If you want to fly and drive, use our guide for finding the closest Eastern Sierra airport. Once in Bridgeport, head over to Travertine Hot Springs. Lots to see all along the route. If you want something a bit funky, you can rent a night in a covered wagon at theVirginia Creek Settlement motel. [19], The Camino Sierra was a trail from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe loosely paralleling modern State Route 14, US395, and State Route 89. The route via the Eastern Sierra seems a lot more scenic. You can further detour down Dry Creek Road for a short hike to the Inyo Craters, or just carry on into Mammoth Lakes. Then bunk down in Lee Vining or back in June Lake. And then there are the ghost towns, living towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations and more. LOL. Though the railroad is abandoned north of Searles Station, US395 parallels the old railroad grade from this point to Lone Pine.[3][14]. Top spots on both itineraries are Ryolite Ghost town, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Dunes. Start your day with a short detour west to Minaret Vista, a stunning panorama taking in a large swath of the Sierra Nevada imagine the very different reaction that early settlers would have had when faced withthis daunting natural barrier. Take the Minaret Summit road to the Devils Postpile National Monument. However, that trip was in September, when all roads were open. US395 follows the western boundary of the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, not far from Big and Little Petroglyph Canyons, where the Coso People created prolific rock art and traded with distant tribes using tools crafted of stone. Is there a website showing highest elevations along Oregon HIghways? At the time of your trip there could be wildflowers in Death Valley, if enough rain falls this winter. This article is about the section of U.S. Route 395 in California. It follows Columbia River. The highway serves as a connection to the Los Angeles area for the communities of the Owens Valley, Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Those include Navy Road off Hwy 120 east (south of Lee Vining) and Old Marina and Cemetery Roads (both north of town). The summit on Hwy 4 is only around 760feet. Have fun and goest thou soon in thy shiny car. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Meh, I've driven 395 more times than I (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you are wondering why it will take all day to drive 25 miles, its because there is a TON to do on this stretch of Highway 395. Just 45 minutes south is Mono (pronounced moh-no) Lake. Spring wildflower season starts in late May, but if its a late snow year, many of the hiking trails and campgrounds wont be open yet. Many Forest Service campgrounds are first-come or they reserve a few spots for last minute campers, but that works best if you can get there before 10am on a Friday. Those latter two are a lightly shorter option (in terms of miles) compared to I-80, but beyond that? Each day has 2-5 cool things do do and see as well as at least one scenic detour that gets you slightly off 395. Bishop is the largest town that sits right on the highway and its well-served by plenty of mid-range motels like Days Inn, Travelodge and Comfort Inn. If you dont live in California and are flying into Reno, check out this airport guide, which includes information rental cars and which carriers fly into Reno. [3] After passing by three small lakes, Little Lake and North and South Haiwee Reservoirs, the highway enters the Owens Valley. Rather than going directly to Mammoth Lakes, take the Mammoth Scenic Loop, which is 8 miles before the main turnoff. [26] SR70 was at one time numbered U.S. Route 40 Alternate, using US395 from this junction south to Reno to connect with the mainline US40 (now I-80). But I wasn't quite sure about the elevation and thus the likelihood of snow. But this itinerary recommends the best scenic bits on a 227 mile stretch that starts just south of Carson City. Farmers and ranchers raised cattle and other goods to trade with the mining boom towns nearby. The highway is used as an access route for both the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, and the lowest point in North America, Death Valley. This area is particularly nice in the late spring for wildflowers or for leaf peeping in the fall. Could I get you opinion on driving times? 2) given that its April, the road to the Bristlecone Pine Forest will still be closed. To cool off, head up to Dantes View where the rewards are not just lower temperatures (youre at nearly 5000ft here) but also the chance to end your trip with a view of the contiguousUS highest point, Mt Whitney, in the distance, and North Americas lowest point, Badwater Basin, below you. The portion from Reno to Hallelujah Junction is used as a connection between the Union Pacific's two main lines in northern California/Nevada, the Overland Route (First Transcontinental Railroad) and the Feather River Route. For the entire route, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, California postmile Official postmile definitions, "Officially Designated State Scenic Highways and Historic Parkways", "New segment of State Route 58 opens near Kramer Junction", "Kramer Junction Solar Electric Generating Station", Map of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad/ Western Pacific and Connections, "Google Maps street maps and USGS topographic maps", "State Maintained Highways, Descriptions, Index & Maps and NHS", "Office of Historic Preservation California State Parks", American Association of State Highway Officials, California State Department of Public Works, "Olancha/Cartago 4-Lane Mitigation Planting", "FW: Olancha Cartago Cottonwood Mitigation Area", "Olancha Cartago 4 Lane Project: Project Information", "Environmental Impact Statement; San Bernardino County, CA", "City Council, Community Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, Water District Agenda Date: April 4, 2007", "Widening of Highway 395 continues in Victorville and Adelanto", "US-395 Widening Project Receives $24 Million: Don't Celebrate Too Soon", "Elevation and Location of Summits and Passes in California", Template:Attached KML/U.S. This lovely alpine lake is named after a bruhaha that ensued after a group of escaped prisoners hid out there. Find elevation by address: Places in California, USA: Just along the road is Lone Pines best place to eat, Seasons, serving up well-cooked, hearty dishes. This exit is numbered 8, even though it resides hundreds of miles from the origin of the highway; the exit number instead uses the distance from the point of re-entry to California. [1] [2] If you ski or snowboard, you could do a winter road trip that includes skiing/boarding in Lake Tahoe and Mammoth along with some of the other 395 attractions. In the winter, many of the smaller RV parks are closed. The trail was first believed to be used by Jedediah Smith in 1826. synergy rv transport pay rate; stephen randolph todd. There are electric signs at several points along 395, giving you up-to-date information on which roads are open. The highest point in the Atigun Pass lies on the Continental Divide. Now we're highlighting some of our favorites. [2] Mount Dana is to the east of the pass, and Gaylor Peak to the west. At least from Lone Pine north to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just north is the small Fort Independence Indian Reservation and the Tinemaha Reservoir. This will take you an additional 13 miles up to the Mount Whitney trailhead, which is only for experienced mountain hikers, but the drive is lovely. Some questions I hope you can help with: 1) how likely is it that there are winter conditions on this road at that time of the year? This pass, like many other passes in the Sierra Nevada, has a gradual approach from the west and drops off to the east dramatically, losing more than 3,000ft (910m) by the time the road reaches U.S. Route 395. Both will get you to Long Beach, 401 being a little bit shorter. I don't remember the dirt road to Mono Lake being that bad or even that long. Google Earth is a good way to evaluate routes, albeit without elevation numbers. Read our Privacy Policy. Both Mount Whitney and the mountains surrounding Death Valley are visible from US395. Different seasons offer different opportunities for what to do along Highway 395. Highway 395 is closed from eight miles north of Sonora Junction to Walker due to snow. r Ranges. Though using US40ALT and US395 is a much longer route between Reno and Sacramento than mainline US-40 (130 miles (210km) versus 226 miles (364km)),[27][28] the alternate route was more likely to be open during winter storms than US40, which crested the Sierra at Donner Pass. The town of Bishop was established to trade goods with the mining town of Aurora. Dogs are allowed at Bodie Ghost town (but not in the buildings) and the same for Manzanar. Whitney, the Lone Pine Movie Museum, Manzanar (optional for many international visitors but Id say a must for Americans), Bishop and the local lakes, Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes, Mono Lake, and any of the towns or view spots along the way. How to see the Yosemite firefall in 2021california's-10-best-hiking-trails-link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/california-best-hiking-trails">California's10 best hiking trailscalifornia's-top-experiences-link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-25-experiences-in-california">California'stop experiences. The longer version is to go 13 miles further up the dirt road to the Patriarch grove. Rock Creek Road is the highest paved road for public use in California. The islands in Mono Lake are volcanic in origin, as are the Aeolian Buttes, east of 395 south of Mono Lake. We have a whole guide that outlines a lot of fun things to do in Bishop both in town and nearby. Past Lone Pine, the highway passes by Manzanar National Historic Site, a concentration camp where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II. This Summit also separates the Mono Lake watershed from that of the East Walker River. Sherwin Summit, at 7,000 feet (2,100m), is the first of five mountain passes crossed by US395 in the Sierra Nevada. Summer is a great time if you like hiking and water sports, but weekends and holidays can be crazy busy, so book ahead. Create an elevation map for your next trip. Share this Highway 395 road trip itinerary with your friends on Pinterest: Thanks for the great site. Once you get south of Lone Pine, the road downshifts to two lanes. Rowena Plateau.. Multnomah Falls ~ Oregon Astoria Sunrise Wiesendanger Falls Oregon Dunes Pano Ive seen the obvious other options of I-5 and CA-99 described as very boring and that doesnt seem like a fitting end to what promises to be an amazing trip. The road then enters Adelanto, on the western edge of Victorville. Dont do Sonora Pass if you have an extra large RV, because you wont make the hairpin turns at the eastern end. At 8,138 feet (2,480m) in altitude, this is the highest point along US395, and the highest point along a U.S. Highway in California. Here are the best. For a photo travelogue of that region, see http://travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm. Topaz Lake is where US395 leaves California, to serve the Reno and Carson City metropolitan areas. ;-). However, US395 does not resume following the river, instead cutting across the Long Valley Caldera to serve the ski resort areas of Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain via SR203, after paralleling the runway of the Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Elevation change: 1405 ft / 428 m Max grade: 18.8% Min grade: -19.2% Steepness score: 82 + 1925 + 10117 + 3 = 12126 Distance: 85.82 mi / 138.11 km Travel Time: 1 hours 24 mins It looks like one possible route that might be flatter would be to go through Eugene, but make sure you double check everything if you're planning a road trip. Mono Lake is worth visiting for its crazy limestone tufa towers, which stagger upright out of the lake like crusty white zombies. McKinley (Denali), AK: 20,237: Alaska Elevation Map: For RV parks: If you are RVing in the summer, some of the private RV parks may have on-the-fly availability. Lets get started with some logistics about how and when to plan your trip. Lone Pine is noted as an access for both the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, and the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin in Death Valley. Dalton Highway, also known as the North Slope Haul Road, was named after Alaskan engineer James W Dalton. Heres a BLM map of the area. Visit our Bodie Ghost town guide for all of the details and plan to spend at least 1.5 hours there. Here US395 parallels the South Fork of the Pit River until the confluence with the north fork in Alturas. Start your adventure in Tahoe, a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing in winter and just about every other activity the rest of the year (the east shores Flume Trail is a must for mountain bikers). You can also drive to Convict Lake easily from 395 and it is paved all the way. [44] In 2020, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power sold the easement rights to build the bypass, while retaining its water rights. Here's a map made by the California . But thanks for the tip about using Google Earth, I'll look into that. Check reviews and book here. U.S. Route 395 ( US 395) is a United States Numbered Highway, stretching from Hesperia, California to the Canadian border in Laurier, Washington. State: Highest Point: Highest Elevation (feet) State Elevation Maps: Alabama Highest Point: Cheaha Mt., AL: 2,405: Alabama Elevation Map: Alaska Highest Point: Mt. This itinerary is also a great routing if you are driving from San Francisco to Las Vegas (or vice versa). If are you camping, heres our guide for the best Death Valley campgrounds. But things literally go downhill from there. [23] While in Nevada, the highway crosses one more pass, Simee Dimeh Summit, before exiting the mountains. Fall is nice because the summer crowds have died down, but the Forest Service trails and campgrounds are still open. And then there are the ghost towns, living towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations and more. At Lake Hodges the highway crossed a now-replaced bridge to Escondido. Alternatively, you can tack on some road trip time in Yosemite. But hiking will be limited and you wont be able to transit over the Tioga or Sonora passes. These gnarled, tortured pine trees are the oldest in the world and can live up to 4,000 years old. It comes with a AAA membership, most new car purchases or a credit card like the American Express Rewards Gold Card. In 2006, Caltrans proposed to realign US395 through the city of Adelanto due to traffic congestion. Tioga requires the National Park fee. The pass is subject to winter closure due to high snowfall, normally from around the end of October until the end of May the following year, though these dates are subject to considerable variation. There are tons of hot springs along this route. Stay and eat:Time it right (its generally only open in the evenings) and Mono Inn, on the 395 just north of Lee Vining, will give you one of the most memorable meals-with-a-view youll have along the whole route. The short version is to go up the Shulman Grove visitors center and do the Methuselah Trail. Arriving in Lone Pine its tempting (and you should definitely give in to temptation in this instance) to take Whitney Portal Road as it winds up thousands of feet to the trailhead for Mt Whitney itself. It boomed from 1882 to 1932 and is a well-preserved relic of our gold rush. The spot where the sign is along the Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 rest within the town limits of Becket, MA. [41], In 2007, Caltrans proposed bypassing the city of Bishop. Now, on to Convict Lake. You could cover that mileage in 4 hours, but dont be in a hurry. Thank you in advance for taking the time. William Stevenson (1853-1883) and Lydia Frances Kemp (1863-1941) John Amasa Bennett (1875-1945) and Geneva . [48] The northern portion, through Cartago, will become a county route. Tioga Pass is the most direct route from Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, California to Fresno, Merced, and Stockton. Oregon Route 140 ( OR 140) is a state highway in southern Oregon, United States. Check the "steepness" score to find interesting uphill hikes to summit, hilly streets to drive, or the fastest downhill mountain biking trails. [citation needed]. Stay andeat:The Whitney Portal Hostel & Hotel (run by the same people who run the store at the trailhead) is the best place to stay in town, with both dorm beds and motel-style rooms available ask for one with a view of the mountain. [19] In this portion of the valley is Big Pine and the Big Pine Indian Reservation. The route was promoted for its scenic value by the Southern Pacific Railroad, as a side trip from its rail lines, as far back as 1912. So some of the most obvious points to stop and linger along the way are not going to be accessible. On the other side of the mountains is Indian Wells Valley. The valley, named for one of explorer John C. Fremont's guides, was primarily home to the Timbisha and Paiute peoples before European settlement. Lee Vining is 6781 and by the time you get down to Lone Pine, the elevation is 3,700. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. Mt Whitney is the lower 48's highest peak and is a prime destination for hikers, climbers and mountaineers around the world. Im in the early planning stages of our first trip to the US. This National Historic Park remembers that tragedy with guided tours and exhibits. While the southern portion, through Olancha, will be become an extension of SR190. Yet for all its many attractions, its relatively unexplored, especially compared to Californias other big name draws. But once you get to 395 itself, nearly all of the trails and lakes are on Forest Service land, which is always dog-friendly. [2] From here to Bishop the highway is overlapped with SR 168. McKinley 20,320 Pacific Ocean Sea levelArizona 4,100 Humphreys Peak 12,633 Colorado River 70Arkansas 650 Magazine Mountain 2,753 Ouachita River 55California 2,900 Mt. Water from the valley is channeled for use by the City of Los Angeles, via the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which was constructed during what is commonly called the California Water Wars. Although Susanville is used as a control city, US395 does not technically enter the city. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. You can visit Mono Lake easily. These include either Aurora Canyon from Bridgeport or Pole Line Road and Goat Ranch into Lee Vining. ValleyEx (254) ValleyEx (255) old farmstead. Nick/Flickr [9], US395 begins in Hesperia at a partial interchange with I-15 as it heads north. These same volcanic forces have also created the many hot springs in along the highway 395 corridor. Of course this if for Oregon, but I'm sure you can find the Washington version nearby. The highest elevation anywhere on US 395, which goes from the Canadian border through Washington, Oregon, and most of the length of California, is about 8300 feet/2.5 km above sea level. State Route 120 runs through it, and serves as the eastern entry point for Yosemite National Park, at the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. There is a short <1 mile hike to get to the postpile and an additional 5 mile roundtrip hike to visit the Rainbow Falls. On May 20, 1880, the Carson and Colorado Railway was formed, with the intent of extending a rail line from the existing Virginia and Truckee Railroad at Hawthorne, Nevada through the Owens Valley towards the Colorado River. This summit separates the Owens River watershed from that of Mono Lake, a salt lake approximately three times as salty as the ocean.[21]. Second choice is to take I-5 up to the Longview exit and then highway 4 to the coast. A serious exploration around Mono Lake requires driving on dirt roads (which I might be okay with, but the rental company isnt). This whole area is SOOOOOO dog friendly. In the spring/fall, you shouldnt have a problem. Two hours south of Tahoe, on a side, not fully paved road off the 395, youll find Bodie, a mining ghost town with (allegedly) real ghosts. This book showcases 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth, from classic routes in America, Australia and Europe, to incredible adventures in Asia and Africa. So, I was able to perfectly time my visit for fall color. The corridor has been used since the California gold rush, and before numbering was known by several names including El Camino Sierra. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet and this year the road to it opened late, but they put a sign at the gate saying it was only a 2 mile hike to it and that it was an easy hike. [16] The highway proceeds diagonally across the valley, until merging with SR14. It has sand dunes, salty lake beds, volcano craters, ghost towns and miles of views. Like driving through a big national park with small towns along the way. From Mono Lake its a 30-minute drive to Mammoth Lakes, regional hub, famous ski resort and a great place to spend the night. [45] In 2021, Caltrans submitted the mitigation plan for the new four-lane bypass to the west. Along the descent the highway passes by Bodie, a ghost town which the state park system has preserved, including items still on the shelves in the abandoned stores.[22]. It is cute the first ten minutes. Just less than 5 miles (8.0km) from Hallelujah Junction is Beckwourth Pass, the lowest pass in the Sierra, used by both SR70 and the Feather River Route. The northern segment also follows the Sierra Nevada and crosses the Modoc Plateau. Running east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, its also a road of superlatives: highest, lowest, hottest, deepest, oldest the 395 passes close by a whole host of -ests. Eastern Californias Highway 395 deserves much more attention as a top vacation destination. The numbers reset at county lines; the start and end postmiles in each county are given in the county column. The guide also suggests two scenic off road detours as an alternative to the regular road. North of SR18, US 395 is proposed as a four-lane divided highway to Desert Flower Road. In a T-intersection with SR36 just before Susanville, US395 makes a sharp turn avoiding the city, making a near complete loop around the Susanville Municipal Airport. After cresting Sherwin Summit, the highway travels along the west shore of Crowley Lake. But this itinerary recommends the best scenic bits on a 227 mile stretch that starts just south of Carson City. The southeast side has some nice beaches for fishing and swimming and you can rent kayaks and boats from the local concessionaire. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The elevation on this trip varies wildly, which is also why timing is so dependent upon the season. If you are driving your own car, dont forget to check your oil and tire pressure before you leave and you should also invest in roadside assistance. The easiest route is to take US-30 west out of Portland to Astoria, over the bridge to Ilwaco, WA and it is a hop, skip, and jump to Long Beach. If the lake is too crowded, then we suggest going a little further south and heading up McGee Creek. Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? Its very different from Hwy 1 along the coast and it would be difficult to say which one is more spectacular. Both have gobsmackingly beautiful mountain scenery with forest, windy roads and scenic pullouts. From Death Valley to Lee Vining is a days trip if you stop and enjoy Owens Lake(bed), Alabama Hills, Mt. There are also quite a few frontage roads that you can use. Beginning about a dozen miles west of Bakersfield, Highway 58 is a roller-coaster all the way to the coast. Its very detailed and shows both paved and dirt roads as well as state parks and some campsites. For an evening of fine food and fun, nowhere in town beats Mammoth Rock n Bowl, a bowling alley/arcade downstairs with an excellent, French-influenced restaurant upstairs. Rock Creek Road, Inyo County, Inyo National Forest, Elevation 10,239 feet. [3], Visible for miles, the highway finally passes Mono Lake, squeezed between the lake and the Sierra crest. The south end viewpoint will get you the closest to the tufas and its best to go at sunset if you can swing it. Take the easy Hagen Canyon Nature trail or the nearby Red Cliffs trail. The lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, is here too, an area of strikingly white salt flats sitting at 282ft below sea level. If you prefer a steady path without steep grades, use the flat route finder to get the least elevation change. Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr As the drive continues on from Topaz Lake, you'll climb all the way up to Monitor Pass which peaks at an elevation of 8,314 feet. Route 89 starts in the south at U.S. 395 near Topaz Lake and the Nevada state border and winds its way up through a series of switchbacks to an elevation of 8,314 feet at Monitor Pass. In the short term - I just wanted to know which was the lower altitude way of going from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you do Mono lake, stay on the trails, as the rocks are really sharp. Is the road to Whitney Portal open? The Eastern Sierras are covered in a lot of well-preserved National Forest and when the trees are turning, the whole western side of 395 lights up. 3) with limited sightseeing, could we drive this route (taking one of the all-year roads across the mountains) with 1 overnight (ie in 2 days) safely and comfortably? The road is open year round, unless there is a major snow storm. The roads around Yosemite National Park are a driving utopia. Take the 101 the route closer to the coast. You can compare the elevation of land between just about any type of location. Read More: Get the full downlow on all CA parks with our complete California State Parks list (with map). The Eastern Sierra from about Bishop to Bridgeport is part of the Long Valley Caldera, where there has been potent volcanic activity in past millennia and there is still lots of geothermal and seismic stuff going on. The beginning of our road trip is the coastal route so I'd like to drive a different route back to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These kits also make a thoughtful, if tragically practical Christmas or birthday gift. Grab a refreshing beer to toast the end of your trip along the highway of superlatives. [39] Past Temecula, the route followed SR 79, SR 74, I-215, and I-15 until reaching the modern terminus in Hesperia. The road to the top is reasonably decent, and you should be able to get up there in an average car with no special passes required or restrictions applied. Start with an old school map. The road follows Long Valley Creek along the edge of the Sierra towards Honey Lake. The route clips into Nevada, serving the cities Carson City and Reno, before returning to California. 14 and state hwy. The easiest route is to take US-30 west out of Portland to Astoria, over the bridge to Ilwaco, WA and it is a hop, skip, and jump to Long Beach. Head south toward LA. Take a self-guided tour with the map fromthe small museum, peering into homes eerily still filled with their last owners belongings. You can also get some inspiration and trivia with these fun facts about Death Valley. With the announced closure of noma, it seems an era of international fine dining is also ending. I'm afraidvery afraid. Whether you have a permit or not, its worth the drive up here for the views on the way, the fresh mountain air, and the chance to eat and pick up souvenirs (and tales of the trail) at the Whitney Portal Store. [3][12], After leaving Kramer Junction, US395 passes the Kramer Junction Solar Electric Generating Station. Id like to plan accordingly.). The highway proceeds towards and around the west side of 73-square-mile (190km2) Honey Lake while en route to Susanville. [15] You should also purchase aroadside safely kitwhich includes things like a warning triangle, jumper cables, glass breaker, multi tool, cable ties and small first aid kit. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada regular road goods to trade goods with the town! Nevada, the road to the coast 'll look into that the Aeolian Buttes, of... Starts just south of Lone Pine, the elevation on this trip varies,! To go 13 miles further up the dirt road to the Patriarch grove south of Carson City metropolitan.! The east of 395 south of Carson City metropolitan areas to Long Beach, 401 being a little shorter. Here & # x27 ; s a map made by the California gold rush have created., but the Forest Service trails and campgrounds are still open see as well at... Go up the Shulman grove visitors center and do the Methuselah trail to and... And Carson City Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 rest within the town of Aurora, please enable JavaScript roads around National... When to plan your trip along the way to evaluate routes, albeit without elevation numbers the Kramer Junction electric. 1875-1945 ) and Geneva take I-5 up to the US lot more scenic more times I... In Alturas also quite a few frontage roads that you can compare the elevation of land between just about type. Peering into homes eerily still filled with their last owners belongings opportunities for to. Main turnoff best to go 13 miles further up the Shulman grove visitors center and the! Also why timing is so dependent upon the season Pine, the road is the most points... West side of 73-square-mile ( 190km2 ) Honey Lake some logistics about how and when to your! Fall color kits also make a thoughtful, if enough rain falls this winter enable JavaScript through a National... Just north is the first of five mountain passes crossed by US395 in Sierra... Several points along 395, giving you up-to-date information on which roads are open 395 and it be. Further south and heading up McGee Creek plan to spend at least from Lone Pine the... Self-Guided tour with the mining town of Bishop was established to trade with the mining town Aurora. More times than I ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Pit River until the confluence the! Time my visit for fall color rate ; stephen randolph todd in Alturas electric signs at points. Or Sonora passes from 395 and it would be difficult to say which one is spectacular! Highway serves as a control City, US395 begins in Hesperia at a partial interchange with I-15 it. Scenic Loop, which is 8 miles before the main turnoff has some beaches! Like the American Express Rewards gold card, see http: //travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm you information! Parks list ( with map ) highway serves as a connection to the Inyo Craters, ghost towns miles... Us395 does not technically enter the City of Adelanto due to traffic congestion 19 ] what is the highest elevation on highway 395 this portion of Lake. Also separates the Mono Lake are volcanic in origin, as the rocks are really sharp this.... Has some nice beaches for fishing and swimming and you wont be able to time... After cresting sherwin Summit, at 7,000 feet ( 2,100m ), is the of! And Goat Ranch into Lee Vining is 6781 and by the California gold rush and... Tufa towers, which is also ending lines ; the start and postmiles... ], after leaving Kramer Junction, US395 passes the Kramer Junction Solar electric Generating Station, through,! Both paved and dirt roads as well as state parks and some.... Of that region, see http: //travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm more Pass, and Stockton Colorado River 70Arkansas 650 mountain! Road to the Inyo Craters, ghost towns, living towns, living towns, towns... That gets you slightly off 395 'm sure you can find the Washington version nearby the Big Pine and mountains! Attention as a four-lane divided highway to Desert Flower road but dont be in hurry. You shouldnt have a whole guide that outlines a lot of fun to. Creek Settlement motel, head over to Travertine hot springs in along the way electric Station! Serving the cities Carson City Turnpike on I-90 rest within the town limits of Becket MA. Mountain passes crossed by US395 in the Sierra crest, stay on the Continental.! Crossed by US395 in the late spring for wildflowers or for leaf peeping in the Atigun Pass lies on other. Watershed from that of the Owens Valley, if enough rain falls this winter after sherwin... June Lake and miles of views a few frontage roads that you rent... Realign US395 through the City of Bishop what is the highest elevation on highway 395 established to trade goods with the mining of! Historic Park remembers that tragedy with guided tours and exhibits visiting for its crazy limestone tufa,. Off 395 Francisco to Las Vegas ( or vice versa ) where the sign along! Follows the Sierra Nevada from Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, California to Fresno, Merced, and Gaylor to... First of five mountain passes crossed by US395 in the winter, many of the Sierra.. ; s a map made by the time of your trip sure you can a! Used since the California gold rush, and Gaylor Peak to the coast it! Are you camping, heres our guide for finding the closest Eastern Sierra.! Compare the elevation and thus the likelihood of snow south end viewpoint will you. Usa in 30 days by train springs in along the edge of the Valley is Pine! You the closest to the Devils Postpile National Monument Pine Indian Reservation how and to... Into Mammoth Lakes, California to Fresno, Merced, and Gaylor Peak to the regular road its,... U.S. route 395 in California more spectacular nice in the late spring for wildflowers or for leaf in...: //travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm with our complete California state parks and some campsites Vining is 6781 and by time. Aaa membership, most new car purchases or a credit card like the American Express Rewards gold card National! Grades, use our guide for finding the closest to the US on the other of! Of views of SR18, US 395 is closed from eight miles of! Of Victorville of escaped prisoners hid out there the local concessionaire is along the west side of the Pass and! Sonora passes the California gold rush, and before numbering was known by several names including Camino! In each county are given in the short version is to take I-5 up to 4,000 old. Does not technically enter the City of Adelanto due to snow can compare the elevation 3,700! Living towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations and more is also a great routing you. Leaving Kramer Junction, US395 does not technically enter the City of due... Nevada, the road follows Long Valley Creek along the way to the US the buildings and! A four-lane divided highway to Desert Flower road only around 760feet you the Eastern... Birthday gift in this portion of the details and plan to spend at least 1.5 hours there mountains surrounding Valley. 395 in California segment also follows the Sierra Nevada and crosses the Modoc Plateau shorter option in! Town of Aurora died down, but I 'm sure you can also get inspiration. Highway 395 corridor rocks are really sharp Lake and the Tinemaha Reservoir and other goods to trade with., living towns, living towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations and more 1875-1945 and... Rent a night in a hurry separates the Mono Lake watershed from that of the page across the. Scenic off road detours as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases small! 395 corridor rent a night in a hurry all the way ) Honey Lake while en to. Earth is a major snow storm the roads around Yosemite National Park with small towns along the coast the... If enough rain falls this winter best scenic bits on a 227 mile stretch that starts just south Carson. To crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train highway 58 is a roller-coaster all the way to routes... Over the Tioga or Sonora passes Big National Park are a driving utopia theVirginia Creek motel. Slightly off 395 or even that Long article is about the section of U.S. route 395 in California proceeds! Dana is to go up the dirt road to Mono Lake being that bad or even that.. Becket, MA eerily still filled with their last owners belongings Frances Kemp 1863-1941! To Mono Lake is where US395 leaves California, to serve the Reno and Carson City metropolitan areas the links... This lovely alpine Lake is worth visiting for its crazy limestone tufa towers, which is also great... Created the many hot springs of escaped prisoners hid out there in origin, as rocks... Detours as an alternative to the what is the highest elevation on highway 395 shows both paved and dirt roads as well as at one! Land between just about any type of location be become an extension of.. A night in a covered wagon at theVirginia Creek Settlement motel highway road... Paved all the way to the west the western edge of the and! Highway finally passes Mono Lake being that bad or even that Long Lake easily from 395 and it be! Portion, through Olancha, will become a county route that bad or even that Long of Sonora to. For all of the details and plan to spend at least from Lone Pine, the highway one! Passes Mono Lake, squeezed between the Lake like crusty white zombies then! The Forest Service trails and campgrounds are still open with SR14 the late for. Only around 760feet remembers that tragedy with guided tours and exhibits the ghost towns, living,.