Road Trip Guide · California · Eastern Sierra

Highway 395 Road Trip: The Eastern Sierra from Lake Tahoe to Mammoth to Lone Pine

About 400 miles under the Sierra's east face, planned by season, with the pass closures and exits to Yosemite or Death Valley.

4 min readCarson City → Lone Pine, CaliforniaUpdated October 2026

US-395 runs along the east face of the Sierra Nevada with 14,000-foot peaks on one side and the Great Basin on the other. Most of the best stops are within ten minutes of the road, which makes a highway 395 road trip one of the easiest big scenic drives in the West to plan.

What most guides miss: the cross-Sierra passes into Yosemite and the central Sierra close in winter, so a July route cannot be repeated in January. Decide your season first, then your direction, then your stops.

The Route at a Glance, North to South

Carson City to Lone Pine is about 400 miles and 7 to 8 hours without stops. Plan five days.

Lake Tahoe to Bridgeport and Bodie

~90 mi

Drive south from Carson City and turn off for Bodie State Historic Park, a ghost town preserved in a state of arrested decay.

Overnight: Bridgeport or Lee Vining

Mono Lake and Lee Vining

~30 mi

Walk among the tufa towers at South Tufa, then take the Tioga Road viewpoint if the pass is open.

Overnight: Lee Vining or June Lake

June Lake Loop and Mammoth Lakes

~35 mi

The June Lake Loop is a short side road with lakes and aspens. Continue to Mammoth Lakes for Devils Postpile and Convict Lake.

Overnight: Mammoth Lakes

Hot Creek, Bishop and Alabama Hills

~90 mi

Stop at Hot Creek Geological Site, then Bishop, and end among the arches and boulders of the Alabama Hills.

Overnight: Bishop or Lone Pine

Lone Pine and Manzanar

~15 mi

Visit Manzanar National Historic Site, then exit south to Los Angeles, or east via Highway 190 into Death Valley.

Overnight: Lone Pine

Find hotels in Mammoth Lakes

Stops Worth Making

Bodie State Historic Park: the final stretch of road is unpaved; allow two hours.
Mono Lake South Tufa: best near sunrise and sunset.
June Lake Loop: a quick side trip with lakes and, in fall, aspens.
Devils Postpile: a shuttle runs in season from the Mammoth area.
Hot Creek Geological Site: check current rules; swimming has been restricted because of dangerous water temperatures.
Alabama Hills: free dispersed viewing and movie-set scenery with Mount Whitney behind.
Manzanar National Historic Site: a free, powerful stop on the history of the internment camps.

Browse Eastern Sierra tours

The Passes: What Is Open and When

Tioga Pass (Highway 120 into Yosemite), Sonora Pass (Highway 108) and Monitor Pass (Highway 89) all close in winter, typically from around November to late spring. Opening dates depend on snowfall.

Check Caltrans QuickMap before committing to a crossing, and carry chains in fall and spring. October storms can close Tioga early, so a fall-colors trip needs a plan B.

Season Guide: Summer, Fall and Winter

Summer

Alpine lakes, hiking and the busiest crowds around Mammoth. The best time for high-country access.

Fall

Aspen color around June Lake and McGee Creek, often late September to mid-October. Many people consider it the best time.

Winter

Mammoth skiing and quiet roads; Bodie is reachable only by ski or snowmobile and the cross-Sierra passes are closed.

395 has a dozen stops that matter and two seasons that change the route. TripsGalaxy.com builds your Eastern Sierra route and opens it in Google Maps.

Plan it free

Add-On Exits: Yosemite, Death Valley or Los Angeles

Yosemite: via Tioga Pass, in summer only.
Death Valley: via Highway 190 from the Lone Pine area, a good winter finish.
Los Angeles: straight south on US-395 and Highway 14, about 200 miles from Lone Pine.

Pro Tip

The glare off Mono Lake and Sierra snow is intense.

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Where to Stay: Bishop, Mammoth or Lone Pine

Bridgeport and Lee Vining: small, cheaper, close to Bodie and Mono Lake.
Mammoth Lakes: resort prices and the most options.
Bishop: central, mid-priced, with good dining.
Lone Pine: inexpensive and close to Alabama Hills and Whitney Portal.

Find hotels in Bishop

Common Questions

How long does it take to drive Highway 395 in California?+

The drive from Carson City to Lone Pine is about 400 miles and 7 to 8 hours without stops. Most travelers take 4 to 5 days to see the major stops.

What is the best time to drive Highway 395?+

Late September to mid-October offers aspen color and fewer crowds, while July and August are best for high-country access. Winter closes several cross-Sierra passes.

Is Tioga Pass open year-round?+

No. Tioga Pass on Highway 120 typically closes from November to late spring. Check Caltrans and NPS for current status.

What are the best stops on Highway 395?+

Bodie, Mono Lake, the June Lake Loop, Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek, Alabama Hills and Manzanar are among the most popular.

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