A Highway 395 Eastern Sierra road trip is a quintessential California adventure, offering a mix of dramatic mountain scenery, alpine lakes, desert landscapes, and charming small towns. Starting near the northern end around Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Bridgeport, and stretching south past Lone Pine or Bishop this route takes you along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, where jagged peaks tower above glacial lakes and high desert valleys. Along the way, you can explore iconic natural landmarks like Mount Whitney, the Alabama Hills, Mono Lake, Convict Lake, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, as well as lesser-known gems such as Treasure Lakes or South Lake. Each stop offers unique hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and panoramic viewpoints that are perfect for photography and soaking in the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Beyond the natural scenery, Highway 395 is dotted with quaint towns and local stops that give the trip its character. With minimal traffic, wide-open skies, and a combination of adventure and relaxation at every turn, a Highway 395 road trip is an unbeatable way to experience the Eastern Sierra’s natural beauty and small-town charm over several days—or even a week—of exploration.
KNOW BEFOREHAND
Nearest Airport: The closest airports would be Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), but we'd probably recommend starting in either the Bay Area airports, or Los Angeles.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Best time to go: The best time to do a Highway 395 Eastern Sierra road trip largely depends on what kind of weather, scenery, and activities you’re hoping to experience, but generally, late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most accessible and enjoyable conditions. During this period, snow has mostly melted from higher elevations, making the mountain passes, trailheads, and campgrounds fully accessible. Wildflowers bloom in late spring, especially in meadows and along roadside vistas, while summer brings long, warm days perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring lakes like South Lake or Convict Lake. By late summer, fall colors start to appear in aspen groves, particularly around Bishop Creek, Mammoth Lakes, and the June Lake Loop, creating stunning alpine panoramas.
Early summer (June) is ideal for avoiding the hottest desert temperatures while still enjoying full access to high-elevation trails and lakes. Some higher areas, like the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest or Mono Lake’s South Tufa, are generally accessible by mid to late May, depending on snowfall, and can be quieter before the peak summer crowds arrive. July through August is the warmest and most popular time for travelers, with nearly all campgrounds and roadside attractions open, but keep in mind that weekends may be busier, particularly around Mammoth Lakes and popular hiking spots.
Late September through early October offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra, making it a favorite time for photographers and those who enjoy quieter adventures. By mid-October, however, higher-elevation roads and campgrounds may start closing due to early snowfalls, and winter conditions can set in as early as late October or November, especially around passes like Tioga or near the White Mountains. Winter trips are possible at lower elevations, such as Bishop, Lone Pine, and the Alabama Hills, but snow and icy roads often limit access to alpine trails, lakes, and higher campgrounds. Overall, planning your trip between late spring and early fall ensures the best combination of accessibility, scenery, and outdoor activity options.
Transportation: Since this is a road trip itinerary, a car or camper/rv will be needed. We've compiled this itinerary to start at one end of Hwy 395, and end at the other. So if you're flying in for this trip, you'd either need to fly out of a different airport than the one you flew in to, or have an extensive day of driving at the end of your trip to make your way back to the airport. For example, fly in to SFO, do the road trip north to south, and then fly out of LAX.
OVERVIEW
Total mileage: 400-600 miles (640-965km) not including to and from airport or home
Total drive-time: 7-8 hours
Estimated cost: $1,500-$2,500 (This estimate is largely based on the cost of accommodations, rental car, gas and meals. Outside of the accommodations and meals, most of the activities are free or low-cost. The largest factor will be accommodation. We hand picked these options as we feel they provide the most unique and fun experience. Staying at a campground will significantly decrease your overall cost, but will take away from the overall experience.
Accommodations:
We built this itinerary with a mix of both hotels and campgrounds. We'd strongly recommend doing a mix of both, which would require bringing camping gear. But if that is not feasible, there are hotel options included on most nights with the exception of the last, where you would need to find an accommodation to stay at in Lone Pine.
Food & Drinks
Most of the accommodations in this itinerary offer food and beverage options of some sort, but we did include some local cafes and restaurants that we felt warranted a visit. There are a couple of days where picking up snacks or food from Mammoth Lakes or Bishop might be needed.
