California is continuously ranked as one of the most beautiful US states, and it’s not hard to see why. From its miles of stunning coastline to the peaks of the Sierras, this vast and varied landscape continues to impress both first-time visitors and longtime residents. But beyond the beaches and big cities lies an entirely different side of the state — one shaped by desert basins, volcanic activity, glacial valleys, and historic mining towns where you may even come across a ghost or two.
Running along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada is a highway that offers access to all this and more. It’s a place where visitors can travel between gorgeous alpine lakes, expansive deserts, and forests with trees older than Gandalf. This part of California is often overlooked for its Pacific coast counterpart, yet it’s one of the west’s most geologically diverse and historically rich regions. California’s Route 395, a north-south highway that stretches more than 550 miles from the Mojave Desert to the Oregon Border, is more than just a scenic drive. This route connects some of the state’s most interesting places: ancient lakes, geothermal hot springs, quiet mountain towns, and access to Yosemite, Tahoe, and Death Valley.
For travelers seeking a different California — one that trades bustling coastal cities for wide-open sky and rugged terrain — you’ve come to the right place. Whether exploring a historic ghost town, hiking in the shadow of California’s tallest peaks, or cooling off in a crystalline lake, the route provides constant opportunities to take the beauty this state has to offer. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip or visits to specific destinations, traveling this road offers an in-depth look at a side of California few people see, but many remember.
Lone Pine and Alabama Hills
Whether you begin your trip from the north or south will determine your first destination. Those starting in the south will begin their journey along Route 395 in the Owens Valley near Lone Pine, a small town set dramatically between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains. Just west sits the tallest peak in the lower 48 states — Mount Whitney, a mountain everyone should try to see in their lifetime. Even if you’re not planning to tackle the summit, the drive up Whitney Portal Road provides striking views of alpine forests, granite cliffs, and seasonal waterfalls. From there, easy trails and picnic areas allow visitors to enjoy the scenery without needing a climbing permit.
To the east of Mount Whitney and a short drive outside of Lone Pine lies the Alabama Hills, an otherworldly collection of giant boulders, natural arches, and desert flora. Made famous by being the backdrop for countless Hollywood films like “Iron Man” and “Django Unchained,” this area draws not only filmmakers but also hikers, photographers, and campers seeking stunning scenery, solitude, and incredible rock formations shaped over millions of years. Within, visitors will find numerous photo spots, including the popular Mobius Arch (accessible via the .6 mile Mobious Arch Loop Trail), a natural rock arch framing Mount Whitney in the distance. Back in town, visitors interested in learning more about the more than 400 films shot nearby can go explore the Museum of Western Film History.
A short drive north of Lone Pine sits the Manzanar National Historical Site, formerly a Japanese Internment camp during World War II. Today, visitors can walk through restored barracks, visit the cemetery, and learn more about the happenings of this tragic site at the visitors center.
Bishop and Keough’s Hot Springs
Mammoth Lakes and The Devils Postpile National Monument
The next major stop travelers should make along the highway is Mammoth Lakes, a resort town that offers year-round fun. In winter, the town transforms into a bustling ski resort. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area features hundreds of runs and lifts, making it a top destination for those looking to have fun on the slopes. In warmer months, Mammoth becomes a base for camping, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and other lake activities. Located just above Mammoth is the Lake Basin, including beautiful alpine lakes like Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, and Lake George — all accessible via short hikes or scenic drives.
About 25 minutes west of town sits a unique natural attraction, the Devils Postpile National Monument. This geological marvel wows visitors with its perfectly formed basalt columns created by lava flows thousands of years ago. The monument, along with the beautiful trail to Rainbow Falls (a stunning waterfall plunging 101 feet into the San Joaquin River), is accessible to visitors via a shuttle during peak season. Also located nearby is the Hot Creek Geological Site, where a rushing creek cuts through a field of geothermal activity, creating steaming vents and bubbling pools set against a towering mountain background. Swimming here is no longer permitted; however, the views from the boardwalk and overlooks make this a worthwhile stop.
The Mammoth region is part of the Long Valley Caldera, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, and it’s easy to see evidence of that geologic activity in the region’s terrain and natural hot springs. Mammoth is more than a resort — it’s a vibrant town surrounded by some of the most interesting and diverse natural landscapes along the highway.
Mono Lake, Yosemite, and Bodie State Historic Park
From Mammoth, visitors can continue along Route 395 towards one of North America’s oldest lakes, Mono Lake. The lake’s most famous feature is its tufa towers — otherworldly limestone spires lining the lake. The South Tufa Area allows easy access to these formations via boardwalks and interpretive trails, and the reflections of the sun’s light at different hours of the day are every photographer’s dream. The lake’s exuberant salt levels also create a buoyant and enjoyable swimming experience.
Before continuing north, consider a slight detour westward towards Yosemite National Park, especially during the summer and early fall when the stunning Tioga Pass (Highway 120) is open. This beautiful road cuts across the Sierra Nevada, offering an entirely different view of Yosemite than the busier valley entrances. This high-altitude route leads into Tuolumne Meadows, a large expanse of granite domes, alpine lakes, and winding rivers. Although Yosemite itself is a can’t-miss destination, this area is quieter and more expansive than its famous counterpart, and offers travelers access to beautiful hikes like Flen Aulin, Cathedral Lakes, and Lembert Dome.
Back on the highway, another worthy detour takes visitors into the past. A rugged, partially unpaved road winds its way towards Bodie State Historic Park, one of the American West’s most authentic ghost towns. At its peak in the late-1800s, Bodie was a booming mining town with numerous saloons, gambling halls, and a rowdy reputation. The town is now frozen in time, offering visitors an authentic look into frontier life. Decaying homes and a general store line dusty roads, while a schoolhouse sits hauntingly nearby. The park’s buildings have been stabilized but not restored, giving Bodie an unmistakable sense of authenticity.
Bridgeport, Lake Tahoe and Modoc National Forest
Leaving Bodie and its ghosts in the past, Highway 395 winds north towards Bridgeport, a quiet ranching town nestled in a high mountain valley surrounded by towering peaks and wide-open meadows. The town is best known as a base for those looking to fish the East Walker River and Twin Lakes for world-renowned trophy-sized trout. Just south of town sits the Travertine Hot Springs, a more primitive experience than the one found at Keoughs. Here, visitors will find a collection of natural, mineral-rich soaking pools tucked along a dirt road with panoramic valley views.
From here, the road takes you to the glittering Lake Tahoe. Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, and like Mammoth, a year-round destination for those seeking outdoor recreation. For those looking to enjoy a vacation with nonstop entertainment, check out Tahoe’s south shore, which has casinos, restaurants, and live entertainment. Those looking for a more laid-back, nature-focused vacation should visit the north and west shores. Whether wanting to kayak, ski, hike, or simply unwind, Tahoe is one of California’s premier mountain getaways.
For those who press even farther north, Route 395 eventually leaves the Sierra behind and enters the more remote northeastern corner of California, where Modoc National Forest awaits. This lesser-known region is home to volcanic plateaus, pine forests, and ancient lava flows, offering solitude and raw natural beauty in every direction. Covering more than 1.6 million acres, Modoc is a dream for adventurers, with miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, remote campgrounds, and wildlife ranging from pronghorn antelopes to black bears. It’s a fitting final chapter to a journey defined by contrast — an uncrowded wilderness that reminds travelers just how vast and varied the Golden State can be.
