Your go-to guide for the ultimate Highway 395 road trip!
Highway 395 is one of California's most iconic drives. It parallels the Eastern Sierra and offers access to incredible hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and unforgettable outdoor adventures, making it the ultimate California road trip.
Many of the stops on this list are reachable by car or involve only a short hike. For more hiking inspiration in the Eastern Sierra, check out my blog post on the best alpine lake hikes in California’s Eastern Sierra.
Here are 15 must-see stops along Highway 395, starting in Lone Pine and heading north toward Reno.
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1. Alabama Hills
With its convenient location off Highway 395, Alabama Hills is a must-stop when exploring the Eastern Sierra.
Just outside Lone Pine, this unique area features rounded rock formations set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada. Known for its dark skies, it’s a favorite among astrophotographers. Two of the best photo spots in Alabama Hills are the Mobius Arch and Movie Road.
2. Lake Sabrina
Continuing north on Highway 395, Lake Sabrina is a stunning alpine lake at the end of Route 168 in Bishop. The drive along Route 168 is incredibly scenic, with prime views of the surrounding mountains. Lake Sabrina serves as the trailhead to some gorgeous backcountry hikes, including Blue Lake and Hungry Packer Lake.
3. North Lake
Located just north of Bishop, North Lake is a must-see stop on your Highway 395 road trip. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks and forests, with aspens lining the narrow road leading to it, which is especially beautiful in fall.
4. Convict Lake
Just 10 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake is surrounded by dramatic mountains and features crystal-clear water. A 2.5-mile trail circles the lake, offering lovely views the whole way. There’s also a convenient boat launch, making Convict Lake one of the best spots for paddleboarding and kayaking in the Eastern Sierra.
5. Hot Creek Geologic Site
Located about 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes is an area of active geothermal springs known as Hot Creek. The site is easily accessible, about 3 miles down Hot Creek Hatchery Road off HWY 395, and is free to visit.
From the parking area, you can walk down the Hot Creek Interpretive Trail, a short path that takes you along the creek bed. Several signs along the trail warn visitors to stay away from the scalding hot water and unstable terrain.
Tip: Just past the main parking area is an overlook called Brees Lookout, which has a perfectly lined-up view of the meandering creek and the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range.
6. Benton Crossing Road
Right off Highway 395, near Mammoth Lakes, is Benton Crossing Road. Benton Crossing is particularly scenic because it has a spectacular view of the Sierra Mountains. It also leads to several well-known hot springs near Mammoth Lakes including Wild Willy's and Hilltop Hot Springs.
7. Mammoth Lakes Basin
Just north of Benton Crossing, Mammoth Lakes Basin is a top stop on Highway 395. There’s so much to see in Mammoth, it really deserves its own post. Surrounded by magnificent granite peaks, the area offers year-round outdoor activities. In the summer be sure to check out Rainbow Falls and Twin Falls Overlook.
8. June Lake Loop
Located in Mono County, June Lake Loop is a scenic 14-mile detour off Highway 395. The loop passes four beautiful lakes—June, Gull, Silver, and Grant—and is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply taking in the views. It’s also one of the best places in the Eastern Sierra to see fall colors.
9. Silver Lake
It’s a tough call, but Silver Lake might be my favorite lake along the June Lake Loop, so I'm giving it its own spot on this list. It has incredible mountain views and some of the best fall colors along the loop. It’s also easily accessible, with a boat launch making it a convenient spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
10. Tioga Pass
Tioga Pass is the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park and a breathtaking drive. At over 9,900 feet, it’s the highest highway pass in California. Along the way, you’ll see alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and sparkling lakes. It’s seasonal, so check if it’s open before planning your trip.
11. Mono Lake
Mono Lake, located right off Highway 395 near Lee Vining, is a must-see for its unique tufa formations—towering limestone spires that rise dramatically from the water. The South Tufa area is the best spot to explore these otherworldly structures. Sunrise and sunset are especially popular times to photograph the lake.
12. Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes, just a 10-minute drive off Highway 395 near Bridgeport, consists of an upper and lower section and is easily accessible. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, the lakes offer spectacular scenery and are a popular spot for fishing. Cabin and boat rentals are available at the nearby Twin Lakes Resort.
13. Buckeye Hot Springs
Just north of Bridgeport, Buckeye Hot Springs is located along the banks of Buckeye Creek in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. To reach the springs, you'll have to take a dirt road (right off HWY 395) for about 3.5 miles. I’ve written a detailed post on visiting Buckeye Hot Springs, which you can read here.
14. Lake Tahoe
Next up is Lake Tahoe, where I’ve been lucky enough to call home for the last five years! Lake Tahoe is truly an outdoor lover’s dream. Whether you’re into hiking, paddleboarding, or skiing, it has it all. Be sure to check out Emerald Bay for jaw-dropping views or head to the east shore for some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see.
Like Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe is more than just a quick stop—you can spend years exploring all it has to offer. I’ve written plenty of blog posts on the best things to do in Lake Tahoe, so be sure to check them out here:
15. Reno
Last on the list and the only city mentioned is Reno! I lived in Reno for 6 months, and it’s such a fun, lively city. While it’s close to Lake Tahoe, Reno has a lot to offer on its own with fun bars, great restaurants, and, of course, the casinos.
Be sure to check out the Midtown district – it’s artsy and full of trendy cocktail spots. For the best panoramic view of the city with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background, take a drive up to University Ridge Park. For more on what to do in Reno, check out my Ultimate Reno Guide!
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best stops along HWY 395!
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