7 Scenic California Road Trip Stops Along US-395
US Highway 395 is one of America’s best road trip routes, boasting some of the country’s greatest landscapes, landmarks, and natural wonders. Stretching 1,300 miles through Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada, driving the entire road would take you over 20 hours. However, like any good road trip, the layovers, pit stops, and excursions are essential to make your journey as exciting as possible.
Whether exploring a portion of this American road or planning a multi-day drive through the entire route, choosing where to stop is key. The highway is a gateway to some of the country’s coolest landmarks and prettiest natural attractions, from rare volcanic columns to postcard-perfect alpine lakes. But no matter how many you explore, each of these seven scenic road trip stops in the state of California are along US 395 and will help make your trip the best it can be.
Alabama Hills
Surreal as a Salvador Dali painting, the Alabama Hills are a striking addition to your US 395 road trip. While its name can cause confusion, this California landscape was titled after a Civil War ship, the CSS Alabama. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, its rounded rocks are a stark contrast to the crisp, glacially carved mountains soaring behind it. The unique landscape has been a prominent Hollywood film setting since 1920, featured in hundreds of films. Notable movies include "Iron Man," "Tremors," and "Django Unchained."
Contoured and smoothed by natural chemical weathering, the hills’ wonderful shapes are visible in landmarks like the Mobius Arch, which flawlessly frames distant Mt. Whitney. Spring is an especially stunning time to visit, when the area’s granitic soils are brightened with wildflowers. Hikers can reach this photogenic landform on the Mobius Arch Loop Trail, after driving Highway 395 to the town of Lone Pine. Depending on how long you want to explore, you can also discover notable landmarks and film sites like the Heart Arch and the Lone Ranger Ambush Point.
Convict Lake
For epic views without the trek, road trippers can drive right up to Convict Lake’s breathtaking waterfront. Backed by Sierra Nevada ranges like Mount Morrison, the lake is renowned for its picture-perfect scenery and bright blue waters. Like the Alabama Hills, the alpine landmark also raises eyebrows with its peculiar name, which hardly matches its serenity. Fortunately, its history of convicts is limited to a 19th-century stand-off, making it a blissful place to stretch your legs.
Trout fishing is a popular pastime at Convict Lake, whether angling from its rocky shoreline or paddling out by kayak rental from the Convict Lake Resort marina. If you're up for a hike after all, the area also offers a great range of trails. A three-mile loop surrounds the lake, ideal for an easygoing hike with gorgeous views. If you have more time or want to delve further, it is also a gateway to backcountry trails through the John Muir Wilderness, as well as the Convict Lake Overlook Trail. The latter is only accessible in the summer months, guiding hikers 700 feet above the water to a jaw-dropping viewpoint.
Crowley Lake Columns
This next landmark is not easily reached, but for those who love a challenge, it is well worth the journey. The Crowley Lake Columns are a geological anomaly, soaring up to 20 feet high above the eastern shore of Crowley Lake. At first glance, the stone pillars resemble ancient ruins, but the mysterious formations are entirely natural. Over 760,000 years ago, volcanic ash mixed with snowmelt, cementing together and forming the thousands of stone pillars that now rise along Crowley Lake’s eastern shore.
Getting to this natural wonder requires a bit of planning, but the extraordinary views are worth the effort. Turning off Highway 395, the Columns can be reached by four-wheel drive or a four-mile round-trip hike. Upon arrival, a steep sandy path will lead to Crowley Lake, enhanced with views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance. The showstopping Columns can then be explored by weaving through their arches and caves. Keep in mind, water levels only reveal the Columns from late fall through early spring, so plan accordingly.
June Lake Loop
For a more low-maintenance road trip detour, US 395 extends to the ethereal June Lake Loop. Open spring through fall, the 14-mile route is often described as the “Switzerland of California,” producing scenes fit for a postcard. With Carson Peak and June Mountain towering above its skyline, the road’s enchanting tableaus can be enjoyed right from your car. Still, all of its best views and experiences require a stop or two along the way.
The loop’s namesake lake makes for the perfect first stop. Spanning 320 acres, June Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the region. Boarded by the June Lake Marina, its boat launch, and a swim beach on its eastern edge, summer is an excellent time to experience all it has to offer. Nearby, the town of June Lake is also a charming place to recharge at cute cafes like Pino Pies. Afterward, the loop will carry you past other dazzling alpine waters, ending with Grant Lake, before your return to Highway 395.
Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls
The Devils Postpile National Monument is home to two natural wonders, making it a two-in-one road trip stop. Following US 395 to State Route 203, a mandatory shuttle bus brings travelers as far as it can go, followed by a one-mile round-trip hike. The Devils Postpile is the first sight to see, mesmerizing all who pass by. The rare geological formation features a wall of hexagonal pillars up to 60 feet high, formed roughly 100,000 years ago. Like the Crowley Lake Columns, its columnar jointing is a striking sight to behold.
The second stop on your monument adventure is a walk to Rainbow Falls. Make sure to pack water and wear good shoes, since the hike to the falls is 2.5 miles from the Postpile, one-way. But once you get there, its beauty will make you forget the trek altogether. Plunging 101 feet into the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, this marvelous cascade will be a highlight of your road trip. On sunny days, the waterfall’s mist brightens with rainbows, making summer the best time to stop by.
Mono Lake
Summer is also the best time to stop at Mono Lake, a serene body of water saltier than the ocean. Because Mono Lake is an endorheic basin, it receives water flow but lacks an outflow. Consequently, its waters are extremely salty, resulting in a unique ecosystem. Like other lakes along US 395, Mono is backed by the Sierra Nevada, which creates a gorgeous mirror effect. To see this beauty in action, Mono Lake County Park is just off the highway, making it a great place to stop and walk to the lakefront.
Continuing south along 395, travelers can also stop at the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. Its main point of interest is South Tufa, an area noted for its incredible rock towers, rising out of the water like a city of stone. Visitors can hike the South Tufa Interpretive Trail, then take a short trail connecting to Navy Beach. This is the best place to launch a kayak or take a short swim to experience Mono Lake’s famous buoyancy.
Hot Springs
Road trippers with cramped legs and sore backs can stop for a relaxing hot spring soak. Highway 395 is just a short drive from several thermal pools, each off of Benton Crossing Road. Keep in mind, the route to each hot spring is on a dirt path, so make sure your car can handle the detour. Also consider that the springs are clothing-optional, so if you prefer privacy, try to visit during the week when the pools are less busy.
Wild Willy’s is one of the most popular hot springs on this route, boasting two man-made sitting areas sturdied with cement. With the Sierra Nevada Mountains as your backdrop, it feels like sitting in a panoramic painting. However, it requires a bit of a hike and can get quite busy, so definitely avoid a weekend visit if you want to avoid crowds. Alternatively, for an easier-to-reach soak, the Hilltop Hot Spring is closer to Benton Crossing Road. It offers its own gorgeous 360-degree scenes and is quite a bit smaller, offering a more intimate experience.
US 395 Stops Too Incredible To Skip
From snow-capped mountains to awe-inspiring alpine lakes, Highway 395 is bordered by a mix of astonishing scenes you can enjoy right from your car. But to truly get the most out of your journey, these seven scenic road trip stops will showcase a splendor you can only experience off-road. Whether hiking through the Alabama Hills at sunset, snapping a family photo at Rainbow Falls, or taking a dip in Mono Lake, thrills will guide you through, and memories will follow you home.
