Our family has traveled on I395 for over 50 years and we are off again to revisit favorites and discover new treasures. Highway 395 is most often used to travel from Los Angeles to Mammoth or on the way to Reno in a day. However the entire route is filled with enough natural and human history to warrant a multi-day trip. You pass through desert, by lakes, below soaring peaks, and past ancient volcanoes. Whether traveling 395 on the way to ski in the winter, hike in the spring or summer, or to watch the leaves turn in the fall, we always something new to explore along the way. We've been known to head up and back on the 395 a few times a year!
Most people start this route heading north on the I15 that is accessed by many roads in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. Anyone from out of the area can even fly into Ontario International Airport (instead of LAX) and rent a car. There are actually 2 Holiday Inns next to the airport and another nearby at Ontario Mills Shopping Center! Even locals may want to stay here to get an early start and miss the LA traffic!
From here, follow the I15 north to Victorville, CA and the start of your journey after you go through the Cajon Pass.
There are obviously many good camping options along the way, but there are more civilized choices like the Holiday Inns in Bishop, Carson City, and Reno! We have learned to make reservations ahead of time on weekends. Lots of ideas on Roadtrippers. You can make this trip last as long as you want to with so much to do!
Sardine Lake Rd, Sierra City, California, United States
Fallen Leaf Campground, South Lake Tahoe, California, United States
The Mono County seat is in Bridgeport, which is the closest town to Bodie. There is a beautiful old courthouse, an old jail, and the museum. It's a short drive to the Twin Lakes area which is full of places to camp, fish, and hike. The resevoir has been very low the last few years.
Coleville, California, United States
Bridgeport is the usual turn around point for a California trip on I395. But there are two more towns to visit with a scenic drive along the river before you get to Nevada. Coleville and Walker both have camping nearby and small lodgings. There are a few places to eat too.
You must take this detour to see Bodie. It's got to be the best preserved gold mining town you'll ever see. My grandfather lived there in the early 1930's and it was already on its way to being deserted even though it was a huge city for awhile. The entire State Park is kept in a state of "arrested decay." There are no services other than the self guided tours and the ranger led walks. Bring your own food and drink and be aware it gets hot and dry at this barren altitude. However, you'll rarely see a more spectacular setting!
Conway Summit, California, United States
The Conway Summit has a breathtaking scenic overlook spot that allows you to look out on the entire world below. From the high peaks of the Sierras, over the Mono Lake Basin, to the White Mountains.
Mono Lake is like nothing you've ever seen. It changes with the light, the weather, the season. Mark Twain put it down for its saline features (it's very dangerous to go on this lake and too salty to swim) and harsh environs. But there's no denying the beauty. It is well worth the time to see the tufa and the famous flies up close. Look carefully and you'll discover why this is a premier birding destination.
We make many trips to the Mono Visitor Center when in town. Sometimes we just come to look at the lake. The Visitor Center is set on a point overlooking Mono Lake. It's a spectacular spot, and worth visiting for the sunset even when closed. Inside are informative displays on the lake and the local natives who still call this home. The saline lake has an incredible amount of life centered in and around it, from shrimp to raptors. The movies are great introductions to the geography, animals, and mining in the region. All are good. There's also an excellent bookstore. The ranger station is also here for information and permits.
"Upside Down House in Lee Vining"
Come see the upside down house and learn about the history of Lee Vining in this little museum next to a nice park.
We are obligated to get patty melts, ortega burgers, and ice cream at Mono Cone. Not the place for vegetarians, but this is the busiest place in town.
Bridgeport is the closest town to Bodie. It has the Jolly Cone and other small places to eat. It's where you can take off for the Twin Lakes area for more camping, fishing, hiking, etc. The reservoir has been very low in recent years.
The staff here helps visitors with information on lodgings and camping in the area. The Mono Lake Committee is more than a great bookstore, they also run tours and classes related to the general area, from canoe tours to bird watching to basket weaving. They also have computers for visitors to use.
You can continue on to the Holiday Inn in Carson City or the one in Reno! The I395 goes back into California much farther to the North. But that's another epic trip! You'll find plenty to keep you busy. We already have plans for new adventures on this route!