A weathered “Sabrina Basin” map of lakes and trails, with “You are here” and metal mounting plates on a wooden wall.

    THE ROAD TO BISHOP
    This image depicts a series of stylized brown arrowheads or chevrons aligned horizontally in a row, with each arrowhead pointing to the right.

    Just a few hours from Southern California, a different side of the state begins to unfold.

    As city streets give way to open desert and the Sierra Nevada rises in the distance, Highway 395 transforms a simple drive into an adventure. Along the way, you'll discover roadside legends, mountain towns, ancient landscapes, and unexpected detours that make the journey just as memorable as the destination.

    From roadside BBQ and old Hollywood history to alpine lakes and some of the oldest trees on Earth, let us guide you through some of our favorite stops along the way.

    Wayfinder Bishop

    First Things First: Gus' Fresh Jerky

    Before diving deeper into the Eastern Sierra, there's one roadside tradition almost every seasoned 395 traveler knows.

    Gus' Fresh Jerky in Olancha is a classic Highway 395 pit stop famous for its jerky, dried fruit, snacks, and larger-than-life roadside presence. You'll see the signs long before you arrive, and stopping has become a rite of passage for road trippers heading north.

    Grab provisions for the drive and settle into the slower pace ahead.

    A vast salt flat covered in an icy crust and cracks, stretching to dark mountains under a dawn sky.
    A vast desert of golden sand dunes stretches toward rugged mountain ranges under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
    Breathtaking mountain valley at dawn with a winding river/road, vast snowfields, and distant peaks under a pastel sunrise sky.

    Take the Scenic Route: Death Valley National Park

    If you've got extra time, make the detour through Death Valley National Park. About three hours south of Bishop, it's home to otherworldly landscapes, towering viewpoints, and iconic desert scenery.

    • Badwater Basin: Explore North America's lowest point and sprawling salt flats.
    • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Perfect for photography, sunset views, and stargazing.
    • Dante's View: Panoramic views from 5,000+ feet above the valley floor.
    Barren desert landscape with rocky boulders, scrub bushes, distant mountain ranges, and a bright blue sky.

    Where Hollywood Met the Wild West: Lone Pine

    As the Sierra Nevada grows larger on the horizon, you'll arrive in Lone Pine, one of the most iconic towns along Highway 395.

    For generations, filmmakers have used the area as a stand-in for the American West, and it's easy to see why. Just outside town, the towering rock formations of the Alabama Hills create an otherworldly landscape of granite arches, winding dirt roads, and cinematic vistas.

    Lone Pine is also the gateway to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Whether you're climbing the mountain or simply soaking in the scenery, adventure is woven into every corner of town.

    A “Big Pine Recreation Area” visitor kiosk with a US flag, maps inside, and mountains in the background.
    A roadside diner with a red-and-white bunny sign, American flags, and a smoking BBQ pit against desert mountains.

    Small Town, Big Adventure: Big Pine

    Only fifteen minutes south of Wayfinder Bishop, Big Pine punches far above its weight when it comes to outdoor recreation.

    Known as the gateway to both the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and the legendary Big Pine Lakes, this small community offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Eastern Sierra.

    A road trip along Highway 395 is incomplete without a stop at Copper Top BBQ.

    This beloved outdoor barbecue spot has become a destination in its own right, serving authentic oak-smoked barbecue that regularly draws lines of hungry travelers and locals alike. Plan your timing right and make it your lunch stop on the way to Bishop.