eastern sierra mountains

Eastern Sierra: An Amazing Road Trip from Yosemite to Death Valley on Hwy 395

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The Sierra Nevada is a vast treasure trove of noteworthy natural attractions. Certainly among the main places of interest, there also happen to be some of the most common Southwest road trips destinations, such as Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the lesser-known, Kings Canyon National Park. But much more awaits you among the majestic mountain peaks and dense forests of the Sierra Nevada.

In the eastern part of this mountain range, (Eastern Sierra) you will discover unforgettable scenery with some of the most breathtaking scenic roads in the United States, crystal clear lakes nestled in the mountains, exceptional natural beauty created by volcanic activity (hot springs, calderas…), fascinating Far West towns, and imposing mountains between 9,800 and 13,000 ft tall. Below you will find an itinerary that crosses the Sierra Nevada that will skirt its splendid snow-capped peaks and make you want to experience it with your eyes wide open.

Eastern Sierra: Why Visit This Area? When is the Best Time to Go?

The itinerary we are talking about today runs along US 395 and is practical for those going on West Coast itineraries that include Yosemite National Park and Death Valley (for example this 3 weeks Western USA road trip). Usually, after passing through Yosemite National Park via Tioga Road and stopping for an overnight stay, you start the descent along the Eastern Sierra to Death Valley. Those who are more determined will continue to Las Vegas, but most people decide to spend the night in the park or a city nearby (you can find all the information in our guide on how to find a hotel in the Death Valley area).

The route is long, which is why the Eastern Sierra is often crossed in a hurry, without giving time to the many attractions along the way. The purpose of this article is to make you aware of the points of interest in the region you will be traveling through, but it is up to you to decide what you want to prioritize and if you want to invest an extra day to do explore the area. Clearly, for the reasons mentioned above, it is very likely that you will find yourself crossing this area during the summer when Tioga Road is open and you can more easily reach the Eastern Sierra from Yosemite. For more details about Tioga Road and to find out when it is open, you can read our article about it.

Do you want to visit the Eastern Sierra in wintertime?

Other passes north of Tioga Road are also closed during the winter, but the California Department of Transportation tries to keep the following ones open all year round:

  • Donner Summit (Interstate 80, I-80)
  • Echo Summit (U.S. Route 50, US 50)
  • Carson Pass (State Route 88, SR 88)

The most convenient road to take is probably US 50, which starts from Sacramento and heads towards Lake Tahoe via Echo Summit.

What about US 395? This route should be open, and in any case you can check for road closures directly on this website.

Road Trip on Highway 395


The route runs from north to south (with a detour in the second leg) starting from Yosemite National Park, but it can also be traveled in the opposite direction.

Lee Vining

eastern sierra itinerary
Mono Lake

As you exit the East Gate of Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass Entrance), you will see the sublime view of Mono Lake, the main attraction of Lee Vining. The lake is striking because of its unusual tufa formations emerging from the water. You’ll start to notice the lake on the way down the mountain pass and there will be various points along the road to stop and take pictures, but I suggest that you visit the lake up close (and why not take a canoe trip?). Find all the details about the lake in our article about Mono Lake. The town offers some additional points of interest, although they cannot compare with the beauty of Mono Lake:

  • Lundy Canyon Trail: If you love hiking in the mountains, this trail from Lundy Lake to Lundy Falls is worth considering given the beautiful canyon landscapes. The trail to Lundy Falls is not particularly difficult and you can walk further and add an extra challenge by reaching Saddlebag Lake. The trailhead is located at the end of Lundy Lake Road.
  • Upside Down House: If you’re a fan of the bizarre attractions, you can pop over to this upside down house (including the interior). There are plenty of oddities around the world and if you’re a fan of these kinds of attractions, you’ll find another one in our guide to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The house is located at 129 Mattley Avenue, Lee Vining.

Accommodations in Lee Vining

Bridgeport (detour north)

bodie-ghost-town hwy 395
Bodie

Once you have explored Lee Vining, the most natural direction to take would be to descend south towards Mammoth Lakes, but in doing so you’ll miss a real treat, one of those stops that would be a real shame to give up. Instead, go north towards Bridgeport, a mountain town with a western Main Street. You won’t take US 395 all the way into Bridgeport; you will turn right on SR 270 to venture to Bodie State Historic Park, an authentic and perfectly preserved western town.

eastern sierra hot springs
Travertine Hot Springs

If you want to continue towards Bridgeport there is another interesting attraction about 5 minutes drive from the town. I am talking about Travertine Hot Spring, which is nestled in the mountains where you can have the unique experience of relaxing in a hot spring at a high altitude. There are several hot springs like this in the Eastern Sierra and the most impressive one is probably Hilltop Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes. Further north there is Lake Tahoe, one of the main attractions of the northern region, but the detour would take you way off course… it’ll be for another time.

Accommodations in Bridgeport

Mammoth Lakes

eastern sierra lakes
Crowley Lake Columns

Mammoth Lakes is the crown jewel of the Eastern Sierra; it is a renowned ski resort with plenty of accommodations and it is rich in natural wonders to explore on a drive or on a rejuvenating walk. Crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, calderas, volcanic craters, ancient geological sites, majestic peaks, and thermal springs all contribute to an amazing landscape.

Lovers of natural beauty will have a great time visiting Crowley Lake Columns and Devils Postpile National Monument. Those in search of lake landscapes should go on the June Lake Loop. Minaret Vista is the best way to get a quick look at all the major peaks in the area. Another characteristic of this area are the signs of volcanic activity, such as the chasm at Earthquake Fault, the bubbling, multicolored waters of the Hot Creek Geological Site, Inyo Craters, and Obsidian Dome, a volcanic dome. Also not to be overlooked is the enchanting Hilltop Hot Springs, which are also the most popular hot springs, which we have already mentioned. As you can see, the points of interest in this area are so many, so we decided to organize them in a guide to Mammoth Lakes.

Accommodations in Mammoth Lakes

Bishop

eastern sierra towns
Laws Railroad Museum

Bishop, situated 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Tioga Pass and 2 hours and 40 minutes from Death Valley, is one of the main cities in the Eastern Sierra and since it boasts a fair number of accommodation facilities, is frequently chosen by travelers  as their destination for an overnight stay.

The main attraction is definitely the Laws Railroad Museum (10 minutes away from the center of town), a replica of Laws, a western town that was once an important transportation hub in Owens Valley. In addition to the many restored buildings, you will find a large number of historic locomotives. It is highly recommended for fans of trains and of the Old West!

If you are searching for strange and bizarre attractions, you will find many in the extensive American territory, and Bishop is no exception. You can exit the city heading west on 168, turn onto Red Hill Road, turn right onto Ed Powers Road, and then left onto Tungsten City Road. After just over a mile, you will turn onto a dirt road on the right that will lead you to Pet Cemetery, which will make Stephen King lovers nostalgic. Finding the exact point on a GPS is not easy. Try entering these coordinates: N 37° 21.861 W 118° 29.519.

If bizarre places are what appeals to you, there are more points of interest for you to visit in this area. Gravity Hill, located about 7 miles west of Bishop on East Bishop Creek Road, just off of Route 168, is one of those mysterious sites where gravity seems to work in a very particular way… an optical illusion makes you perceive a descent as if it were an ascent until at a certain point, you get the feeling that the car is moving by itself. You don’t believe it? Take a look at the video below that was filmed with the car in neutral…

Accommodations in Bishop

Big Pine

Big Pine is a small town that serves as the ideal base to visit two beautiful natural attractions in the surrounding area. However, there are not many accommodations available in the town.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, located about 45 minutes from Big Pine and 1 hour from Bishop, is one of the most interesting attractions of the Eastern Sierra. In fact, this forest in the White Mountains in Inyo County has the oldest trees in the world, much older than the giant sequoias in the Western Sierra Nevada (which are found, for instance, in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks). Just think that the oldest tree, Methuselah, is over 4,700 years old. What makes these trees particularly interesting, besides their venerable age, is the intricate shape of their branches.

Palisade Glacier

eastern sierra hikes

In the John Muir Wilderness, the granite peaks of the Palisades (over 13,000 ft) rise above Palisade Glacier, the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada. The view is extraordinary, but the hike is as rewarding as it is challenging. The trail is 18.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 5,100 ft and the hike takes 2 days. Luckily, there is the option to complete only one part of it stopping at Second Lake (the recommended point to camp and to divide the hike), while enjoying a splendid panorama. In this case, you can get away with 1,968 ft of elevation gain and 12 miles of walking (round trip). This particular trail is one of the most popular ones in the area, so you need to ask for a permit well in advance. The trailhead is at Glacier Lodge, a 30-minute drive from Big Pine.

Accommodations in Big Pine

Independence

Independence is a small town exactly halfway between the East Entrance of Yosemite Park and Death Valley, nestled in a valley framed by majestic mountains. It is often used by travelers as a place to stop for the night, but in its surroundings there are two remarkable attractions:

Manzanar National Historic Site

Manzanar National monument

Manzanar National Historic Site, a 15-minute drive from Independence, is the most important historic site of interest in the entire Sierra Nevada. During World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States interned thousands of Japanese here and in other concentration camps. At this historic site, you can visit a number of buildings (some reconstructed, while some have maintained their original appearance) including containers, detention rooms, the mess hall and the camp cemetery. Over 10,000 people were imprisoned here, and the interesting exhibits highlight how the prisoners managed to create a strong sense of community among themselves under harsh circumstances. Manzanar National Historic Site is located 7.5 miles south of Independence. To get there, continue on US 395 and follow the signs.

Kearsarge Pass – Onion Valley

kearsarge-pass eastern sierra
Kearsarge Pass

Kearsarge Pass, located about 30 minutes west of Independence (taking Onion Valley Road), is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the entire Sierra Nevada. To reach it, however, you’ll have to work hard, since the trail is 8 miles long roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2625 ft. To get to the top, you’ll have to camp overnight (Flower Lake is the ideal spot) and apply for a permit.

Accommodations in Independence

Lone Pine

eastern sierra alabama hills
Alabama Hills with Sierra Nevada in the background

Lone Pine, a small town in a beautiful natural setting. Not surprisingly, it was used by Hollywood to shoot a lot of western movies. The city is the reference point for those who want to see Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States (14,500 ft). Climbing it is a feat reserved for very advanced hikers, but to enjoy it in all its majesty (is enough to make it worth it) you just need to exit from US 395 and head west on the Whitney Portal Road. You will see the rounded Alabama Hills contrasting the towering Mount Whitney in the background (see the cover picture of this article).

The whole area is worth exploring on the road and on the trails. In the Alabama Hills, there are several strange rock formations (and sometimes made even more bizarre by man, as in the case of Nightmare Rock), rock arches (Mobius Arch, for example) and movie sets (there is a route called Movie Road that you should visit if you are fond of Western movies). The Museum of Western Film History honors the connection of Hollywood and Lone Pine. In the museum, you’ll find many memorabilia of the movies shot in this area.

As you continue the journey towards Death Valley, you can make a small detour to Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, where you will find what remains of a Far West mining town. Before arriving at Cerro Gordo, you can make a stop at Owens Dry Lake, a lake that was mostly drained and where the exposed ground has unusual colors (surprisingly, in some areas it is bright red).

On the eastern side of the lake, where Highway 136 continues in the direction of Death Valley, you can stop at Owens Lake Plaza, explore the surroundings and read the signs that explain the origins and transformations of the lake.  Whether you make a stop or not, one of the best panoramic views of Owens Lake is from the western town of Cerro Gordo. Just before you get there, turn around and take a picture like this one:

Accommodations in Lone Pine


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti
lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

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