The road to the top is reasonably decent, and you should be able to get up there in an average car with no special passes required or restrictions applied. [citation needed]. The pass is subject to winter closure due to high snowfall, normally from around the end of October until the end of May the following year, though these dates are subject to considerable variation. Water from the valley is channeled for use by the City of Los Angeles, via the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which was constructed during what is commonly called the California Water Wars. Be sure to stock your car with adrinks, snacks and lunch supplies. Check reviews and book here. Tioga Pass is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. Route 89 starts in the south at U.S. 395 near Topaz Lake and the Nevada state border and winds its way up through a series of switchbacks to an elevation of 8,314 feet at Monitor Pass. Traveling north, US 395 traversed much of the path of modern SR 163 and I-15 to Poway Road, where it routed to the east along much of today's Pomerado Road to Lake Hodges, with various realignments over the years. If you like this kind of spare desert landscape in the southeastern Sierras, youll love Death Valley. 58, one of the best locations available today. Share this Highway 395 road trip itinerary with your friends on Pinterest: Thanks for the great site. If you drive over Tioga pass through Yosemite, the trails there are not dog-friendly. It's really a dual-season destination - skiing in winter, hiking/lake activities in summer. [24] The highway returns to follow the receding escarpment of the Sierra. If are you camping, heres our guide for the best Death Valley campgrounds. Which is why this drive is tops on our list of the best scenic drives in CA. Beginning about a dozen miles west of Bakersfield, Highway 58 is a roller-coaster all the way to the coast. Seems that you just haven't been to Long Beach via Or hwy 30. [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). You can take a dip in Grant Lake or take a hike to nearby Parker Lake or Agnew Lake. Hwy 18 to Lincoln City is around 750. so is US-20. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). Basically, Bodie SHP is open all year long, but in the winter it is only reachable by skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles. Im organizing a geology focused hiking/camping trip in the area, and you provided valuable information. In 1969, the portion south of Hesperia was removed and assigned to other routes. Some questions I hope you can help with: 1) how likely is it that there are winter conditions on this road at that time of the year? All rights reserved. Wait to go there until the road to it is fully open. Stay andeat:There are three main sleeping and eating areas in the park: Panamint Springs; Stovepipe Wells; and The Oasis at Death Valley. Between Mojave and its junction with US395, SR14 follows the edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Portions of Pomerado Road today are signed "Historic US 395". From the city of San Francisco to four miles west of the Hudson River at Teaneck, New Jersey, I-80 traverses various terrain and 11 states. [3], US395 scales the Sierra Nevada on a ridge between the canyons of the Owens River and Rock Creek. Dont do Sonora Pass if you have an extra large RV, because you wont make the hairpin turns at the eastern end. [46][47] Construction on the bypass began in 2022. The highway enters the state in a corner of Sierra County, entering Lassen County just 3 miles (4.8km) later. For a photo travelogue of that region, see http://travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm. 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). We also have a detailed guide for Lone Pine, which elaborates upon some of what is listed below. At 8,138 feet (2,480m) in altitude, this is the highest point along US395, and the highest point along a U.S. Highway in California. to Bridgeport U.S. 395: From Sonora Junction to Walker SR 203: From Meridian Blvd to U.S. 395 Take the Minaret Summit road to the Devils Postpile National Monument. Grab dinner at the Whoa Nellie Deli, which is the best food you will ever find at a gas station. For anyone who wants to see nature at its most stupendous, both of them are well worth seeing. The fastest route from SFO to the start of this trip is via South Lake Tahoe and Carson City. For camping: For weekends/holidays in the summer, you should pre-book. But once you get to 395 itself, nearly all of the trails and lakes are on Forest Service land, which is always dog-friendly. Whether you have a permit or not, its worth the drive up here for the views on the way, the fresh mountain air, and the chance to eat and pick up souvenirs (and tales of the trail) at the Whitney Portal Store. 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. This will take you an additional 13 miles up to the Mount Whitney trailhead, which is only for experienced mountain hikers, but the drive is lovely. Rowena Plateau.. Multnomah Falls ~ Oregon Astoria Sunrise Wiesendanger Falls Oregon Dunes Pano Heres how the pass works. r Ranges. Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?. If you take that route, you can even spend some extra time doing part of the scenic drive around Lake Tahoe. The US is home to some of the most diverse spots on the planet for a natural soak outside. I had some free time and an itch to fire up the van. For RV parks: If you are RVing in the summer, some of the private RV parks may have on-the-fly availability. 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. JenAzz sez: I don't remember the dirt road to Mono Lake being that bad or even that long. The route via the Eastern Sierra seems a lot more scenic. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. The last junction in California is with SR299, former U.S. Route 299, in Alturas. [30] By 1860, the Camino Sierra was an established trail appearing in maps and guides. But this itinerary recommends the best scenic bits on a 227 mile stretch that starts just south of Carson City. This pass, like many other passes in the Sierra Nevada, has a gradual approach from the west and drops off to the east dramatically, losing more than 3,000ft (910m) by the time the road reaches U.S. Route 395. These same volcanic forces have also created the many hot springs in along the highway 395 corridor. 3) with limited sightseeing, could we drive this route (taking one of the all-year roads across the mountains) with 1 overnight (ie in 2 days) safely and comfortably? To get to the parking lot at the south Tufa Towers you do have to drive a short bit on dirt, but it is smooth, not bumpy. Suge La, Tibet (China) - 5,430 m (17,815 ft) Another mountain in Tibet is not far from Lhasa, high up in the Nyenchen Dangla Mountains. Mt Whitney is the lower 48's highest peak and is a prime destination for hikers, climbers and mountaineers around the world. And then there are the ghost towns, living towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations and more. If you are driving your own car, dont forget to check your oil and tire pressure before you leave and you should also invest in roadside assistance. There were plans to connect this narrow gauge line with SP's standard gauge lines in the area, however these plans never materialized and the narrow gauge line was scrapped in 1959. Leaving the Sierra Nevada and the 395 behind, its time to hit Death Valley, notorious as the hottest place on earth: 134F (56.6C) was recorded here in 1913. So, I was able to perfectly time my visit for fall color. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Look around the tabs and they also have coast passes, etc. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through, and it crosses the highway here. There is a short <1 mile hike to get to the postpile and an additional 5 mile roundtrip hike to visit the Rainbow Falls. For eating options, book in advance for Cafe Fiorebecause itssuperb Italian food is no secret. There are also quite a few frontage roads that you can use. Check the "steepness" score to find interesting uphill hikes to summit, hilly streets to drive, or the fastest downhill mountain biking trails. Head to the South Tufa Area where you can learn more about the weird, tower-like limestone formations known as tufa (created by the action of the lakes water with the salts in it), the billions of tiny shrimp that call the lake home, and, if youre here in autumn, the millions of migrating birds who feast on the shrimp and flies. [17] Sherwin Summit, at 7,000 feet (2,100m), is the first of five mountain passes crossed by US395 in the Sierra Nevada. Whitney, the Lone Pine Movie Museum, Manzanar (optional for many international visitors but Id say a must for Americans), Bishop and the local lakes, Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes, Mono Lake, and any of the towns or view spots along the way. The next geographic feature is Conway Summit. The highway proceeds towards and around the west side of 73-square-mile (190km2) Honey Lake while en route to Susanville. Is there a website showing highest elevations along Oregon HIghways? Lots to see all along the route. After cresting Sherwin Summit, the highway travels along the west shore of Crowley Lake. Rebecca Stevenson Photo. Wellit's a draw either way. The portion from Reno to Hallelujah Junction is used as a connection between the Union Pacific's two main lines in northern California/Nevada, the Overland Route (First Transcontinental Railroad) and the Feather River Route. If it's favorable, we'll go that way. Take a self-guided tour with the map fromthe small museum, peering into homes eerily still filled with their last owners belongings. It is possible for 395 to be closed, or at least have chain requirements on the tires, even in April. For motels and Airbnbs: If your road trip occurs over a weekend or holiday in the summer, absolutely pre-book. so will take your word for it. It was built in the late 1930s and is the highest highway pass in California. Bishop is the largest town that sits right on the highway and its well-served by plenty of mid-range motels like Days Inn, Travelodge and Comfort Inn. You can adjust this 395 road trip to fit a 3-4 day timeframe, but youll need to make some hard choices about what you have time for. After leaving the Victorville area, the scenery changes as suburban neighborhoods disappear and the highway traverses the Mojave Desert. I recommend taking mix of:trail mix,energy bars, individual cheese slices (or string cheese), crackers, pretzels, soda, water and candy bars. We (couple, early thirties) will be going on a road trip through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Once again, there is an assortment of basic motels in Lone Pine. The highest point in the Atigun Pass lies on the Continental Divide. 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. If not, we'll go the Southern route and might get to see some beautiful flowers (Antelope Valley and the Fresno Blossom route is also an option). Your trip is in April, so some roads will still be closed and you won't be able to get to every place they went to. The hike up the highest peak in the lower 48 states is straightforward the path, opened in 1904, had to be easyenough for mules carrying building materials forthe Smithsonian Institution shelter at the summit, constructed to observe a transit of Venus but obtaining the permit for the climb is not quite so simple: theres a lottery held each year to restrict numbers. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? [3], US395 is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System,[4] and part of the National Highway System,[5] a network of highways that are considered essential to the country's economy, defense, and mobility by the Federal Highway Administration. Along the 180. The June Lake area is served from June Lake Junction by the June Lake Loop Road (SR158). Ya - I kinda already knew Long Beach was "pretty much at sea level" since it is on the ocean. For much of the route described here, 395 is a four lane divided highway. The highest elevation anywhere on US 395, which goes from the Canadian border through Washington, Oregon, and most of the length of California, is about 8300 feet/2.5 km above sea level. Down in Lone Pine, the Museum of Western Film History delves more deeply into the areas connections with shows like The Lone Ranger and movies such asDjango Unchained. That Hwy 30 high point about same as Hwy 18 high point. A short segment in Lassen County is a freeway with one exit serving SR70 at the Hallelujah Junction. Elevation, or geometric height, is mainly used when referring to points on the Earth's surface, while altitude or geopotential height is used for points above the surface, such as an aircraft in flight or a spacecraft in orbit, and depth is used for points below the surface. Just less than 5 miles (8.0km) from Hallelujah Junction is Beckwourth Pass, the lowest pass in the Sierra, used by both SR70 and the Feather River Route. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. It is in the Inyo National Forest. 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. A popular recreation and camping area exists just north of the summit of the pass at Tioga Lake. A portion of this line is still active and, through a series of acquisitions, the Union Pacific Railroad now owns this line. Construction of the Bishop bypass is projected to begin in 2025. 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. In fact in April they might still be skiingjust depends on what kind of winter they have. Eight miles (13km) past the junction leading to Mammoth, the highway crests the second summit, Deadman Summit, at 8,036 feet (2,449m). Here are the best. This exit is numbered 8, even though it resides hundreds of miles from the origin of the highway; the exit number instead uses the distance from the point of re-entry to California. You should also purchase aroadside safely kitwhich includes things like a warning triangle, jumper cables, glass breaker, multi tool, cable ties and small first aid kit. Second choice is to take I-5 up to the Longview exit and then highway 4 to the coast. Some of the wildlife in the area include birds of prey, marmots, bobcats, and occasionally bighorn sheep can be seen. Less than 7 miles to the southwest of the pass, inside Yosemite National Park, is Tuolumne Meadows. Sacred to local Indigenous populations, Spirit Mountain (or Avi Kwa Ame) might become the newest federal national monument. Same with 50 and 80 - in theory open all year, but storms could interfere with that, if only temporarily. If the lake is too crowded, then we suggest going a little further south and heading up McGee Creek. Lets get started with some logistics about how and when to plan your trip. 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. 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. But thanks for the tip about using Google Earth, I'll look into that. The calculator provides a way to calculate how elevated the land is for a trip you are planning or for reference purposes. Both will get you to Long Beach, 401 being a little bit shorter. Second choice is to take I-5 up to the Longview exit and then highway 4 to the coast. Highest highway pass in the area, and occasionally bighorn sheep can be seen it is only by. 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