California Highway 395 RoadtripDriving the Owens River Valley to Mammoth or beyond? Here's a hit list through the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada 🚗🏔️Authorsdavereddick
DestinationsCaliforniaItinerary

Lone Pine

Alabama Hills
First stop to camp along the way. You've seen it in all the commercials. Sandstone hill formations in the foreground, epic snow covered peaks in the background. Drive back in there and find a little nook to yourself but, as always, leave it better than you found it 😁
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Whitney Portal
The gateway to the tallest mountain in the lower 48. Beautiful little zone worth checking out including amenities.
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Big Pine Lakes
The lakes throughout this region of the Sierra are practically endless. Here's an intro to a few and this out and back can be as far as you want to take it. Prepare for incredible lakes and endless mountain views.
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Cerro Gordo Mines
An old mining town that's being resurrected since 2018. New hotel currently under construction. Worth a visit but bring a sturdy vehicle and friendly demeanor 😊 https://www.instagram.com/cerro.gordo.ca/?hl=en
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Museum of Western Film History
Right along the 395 (like many of these recs!) Worth a quick pop in.
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Frosty Chalet
Ice cream in the high desert?
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Native Trading Post
Always in support of the indiginous people and culture.
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Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery
Unassuming roadside cafe with great espresso and baked goods serving yummy breakfast and lunch.
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Big Pine

Copper Top BBQ
The fact that this place exists in the tiny town of Big Pine is a miracle for BBQ lovers. If meat isn't your thing, grab a lemonade or iced tea and take in the great views of the Eastern Sierra.
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Keough's Hot Springs
Includes tent cabins, camping and RV sites. Established hot spring is just a bonus!
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Lon Chaney’s cabin
Cool piece of history and a good little hiking mission. Permanently boarded up but still interesting to learn a bit more about one of America's more interesting actors.
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Independence

The Lemon Food Truck
Fresh and tasty food and drinks. Definitely worth a quick stop.
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Cowboy Coffee
Great pit stop just a couple blocks off the highway. Rustic charm and friendly, local vibes.
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Bishop

Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center
Keep learning more about this land's indiginous people and culture!
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Erick Schat's Bakkerÿ
It's just the best. Sandwiches, baked goods, pickled peppers and sauces, ice cream, and much more. Expect a line out the door but a must stop for lunch and a bag of goods to go.
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Bishop Golf Club
Right on the 395 coming into Bishop. If you golf at all, you'll be very tempted to stop here and play. The views alone are worth it.
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Methuselah (Tree), White Mountains, Inyo
Definite detour for this one but if you haven't stood aside a Bristlecone Pine, this one is a 4,855-year-old growing high in the White Mountains. It is recognized as the oldest confirmed age tree in the world.
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Mammoth

Tamarack Lodge & Resort
Great stay. Quiet, pretty and reasonably priced.
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Mammoth Mountain
Some of the best lift served terrain in California and beyond. Known for winter season shredding but summertime adventure opportunities abound.
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Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe
Great local spot for morning sustenance. Excellent chai tea and breakfast burritos wrapped and ready to go.
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The Stove
Another simple, no frills breakfast spot. Seems like it's been here forever.
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Shelter Distilling
In the heart of the village for great craft drinks and comfort food.
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Rainbow Falls
So close, so beautiful. Gets busy because of that but definitely worth a peek.
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Convict Lake
Absolutely gorgeous lake basin with Mt Morrison towering above. Excellent camping and cabins. many great hiking options from here but the easy 3-mile circumnavigation of the lake is a good place to begin. Boat and kayak rentals as well.
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The Restaurant at Convict Lake
One of the finest restaurants you'll find in the Eastern Sierra. Incredible food and gorgeous setting.
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Twin Lakes
If you were able to book a room at Tamarack, you're already here! Otherwise, it's super close and worth taking a minute to relax by the shore for a bit.
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Wild Willy's Hot Spring
A better known of many lesser known hot springs throughout the region but well kept and managed can be a good thing.
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June Lake Loop
Just beyond Mammoth is the quiter town of June with it's own ski area and series of lakes. This drive is beautiful and will get you acquainted with what lies just the other side of Mammoth.
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Mammoth Lakes Beginner Climbing Class
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