain range. It’s a great place to snap some photos!
10) Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA – (37°39’40.4″N 118°46’04.0″W)
This is one of the most popular hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area with multiple pools to enjoy. It’s a great place to relax in warm waters with 360-degree views of mountains around you. There’s also an interesting heart-shaped pool that sits a few steps away from the others. The springs can be a bit slippery with the moss, so be careful.
11) June Lake Loop
Location: June Lake, CA – (37°48’38.0″N 119°03’17.5″W)
If you have a little bit more time, take a drive on a 16-mile scenic road called June Lake Loop. The short drive takes you along June Lake and Gull Lake with panoramic views of mountains, and forests. This road is especially popular during the fall when the trees change color.
12) Mono Lake
Location: Lee Vining, CA (37°58’40.0″N 119°07’43.3″W)
Mono Lake is a super salty lake with Alien-looking tufa towers and wetlands containing an abundance of birds. It’s a perfect place to bird watch or admire the calm waters. This lake also attracts photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset when the dramatic light creates a colorful reflection of the tufas and surrounding landscape.
13) Bodie Ghost Town (Bodie State Historic Park)
Location: Bodie, CA – (38°12’49.3″N 119°00’55.7″W)
Bodie is a ghost town sitting in arrested decay. Personally, this was one of my favorite stops along Highway 395. You can walk around this ghost town community and peek into the weathered buildings where miscellaneous items were left as-is when it was first abandoned. It’s a great way to get a peek into the past and look into buildings such as the saloon, general store, school house, and miner’s old houses.
Food
Erick Schat’s Bakery. Bishop, CA (famous for the sheepherders bread) – A popular European style bakery with an array selection of baked goods, deli, and confections
Coppertop BBQ. Big Pine, CA (BBQ sandwiches and plates) – A BBQ joint specializing in smoked meat with an atmosphere like a cookout block party
Woah Nellie Deli. Lee Vining, CA (casual gourmet restaurant) – A family-run hidden gem nestled inside a gas station mart near the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. Important to note it is closed during the winter season.
Gus’ Fresh Jerky. Olancha, CA (Beef Jerky) – A fresh beef jerky business at a desolate location in the high desert. Don’t be fooled by it’s looks, the beef jerky is impressively tasty!
Taqueria mi Guadalajara (Mexican food truck) – An authentic Mexican food truck with a passionate owner.
For more details, check out my blog post: 5 Must Visit Food Stops along Highway 395
Gas Stations
Yuhubi Nobi Gas Station. Bishop, CA (Tribal Owned) – Support the Bishop Paiute Tribe and the indigenous people by getting your gas here! This may be one of the cheapest places to get gas on the way to Mammoth. Open Mon – Sun 6 AM – 10 PM
Bishop Paiute Gas Station. Bishop, CA (Tribal Owned) – Another gas station owned by the Bishop Paiute Tribe. Like the Bishop Paiute Gas Station, this gas station also has affordable gas! It’s located next to Wanahaa Casino and open Mon – Sun 6 AM – 10 PM.
Fort Independence Travel Plaza. Independence, CA (Tribal Owned) – Best gas prices, small casino, and a convenience store with a restaurant. Like the ones above, this gas station is also tribal owned. The Plaza and Casino is owned by the Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians. Open 24/7
Pilot Travel Center in Hesperia, CA – Not tribal owned, but this is a truck stop that has fuel stations, shower facilities and wi-fi. Open 24/7.
Rest Stops
- Coso Junction Rest Area – This is the first rest area after departing from Southern California. It has a large parking lot, shaded areas, payphones, and EV charging stations.
- Division Creek Rest Area – We saw wild horses and burros here! It is a clean facility with informational signs, beautiful views and quiet.
- Crestview Rest Area – This rest area is tucked in the wooden groves of Mammoth Lakes. There is a water fill station, Pine tree shade, and good scenery.
Tips
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are not many services along the way.
- The weather can vary greatly along Highway 395, so be sure to pack for all conditions. During large winter storms, CHP will sometimes shut down the highway during dangerous conditions.
- Highway 395 is a beautiful drive, but it is also a long one. Be sure to plan your route carefully and allow plenty of time for rest stops.
- Cell phone service can be spotty along Highway 395, so be sure to download any maps or directions you need before you leave.
