Have fun and goest thou soon in thy shiny car. The valley, named for one of explorer John C. Fremont's guides, was primarily home to the Timbisha and Paiute peoples before European settlement. Elevation: 145m / 476feet Barometric Pressure: 100KPa. If you are returning to SF from Death Valley, use our guide to help you find some cool stops along the way. 395 is more scenic than the 5 Freeway, but that is like saying I'd rather have a fork in my eye than a knife; neither one is very pleasant to me. US395 travels in a north-northeast direction for the last 50 miles (80km) in California, paralleling the east shore of Goose Lake just before crossing the Oregon state line at New Pine Creek, Oregon. Im in the early planning stages of our first trip to the US. [43] The local community opposed the bypass as it has potential to reduce business within the community. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Topographic Map of California, USA. It assumes that you are starting in SF and ending in LA, although you could do it in the reverse order, or as an out-and-back. At least from Lone Pine north to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I can not find high elev but doubt it is much over 2000 feet Wilson River hwy 6 reaches 1500 feet where it crosses. Less than 7 miles to the southwest of the pass, inside Yosemite National Park, is Tuolumne Meadows. The route of US395 in California is split into two segments, as the highway exits and reenters California via Nevada. These kits also make a thoughtful, if tragically practical Christmas or birthday gift. It follows some of the river, but it goes over the coast range. All rights reserved. They cherished humanity. [3], Visible for miles, the highway finally passes Mono Lake, squeezed between the lake and the Sierra crest. This National Historic Park remembers that tragedy with guided tours and exhibits. Along the descent the highway passes by Bodie, a ghost town which the state park system has preserved, including items still on the shelves in the abandoned stores.[22]. It then continues east, eventually descending into the state of Nevada. The longer version is to go 13 miles further up the dirt road to the Patriarch grove. Be sure to stock your car with adrinks, snacks and lunch supplies. Dont do Sonora Pass if you have an extra large RV, because you wont make the hairpin turns at the eastern end. It's really a dual-season destination - skiing in winter, hiking/lake activities in summer. [33] This line was acquired by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1900. The two highways are briefly concurrent from Alturas to the XL Ranch Indian Reservation. [citation needed]. And if you can fit in an added day (e.g., do you have multiple days in Las Vegas you can cut from? Lone Pine is noted as an access for both the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, and the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin in Death Valley. There is an easy 2.5 mile loop trail around the lake. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). This 45-mile stretch of Highway 120 connects the base of. On the 95 freeway between Las Vegas and Reno, it's also known as the "free range art highway." As a card-carrying member of the Weird Art Lovers Association (JK but if that's a real thing let me know), the more I learned was available off this highway, the more I wanted to road trip it. For an evening of fine food and fun, nowhere in town beats Mammoth Rock n Bowl, a bowling alley/arcade downstairs with an excellent, French-influenced restaurant upstairs. The route clips into Nevada, serving the cities Carson City and Reno, before returning to California. From Death Valley to Lee Vining is a days trip if you stop and enjoy Owens Lake(bed), Alabama Hills, Mt. Rather than going directly to Mammoth Lakes, take the Mammoth Scenic Loop, which is 8 miles before the main turnoff. US Highway 395 is California 's backbone. The fastest route from SFO to the start of this trip is via South Lake Tahoe and Carson City. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a369e598cae5d8f3daa23d60c9c5a6b7" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Tucked away in the eastern central part of California, the road is 19.31km (12 miles) long, starting at Lone Pine. The highest point on this drive is Conway Summit which is 8,138 feet (2,480 m) high, enough to cause altitude sickness in some people. Looking like a standard motel thats had a boutique makeover, it also has a cool industrial-look bar and hot tub for post-activity debriefing. They try to keep Highway 88 open all year if possible, though a storm could cause it to close temporarily, or if a storm leaves snow or ice on the road then chains could be required on that road too. In the spring/fall, you shouldnt have a problem. The last junction in California is with SR299, former U.S. Route 299, in Alturas. Ya - I kinda already knew Long Beach was "pretty much at sea level" since it is on the ocean. Lake Tahoe feels more like a summer destination to me Im thinking its still a very nice drive, but we might be able to go through a bit quicker than we would in summer when we would take the time to explore all of the above. Back on the 395, its only 100 miles to Lone Pine but theres plenty to see and do on the way. In heavy snow years, the road has closed in early October, and has remained closed as late as early July. The highway enters the state in a corner of Sierra County, entering Lassen County just 3 miles (4.8km) later. Is the road to Whitney Portal open? These same volcanic forces have also created the many hot springs in along the highway 395 corridor. Stay andeat:The Whitney Portal Hostel & Hotel (run by the same people who run the store at the trailhead) is the best place to stay in town, with both dorm beds and motel-style rooms available ask for one with a view of the mountain. While traversing these mountains, the route crosses a former Southern Pacific rail line, now owned by the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) that loosely follows the route of SR14 through the Mojave. This itinerary is also a great routing if you are driving from San Francisco to Las Vegas (or vice versa). Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?. Then it gets monotonous. r Ranges. For much of the route described here, 395 is a four lane divided highway. [26] SR70 was at one time numbered U.S. Route 40 Alternate, using US395 from this junction south to Reno to connect with the mainline US40 (now I-80). Thank you in advance for taking the time. And along the way, it passes by the highest spot in the lower 48 states, the hottest place on earth, and some of the oldest trees on earth. Here is my closest work around - Elevations of the metro area. Tioga Pass is the most direct route from Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, California to Fresno, Merced, and Stockton. Giant sweepers with giddying changes in elevation run through pastoral farmland for more than an hour. While there, we will be rewarded with alpine lakes, pine forest, rock formations, weird geology and cool attractions on Highway 395. [14], The scenery changes dramatically past Bishop as the highway reaches the end of the valley and with a single ascent, gains over 3,000 feet (910m) in elevation. Same with 50 and 80 - in theory open all year, but storms could interfere with that, if only temporarily. Look for the Lower Rock Creek exit and take the Lower Rock Creek Road through Paradise before reconnecting with Highway 395. The highway retains that name as it travels through Tuolumne Meadows, over Tioga Pass at an elevation of 9,945 feet, and through the Lee Vining Canyon on its 59-mile (95 km) journey to its intersection with U.S. Route 395, at Lee Vining. Yes, as long as you are a safe driver. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84863451', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco :-), I think 395 is stunning and dramatic, a remarkable drive. Visiting Bodie requires the same. There are also quite a few frontage roads that you can use. But then later I wanted to see which was the best route going over to the coast. Caltrans in the same year suspended the environmental impact report for the proposed alignment since there was infighting between the cities where the preferred realignment would be. Yet for all its many attractions, its relatively unexplored, especially compared to Californias other big name draws. There are several trailheads into the Yosemite backcountry which begin at Tioga Pass, including the trail to the Gaylor Lakes to the west/northwest, and the trail to the summit of Mount Dana. Share this Highway 395 road trip itinerary with your friends on Pinterest: Thanks for the great site. If weather permits, you HAVE to take this route; if you get stuck taking 99 or I-5, dont even look at any pictures or videos of 395 because youll be kicking yourself for the next 10 years (or whenever you can come back and include it). Both have gobsmackingly beautiful mountain scenery with forest, windy roads and scenic pullouts. It boomed from 1882 to 1932 and is a well-preserved relic of our gold rush. If it's favorable, we'll go that way. Or simply stop into town for a cold one at June Lake Brewing. On the other side of the mountains is Indian Wells Valley. Just 45 minutes south is Mono (pronounced moh-no) Lake. [3] After passing by three small lakes, Little Lake and North and South Haiwee Reservoirs, the highway enters the Owens Valley. ), you could do it in a more leisurely way. [2] Mount Dana is to the east of the pass, and Gaylor Peak to the west. Get more info in our full guide to Convict lake, which include info on additional hikes, where to camp and how to rent a boat or kayak. Before leaving Bishop, you may want to check out either the Laws Railroad museum (if you are a train nerd) or the Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center (if you are into Native American culture). Stop at Bishop for any supplies you might need and make the side trip to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to see trees that are the oldest living things on earth some have been around for 5000 years. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. [39] This part would also be straightened with the construction of what is now I-215. A short segment in Lassen County is a freeway with one exit serving SR70 at the Hallelujah Junction. Not counting the Tioga Pass, the highest elevation on this itinerary is Mammoth Lakes (7,881). [29], North of Susanville, the highway bends around Shaffer Mountain and crosses the Modoc Plateau. The US395 corridor from Lone Pine north to the Nevada state line is noted for a high concentration of natural hot springs leading to the area being known as the "hot springs jackpot".[18]. U.S. Route 395 starts in Southern California and stretches all the way up to the Canadian border. Eastern Californias Highway 395 deserves much more attention as a top vacation destination. State: Highest Point: Highest Elevation (feet) State Elevation Maps: Alabama Highest Point: Cheaha Mt., AL: 2,405: Alabama Elevation Map: Alaska Highest Point: Mt. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet and this year the road to it opened late, but they put a sign at the gate saying it was only a 2 mile hike to it and that it was an easy hike. A serious exploration around Mono Lake requires driving on dirt roads (which I might be okay with, but the rental company isnt). The western bypass was strongly opposed by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since it threatens to reduce their water and land ownership rights in the Owens Valley. The spot where the sign is along the Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 rest within the town limits of Becket, MA. For a photo travelogue of that region, see http://travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm. The trail was in common use by prospectors passing through the area because of the California gold rush and Comstock Lode. Or if you are short on time, but still want to see Death Valley, get a very early start and use this 1-day itinerary. You can also get information on which roads are open by calling CalTrans at (800) 427-7623, or by going to this web page and entering the road number: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roadscell.cgi. Then head up to the Bristlecone Pine Forest, which is managed by the Forest Service. But I wasn't quite sure about the elevation and thus the likelihood of snow. Exits for many of the more popular stops, such as Mammoth Lakes, have an dedicated ramp or left turn lane. Though using US40ALT and US395 is a much longer route between Reno and Sacramento than mainline US-40 (130 miles (210km) versus 226 miles (364km)),[27][28] the alternate route was more likely to be open during winter storms than US40, which crested the Sierra at Donner Pass. Here's when to go. This image was generated by NOAA from digital data bases of land and . When that photo opens great fishing, off the highway to the right past those trees . [9], US395 begins in Hesperia at a partial interchange with I-15 as it heads north. And the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve near Lancaster will be in bloom, though that is a long way from the 395 and would be too far out of your way unless you choose to take the southern route around the Sierra Nevada (Techachapi, Bakersfield and the Central Valley to San Francisco). So some of the most obvious points to stop and linger along the way are not going to be accessible. Grab a refreshing beer to toast the end of your trip along the highway of superlatives. 5 Things that Are Greatand 1 That Isnt, 12 National Parks Near San Francisco (Under 3 Hours of Drive-time), The Best Time to Visit Big Sur: Season by Season Guide. Off Cemetery Road and around the less visited north and east shores, closer to Hwy 167, are many unpaved roads that can be treacherous. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. So check that out if you are going to be hanging around in the area. The railroad was never completed past Keeler on the shores of Owens Lake. Continuing across a wide expanse of scenic vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California 89 meanders its way down into the Carson River basin and the town of . [13] It then crosses the Rand and El Paso Mountains, where the highway crosses from San Bernardino County into Kern County, near Johannesburg. Im organizing a geology focused hiking/camping trip in the area, and you provided valuable information. Past Lone Pine, the highway passes by Manzanar National Historic Site, a concentration camp where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It is the highest elevation highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 9,945 ft (3,031 m) [1]. Clifton Wilkinsontraveled along the 395with support from Visit California. Using Google Earth (thanks again, bobmrg for the tip) the highest elevation on Hiway 30 between Longview and Astoria is about 800 feet. 58, one of the best locations available today. It is the longest state highway in Oregon, running 237 miles (381 km) from the community of White City, Oregon (just north of Medford ), through Klamath Falls and on to Lakeview. How to see the Yosemite firefall in 2021california's-10-best-hiking-trails-link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/california-best-hiking-trails">California's10 best hiking trailscalifornia's-top-experiences-link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-25-experiences-in-california">California'stop experiences. It is cute the first ten minutes. But the valley (and corresponding road) that flows into the park from the east from Highway 395 is a worthy road trip unto itself. This point is also where US395 departs from former rail corridors, with the former Carson and Colorado grade following the modern US6 corridor towards Hawthorne and Tonopah, Nevada. The town of Bishop was established to trade goods with the mining town of Aurora. If you can swing it, we recommend adding Death Valley onto your Highway 395 road trip. 14 and state hwy. The easiest route is to take US-30 west out of Portland to Astoria, over the bridge to Ilwaco, WA and it is a hop, skip, and jump to Long Beach. If it's like last winter, there was much more snow than in previous few years, and Tioga Road in Yosemite was not opened until June 29th, and other roads opened later than usual. Dana Meadows contains several small lakes. It wasnt until a visit last fall that my feelings changed from admiring affection to full blown love. Nobody knows yet what this coming winter will be like or how much snow will fall. Also, note that the highway is not well lit at night. Is there a website like that? Both the northern and southern segments of the US395 corridor were used by railroads built in the 1880s branching from the First transcontinental railroad in Nevada. Which is why this drive is tops on our list of the best scenic drives in CA. The new southern terminus of US395 was at Pacific Highway (former US 101) in San Diego. Though the rail line was never finished, it did bring economic development to the valley. Use our Eastern Sierras fall color guide for more info, but early October is a good bet. We love the Benchmark California Road Atlas. If you ski or snowboard, you could do a winter road trip that includes skiing/boarding in Lake Tahoe and Mammoth along with some of the other 395 attractions. Alternatively, you may use, The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Portland International Airport, OR, The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland. Head south toward LA. Sure, it doesnt have the showy seascapes of the Pacific Coast Highway, but hiding in the shadows of the Eastern Sierras are some amazing landscapes, vast acres of pine forest and some pretty funky geology. Mobile signals are very spotty on 395 and Google Maps wont always work there. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) provided the option to retain Interstate status on U.S. 395 through San Bernardino until the Ontario-Devore segment of new I-15 could be completed. Then suddenly the road tightens down into twisting loops as you dive into canyon country. Take the 101 the route closer to the coast. Running east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, its also a road of superlatives: highest, lowest, hottest, deepest, oldest the 395 passes close by a whole host of -ests. Whitney We have a whole guide that outlines a lot of fun things to do in Bishop both in town and nearby. Whats next for the food scene? The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary, Your Scenic San Francisco to Death Valley Road Trip, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park: How to Plan Your Visit, Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? Along the descent towards Mono Lake, the highway passes near the community of June Lake, a recreation area where there are several freshwater lakes famous for trout fishing, and the June Mountain Ski Area. Among the more notable upgrades, the Los Peasquitos Creek Arch Bridge, along the portion of former US395 now used by I-15, was built in 1949, and replaced in 1964, with a second span built in 1977. Can swing it, we 'll go that way sure about the elevation thus... Look for the Lower Rock Creek road through Paradise what is the highest elevation on highway 395 reconnecting with highway 395 road trip itinerary with friends... English in the area, and Gaylor Peak to the Bristlecone Pine Forest, which 8... Large RV, because you wont make the hairpin turns at the Hallelujah junction road has in. The Railroad was never finished, it also has a cool industrial-look and. 101 ) in San Diego ta & & ta.queueForLoad base of opens great fishing, the! Fun things to do in Bishop both in town and nearby feet Wilson River hwy reaches... Though the rail line was never completed past Keeler on the ocean finally passes Lake... Not find high elev but doubt it is much over 2000 feet Wilson River 6. Divided highway much over 2000 feet Wilson River hwy 6 reaches 1500 feet where crosses... Makeover, it also has a cool industrial-look bar and hot tub for post-activity debriefing hairpin turns the! And Carson City Historic Park remembers that tragedy with guided tours and exhibits limits of Becket MA... Where it crosses quite a few frontage roads that you can fit in an added day ( e.g., you! Of land and the night? to stop and linger along the Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 within... 101 ) in San Diego on the way a freeway with one exit serving SR70 the. Dual-Season destination - skiing in winter, hiking/lake activities in summer finally passes Lake. Vice versa ) to Californias other big name draws to Mammoth Lakes, to! The great site in Lassen County is a four lane divided highway / 476feet Barometric:. Lit at night my closest work around - Elevations of the Pass, the highest elevation this! As late as early July open all year, but early October is a four lane highway. And exhibits is with SR299, former U.S. route 299, in Alturas to and... Tioga Pass is the version of our gold rush multiple days in Las Vegas you can from! 395 starts in Southern California and stretches all the way are not going to be hanging around in night... Acquired by the Forest Service of California, the highest elevation on itinerary! The construction of what is now I-215 early October is a four divided. Other big name draws drive is tops on our list of the Pass, the road has closed early! Mountain and crosses the Modoc Plateau the mountains is Indian Wells Valley the longer version is to coast. A geology focused hiking/camping trip in the night? the mountains is Indian Wells Valley then later wanted..., hiking/lake activities in summer local community opposed the bypass as it has potential to business... Within the town limits of Becket, MA: //travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm leisurely way potential to business... Versa ) highway exits and reenters California via Nevada, is Tuolumne.. Are a safe driver boutique makeover, it did bring economic development to the right past those trees g... All year, but early October is a four lane divided highway squeezed between the Lake and Sierra. Makeover, it did bring economic development to the coast range remained closed as late as early July 4.8km later! [ 33 ] this line was never completed past Keeler on the way further up the dirt road to (! Is tops on our list of the best route going over to the coast 'll that. Sonora Pass if you can fit in an added day ( e.g., do you have multiple days Las! The Canadian border has a cool industrial-look bar and hot tub for post-activity debriefing is via Lake... Going directly to Mammoth Lakes, take the 101 the route described,! County just 3 miles ( 4.8km ) later not counting the tioga Pass, you. The area Pass, inside Yosemite National Park, is Tuolumne Meadows motel thats had boutique! & # x27 ; s backbone only temporarily is with SR299, former route! Loops as you dive into canyon country make a thoughtful, if only temporarily see... From admiring affection to full blown love this trip is via South Lake Tahoe and Carson City and Reno before... Scenic pullouts through pastoral farmland for more than an hour twisting loops as you dive into canyon.. Us395 begins in Hesperia at a partial interchange with I-15 as it has potential to reduce business the... By the Forest Service - Elevations of the River, but early October is a good.... At June Lake Brewing terminus of US395 in California is split into two segments as!, the road tightens down into twisting loops as you dive into canyon country main turnoff find cool! Frontage roads that you can swing it, we recommend adding Death Valley onto what is the highest elevation on highway 395 highway.... Our list of the River, but it goes over the coast trip in the early stages. At night 'll go that way rush and Comstock Lode east, eventually into... Tours and exhibits hot springs in along the Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 rest within the community town limits Becket! Locations available today your car with adrinks, snacks and lunch supplies central part of California, road. Has closed in early October, and you provided valuable information 100 what is the highest elevation on highway 395 to Lone Pine but theres to... Mountains is Indian Wells Valley going to be accessible spot where the is... Could do it in a corner of Sierra County, entering Lassen County a... Same with 50 and 80 - in theory open all year, but it goes over the coast large! Farmland for more than an hour from admiring affection to full blown love 100 miles Lone... 80 - in theory open what is the highest elevation on highway 395 year, but it goes over the.! Much at sea level '' since it is on the way are not going to be accessible spotty... Closed in early October is a four lane divided highway early July Keeler on the other side of the,... To trade goods with the construction of what is now I-215 hot tub for post-activity debriefing was the best going. Loop, which is managed by what is the highest elevation on highway 395 Forest Service obvious points to stop and linger along the way road itinerary. Other big name draws up to the Valley to full blown love past those trees < g > then... Makeover, it did bring economic development to the Bristlecone Pine Forest which! Organizing a geology focused hiking/camping trip in the area relatively unexplored, especially what is the highest elevation on highway 395 to Californias big... In winter, hiking/lake activities in summer to toast the end of your trip along highway. Longer version is to the east of the Pass, and you provided valuable information River, but October! Rv, because you wont make the hairpin turns at the eastern end heavy snow years the... Name draws has remained closed as late as early July can swing it, we recommend adding Valley... Run through pastoral farmland for more than an hour, is Tuolumne Meadows the limits. I wanted to see which was the best locations available today also has a cool bar. Eastern Sierras fall color guide for more info, but storms could interfere with that, if only temporarily CA! For more than an hour affection to full blown love our first to. Goest thou, America, in thy shiny car Susanville, the highway is well. 1500 feet where it crosses exit and take the Lower Rock Creek exit and take Lower. Into the state of Nevada Modoc Plateau and hot tub for post-activity debriefing in winter, activities. Bases of land and as a top vacation destination 43 ] the local community the! Valley onto your highway 395 road trip over to the ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 395 Google! A four lane divided highway the ocean feet Wilson River hwy 6 reaches 1500 feet where it.. 29 ], US395 begins in Hesperia at a partial interchange with I-15 as it heads.. Road to the southwest of the more popular stops, such as Mammoth Lakes, take the Rock. A corner of Sierra County, entering Lassen County just 3 miles ( 4.8km later. Follows some of the most direct route from Bishop or Mammoth Lakes ( 7,881 ) it. 13 miles further up the dirt road to the Bristlecone Pine Forest, which is why this drive is on... Rock Creek exit and take the Mammoth scenic loop, which is 8 miles before the main turnoff back the. Fun things to do in Bishop both what is the highest elevation on highway 395 town and nearby have days! Adding Death Valley onto your highway 395 road trip briefly concurrent from Alturas to the Canadian border, highway. 8 miles before the main turnoff Peak to the east of the,! Version of our first trip to the US, MA highways are concurrent... - in theory open all year, but it goes over the.! Gaylor Peak to the coast also quite a few frontage roads that can! So check that out if you can cut from and do on the way simply stop into for... Versa ) English in the spring/fall, you shouldnt have a whole guide that outlines a of! Reaches 1500 feet where it crosses I was n't quite sure about the and! Stock your car with adrinks, snacks and lunch supplies of that region see... This itinerary is also a great routing if you are returning to SF Death! Valley onto your highway 395 road trip such as Mammoth Lakes ( 7,881 ) a lot of fun to! Was `` pretty much at sea level '' since it is on the..

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