# Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie

> 3-day road trip of about 197 km (122 mi) with 8 stops, from Bishop to Bridgeport. About 2 h 11 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b17-mammoth-bodie/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 197 km (122 mi) with 8 stops, from Bishop to Bridgeport. About 2 h 11 min of driving in total. North on US-395 from Bishop to mountain lakes, a hot-spring gorge, basalt columns and California’s best-preserved gold-rush ghost town.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 197 km (122 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 11 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Bishop → Bridgeport |
| States | CA |
| Updated | May 30, 2026 |

## Route description

From Bishop, US-395 climbs Sherwin Grade to the Long Valley caldera. Convict Lake is two miles off the highway, below the banded cliffs of Mount Morrison, with a flat trail around the shore. A few miles on, Hot Creek Geological Site shows boiling springs bubbling into a cold creek; walk the path down but stay out of the water.

Mammoth Lakes is the main town of the Eastern Sierra, with fuel, supermarkets and many campgrounds. In summer, private vehicles are normally restricted on Reds Meadow Road and a shuttle runs from Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge to Devils Postpile National Monument; road reconstruction has also limited opening days, so check the schedule. Walk to the basalt columns in a few minutes, then continue about two and a half miles to Rainbow Falls.

North of Mammoth, leave US-395 for the June Lake Loop, a 16-mile scenic byway on SR-158 past four lakes below steep peaks. The loop is most colourful in early October when the aspens turn; the northern part may be closed in winter. Rejoin US-395 and pass Mono Lake and Lee Vining, the gateway to Yosemite’s Tioga Road.

Before Bridgeport, turn east on SR-270 for Bodie State Historic Park, 13 miles up a road whose last three miles are rough gravel. About 100 buildings stand as they were left, with goods still on the shelves; allow two or three hours. Bring water, as there are no services, and expect snow to close the road in winter. Finish in Bridgeport, on the East Walker River.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Bishop** (CA)
2. **Convict Lake** (Mammoth Lakes, CA): A deep lake below the striped face of Mount Morrison, two miles off US-395 south of Mammoth. A flat trail of about 2.5 miles circles the shore; it is a popular fishing spot.
3. **Hot Creek Geological Site** (Mammoth Lakes, CA): A small gorge where hot springs boil up into a cold trout stream in shades of blue. A paved path leads down from the parking area; swimming is prohibited because the water can surge without warning.
4. **Mammoth Lakes** (CA)
5. **Devils Postpile National Monument** (Mammoth Lakes, CA): A wall of basalt columns above the San Joaquin River, with Rainbow Falls a few miles downstream. Reds Meadow Road has had limited opening days during reconstruction; in summer day visitors normally ride the shuttle from Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge.
6. **June Lake Loop** (June Lake, CA): A 16-mile scenic loop on SR-158 past June, Gull, Silver and Grant lakes below steep Sierra peaks. It leaves US-395 at both ends; aspens turn gold in early October and the north end closes in winter.
7. **Bodie State Historic Park** (Bridgeport, CA): A gold-rush town left in arrested decay, with about 100 buildings still standing as they were abandoned. The last three miles of SR-270 are gravel; there is an entrance fee and snow often blocks the road in winter.
8. **Bridgeport** (CA)

## FAQs

**How long is Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie?**
3-day road trip of about 197 km (122 mi) with 8 stops, from Bishop to Bridgeport. About 2 h 11 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie?**
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 11 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie start and end?**
It starts in Bishop and ends in Bridgeport.

**Which states does Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie pass through?**
California.