# Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra

> From the film sets of the Alabama Hills to the tufa towers of Mono Lake: 400 kilometres beneath the steep east face of the Sierra Nevada, with pitches at…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-065-eastern-sierra-us-395/

**At a glance:** 5-day road trip of about 298 km (185 mi) with 11 stops, from Lone Pine to Bridgeport. About 3 h 19 min of driving in total. From the film sets of the Alabama Hills to the tufa towers of Mono Lake: 400 kilometres beneath the steep east face of the Sierra Nevada, with pitches at 2,000 to 2,800 metres.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 298 km (185 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 19 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 11 |
| Route | Lone Pine → Bridgeport |
| States | CA |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From the film sets of the Alabama Hills to the tufa towers of Mono Lake: 400 kilometres beneath the steep east face of the Sierra Nevada, with pitches at 2,000 to 2,800 metres.*

## The spirit of the route

The US-395 is the quiet side of the Sierra. To the west, the eastern face of the Sierra Nevada rises almost without warning to over 4,000 metres; to the east lies the Owens Valley, dry, wide and scented with sagebrush. Slide the door open in the Alabama Hills and you see Mount Whitney glowing in the first light while the rounded boulders are still in shadow. Further north, desert dust gives way to snowfields, hot springs and aspen groves, orchards and volcanic craters. At Mono Lake, white tufa towers stand in the water, and in the evening the lake turns violet. The route is short, but the altitude, between 1,100 and 2,800 metres, takes getting used to: nights are cold even in summer, and in autumn snow sometimes arrives early. If you drive slowly, you will find pitches with views of peaks that no hotel can offer.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Lone Pine to Alabama Hills and Whitney Portal (round trip from Lone Pine) (approx. 45 km)

- **The drive:** From Lone Pine, the Whitney Portal Road heads west into the mountains: wide and well built at first, then climbing in hairpins to about 2,550 metres (8,360 ft), roughly 13 miles (21 km) in each direction. For large motorhomes and combinations, the upper hairpins and the cramped car park at the portal are a challenge; check your vehicle length and the weather beforehand. The Movie Road through the Alabama Hills is easy to drive but unpaved and slippery when wet. There is usually mobile reception in Lone Pine, but not at the portal. Pure driving time is only a few hours; with stops, it takes a whole day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Alabama Hills Recreation Area: granite boulders where countless westerns were filmed, with Mount Whitney (4,421 m) as a backdrop. The Mobius Arch Loop (about 0.6 miles, roughly 1 km) is a short circular trail to a rock arch, best at sunrise. The Movie Road is an unpaved track through the rock landscape.
  - Whitney Portal: the starting point of the Mount Whitney Trail. A permit, allocated by lottery (Recreation.gov), is required for day hikes and overnight stays on the trail; if you are only driving to the portal, you do not need one. The Whitney Portal Store at the end of the road is open seasonally.
  - Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine: a small museum on the film history of the Alabama Hills; check opening times before your visit.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Lone Pine Campground and Whitney Portal Campground (both Inyo National Forest) are on the Whitney Portal Road in the high mountains and open seasonally; reserve through Recreation.gov and observe the Forest Service length limits. Tuttle Creek Campground (BLM) lies at the foot of the Sierra south-west of Lone Pine with basic facilities; check opening times and fees with the BLM Bishop Field Office. For motorhomes needing electric hook-up, private RV parks in Lone Pine remain the option.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Alabama Hills: on the BLM land near Lone Pine, camping is allowed only in designated spots and requires a free camping permit (online via sierraforever.org, at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine, or from BLM rangers); it is first come, first served, and the permit does not guarantee a space. Campfires are allowed only in existing fire rings and with a California Campfire Permit, and not at all during fire bans. There is no water and only a few toilets at individual car parks; you must take your rubbish and waste water with you. Access is via the Whitney Portal Road and Movie Road; check the condition of the tracks beforehand. The area is popular with photographers, so arrive early.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up with fuel and water and empty the camper in Lone Pine before driving up; there are no supplies up there. If you are spending the night at 2,500 m, plan for it: gas heating works, but even in summer temperatures at night drop to a few degrees above freezing. Check the weather and wind before setting off; in spring and autumn, snow can close the road.

### Stage 2: Lone Pine to Bishop (approx. 95 km)

- **The drive:** Almost dead straight northwards on the US-395, mostly two lanes, speed 55–65 mph (88–105 km/h), with overtaking lanes on the climbs. The Sierra lies to the west, the White Mountains and Inyo Mountains to the east. Pure driving time is a good 1.5 hours; with stops, half a day to a whole day. There are filling stations in Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine and Bishop, and few in between.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Manzanar National Historic Site near Independence: a memorial to the camp where more than 10,000 Japanese Americans were interned during the Second World War; the visitor centre has an exhibition, and there is also a driving tour on an unpaved loop. Admission is free; allow at least one hour.
  - Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (Schulman Grove) east of Big Pine: bristlecone pines at around 3,000 m altitude, some more than 4,800 years old. The approach via Hwy 168 and the White Mountain Road is steep and winding; check vehicle length and road condition with the Forest Service beforehand; the visitor centre is open only seasonally. An entrance fee is charged at Schulman Grove.
  - Owens River near Big Pine and Bishop: quiet fishing spots, birdwatching and short walks; a good break with a view of the Sierra.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Brown’s Town Campground (BLM, Bishop) and the campgrounds in Inyo National Forest along the approaches to the Sierra (e.g. Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek) are options, some with basic facilities; check lengths, opening times and reservations beforehand with Recreation.gov or the Forest Service. Alternatively, there are private RV parks in Bishop with electric hook-up and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** BLM land east and north of Bishop (including Buttermilk Country and the Volcanic Tableland) allows dispersed camping, usually for up to 14 days; tracks are sandy and can become impassable after rain. In Inyo National Forest, dispersed camping is allowed away from campgrounds, with a California Campfire Permit for stoves and fires. On site, watch for access restrictions and fire bans.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Bishop is the supply base of the route: supermarkets, launderette, propane and workshops. Shop and fill up here before heading north into more sparsely populated areas. The Mule Days Festival and summer hiking traffic fill the sites, and so does autumn (leaf colour in the side valleys).

### Stage 3: Bishop to Mammoth Lakes (approx. 65 km)

- **The drive:** From Bishop, first north on the US-395, then up over the Sherwin Grade to about 2,130 m (7,000 ft). The ascent has a crawler lane; combinations should use the engine brake. In Mammoth Lakes, the town lies at 2,400 m, and the side roads to the Basin are steep and winding. Pure driving time is about one hour; with stops, a whole day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Hot Creek Geological Site: fumaroles and hot pools in the Hot Creek valley; bathing is prohibited because of fluctuating temperatures and gases. Access is unpaved; check the access status with the Forest Service.
  - Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls: basalt columns and a 101 ft (31 m) waterfall. In summer, a mandatory shuttle runs from Mammoth Mountain (Adventure Center); campgrounds in the valley allow access with a permit. Check operating times and exceptions with the park.
  - Lake Mary and the Mammoth Lakes Basin: mountain lakes beneath Mammoth Mountain, with short circular trails and fishing spots; roads in the Basin are narrow for very large vehicles.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Sherwin Creek Campground, Twin Lakes Campground and Lake Mary Campground (Inyo National Forest) are classic sites around Mammoth Lakes, with fresh water and toilets but no hook-ups; check lengths, opening times and reservations beforehand with Recreation.gov. Convict Lake Campground lies further south beneath steep rock walls. If you need electricity and waste disposal, there are private RV parks in Mammoth Lakes.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Inyo National Forest around Mammoth Lakes, dispersed camping rules apply (usually 14 days, not within sight of campgrounds or lake shores); some areas, such as the Mammoth Lakes Basin, are excluded. Get the current rules and the Motor Vehicle Use Map from the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center or at fs.usda.gov. Bear-safe food storage is mandatory.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Acclimatisation: if you are arriving from sea level, spend the first night at a medium altitude and drink plenty. Car parks in town are cramped for motorhomes; the town’s bus shuttle connects the village and the Basin. Keep bear boxes and bins closed.

### Stage 4: Mammoth Lakes to Lee Vining (Mono Lake) (approx. 45 km)

- **The drive:** North on the US-395 over Deadman Summit (about 2,500 m), past the turn-off for the June Lake Loop (Hwy 158) and the obsidian cones of the Mono Craters. At Lee Vining, Mono Lake lies directly east of the road; Conway Summit (2,480 m) follows to the north. The June Lake Loop is a winding circuit (about 16 miles) through aspen woods; large combinations should check their vehicle beforehand. Pure driving time is about one hour; with the loop and stops, a whole day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - June Lake Loop: four lakes (June, Gull, Silver, Grant) beneath steep rock walls; in October the aspen leaves glow, and in winter the loop is partly closed.
  - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve (South Tufa): a salt lake with tufa towers, formed when calcium-rich spring water beneath the lake met the carbonate-rich lake water; a signed shore trail leads through them. An entrance fee is charged; check the current fee on site. Best at sunrise or sunset.
  - Tioga Pass (Hwy 120, 3,031 m): access to the east entrance of Yosemite; the road is normally closed in winter, the opening date varies from May to June, and in autumn snow can close it early. Check the status with the NPS; the climb is steep in a motorhome.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Lower Lee Vining Creek Campground and the sites along Hwy 120 (Ellery Lake, Junction, Tioga Lake; Inyo National Forest) lie in high mountain valleys and open seasonally; check length limits and reservation requirements beforehand on Recreation.gov. At June Lake there are several Forest Service sites (including Oh! Ridge, Gull Lake). In Lee Vining and June Lake, private sites offer electric hook-up and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Mono Lake, dispersed camping on Inyo National Forest and BLM land east and north of the lake, usually for up to 14 days; overnight stays are not allowed in the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve itself or on the lake shore. Because of bird nesting seasons and fire bans, check the rules on site. Pitches with an open view of the lake are on forest roads north of Lee Vining; many tracks are sandy.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The Mono Lake Committee Visitor Center in Lee Vining provides information on road conditions, bird migrations and hikes. There are filling stations in Lee Vining, but still fill the tank in Mammoth Lakes beforehand. Wind can become strong in the afternoon, and dust storms on the tracks are possible.

### Stage 5: Lee Vining to Bodie and Bridgeport (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** From Lee Vining north over Conway Summit (2,480 m) with a wide view back over Mono Lake, then the turn-off onto Hwy 270 to Bodie State Historic Park (about 13 miles, the last 3 or so unpaved, with washboard). Back on the US-395, continue to Bridgeport. In winter, access to Bodie is restricted or closed. Pure driving time is about 2.5 hours with the detour; with a walk round the town, a whole day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Bodie State Historic Park: a gold-mining ghost town at about 2,575 m, preserved in a state of “arrested decay”; around 100 buildings, an entrance fee is charged, check opening times and access with the park beforehand. Bring torches and warm clothing, even in summer.
  - Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport: natural hot pools with a view of the Sierra, reached by a short access trail. Check access rules and times with Mono County.
  - Bridgeport Reservoir and Twin Lakes: lakes with fishing and short walks; the approach to Twin Lakes leads into the mountains on a narrow road.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Honeymoon Flat Campground at Bridgeport Reservoir and Robinson Creek Campground near Twin Lakes (Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest) are options with basic facilities; check opening times and length limits before booking. In Bridgeport there are private RV parks with electric hook-up and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** BLM land in the Bodie Hills and around Bridgeport Reservoir allows dispersed camping at already used spots, usually for up to 14 days; the approaches are partly sandy or stony. In Bodie State Historic Park itself, overnight stays are not allowed. Check campfires and stoves according to the fire level.
- **Insider tip for campers:** On the Bodie road, slow down and keep your distance from stones; the unpaved stretch is doable for most motorhomes, but the washboard surface is hard on cupboards and tanks. If you are continuing north, fill up in Bridgeport; the next towns are in Nevada and at Lake Tahoe.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Free camping is largely allowed on BLM land and in the National Forests of the Eastern Sierra: usually for up to 14 days in one place, at already used spots, away from water and campgrounds. This does not apply in national parks, State Parks, the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, and within settlements. Checks are carried out by the Forest Service, BLM and the sheriff; violations are punished with fines.
- Fire rules: in California, you need the free California Campfire Permit (online) for gas and petrol stoves and for fires outside campgrounds. In high wildfire danger, fire bans apply, often all year except in campground fire rings. Ask Inyo National Forest for the current situation.
- Wildlife: black bears live in the forests around Mammoth Lakes, Bishop and June Lake; store food in bear-proof containers or in the closed vehicle. Rattlesnakes in the Alabama Hills and the Owens Valley; keep dogs on a lead and stay on the paths.
- Apps and maps: iOverlander, Campendium and The Dyrt for pitches; Recreation.gov for Forest Service sites; Caltrans QuickMap for road conditions, especially Tioga Pass and Hwy 120. Download offline maps; there is no mobile reception in many valleys.
- Residents: overnight parking on village streets or at supermarkets is mostly prohibited or frowned upon in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop and Lone Pine; if in doubt, ask. On private land, the owner’s permission is required.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Waste disposal: there are dump stations in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes and at private RV parks; sanidumps.com lists locations. Empty chemical toilets only there, and never discharge grey water into the countryside.
- Drinking water: tap water in Lone Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes and Lee Vining is drinkable; at Forest Service sites there are sometimes pumps or taps, sometimes only stream water, which must be filtered or boiled. Plan for 20-litre containers.
- Fuel: filling stations in Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining and Bridgeport. Prices are higher in Lee Vining and Mammoth; there are no filling stations between the towns.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Lone Pine, Bishop (large selection) and Mammoth Lakes; Lee Vining and Bridgeport have only small shops. Propane at filling stations and from dealers in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. European gas cylinders need an adapter and are mostly not refilled.
- Power and heat: if you spend the night without a hook-up at 2,000–2,800 m, you need a leisure battery and heating; generators are restricted in hours on campgrounds. Nights below 0 °C are possible even in late summer.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: on the US-395 usually 55–65, in towns 25–45; with a trailer, the maximum in California is 55 mph (CVC 22406), as also for lorries with three or more axles. Slow vehicles must use turnouts under CVC 21656 as soon as five or more vehicles are following.
- Height and weight: legal maximum height 14 ft (4.27 m); there are no tunnels on the US-395. Length and condition restrictions apply on the Whitney Portal Road, at the Bristlecone Pine Forest, on the June Lake Loop and the Bodie road; check beforehand with the Forest Service or State Parks respectively.
- Fees: admission for Mono Lake South Tufa, Bodie and Manzanar (free); campgrounds in Inyo National Forest usually cost double-digit dollar amounts per night. The America the Beautiful Pass is valid on federal land, not in State Parks. Visitors without US residence: surcharges apply in some national parks (such as Yosemite); check current amounts on nps.gov.
- Season: Tioga Pass and the roads to Whitney Portal and the Bristlecone Pine Forest are restricted or closed in winter; the US-395 itself stays open all year, but snow is possible from November to April. Best time for campers: June to early October, with autumn leaf colour. Thunderstorms in high summer, wildfire smoke possible.
- Altitude sickness: from 2,500 m, headaches and nausea can occur; ascend slowly, drink plenty and avoid alcohol. If symptoms are severe, descend.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception fails in many valleys. On hikes, take a map, water and warm clothing and leave your route with someone.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Warm sleeping bags or down duvets: the sites are at up to 2,800 m, and temperatures below 5 °C at night are normal even in July.
- Containers (20 l) and a water filter: many sites and all dispersed-camping areas have no drinking water.
- Bear-proof containers or reliably lockable vehicle lockers: black bears are active around Mammoth Lakes and June Lake.
- Head torches and sturdy shoes for Bodie, the Bristlecone trails and lava fields.
- Offline maps and printed reservations, and the California Campfire Permit: mobile reception fails in the valleys.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Lone Pine** (CA)
2. **Alabama Hills** (Lone Pine, CA): Rounded boulders and arches below the Sierra crest, used as a set for hundreds of westerns. A short loop leads to Mobius Arch, which frames Mount Whitney; Movie Road is graded dirt, fine for cars.
3. **Manzanar** (CA)
4. **Big Pine** (CA)
5. **Bishop** (CA)
6. **Mammoth Lakes** (CA)
7. **June Lake** (CA)
8. **Lee Vining** (CA)
9. **Mono Lake South Tufa** (CA)
10. **Bodie** (CA)
11. **Bridgeport** (CA)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually October. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Hot in July–August. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Practical notes for the road

- **Tioga Pass (CA-120) (3,031 m).** Usually open July–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Cross the Sierra via CA-108 or further north.

## FAQs

**How long is Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra?**
5-day road trip of about 298 km (185 mi) with 11 stops, from Lone Pine to Bridgeport. About 3 h 19 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra?**
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 19 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra start and end?**
It starts in Lone Pine and ends in Bridgeport.

**Which states does Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra pass through?**
California.

**Where can you camp along Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra?**
OpenStreetMap lists 155 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Oh! Ridge Campground, Mono Vista RV Park and Boulder Creek RV Resort.

**When is the best time for Granite, salt lake and ghost town: by camper along the US-395 through the Eastern Sierra?**
The most pleasant months are usually October. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Part of these destinations

- [Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks](https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/sequoia-kings-canyon/)