Wayfinder Bishop

    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.
    A winding road leads through rocky desert toward snow-dusted mountains glowing at sunrise.
    Vast rocky desert with scattered shrubs, rugged mountain ridges, and a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

    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.

    A twisted, dead tree root mass rises from a rocky hillside under a vibrant sunset sky filled with pink and blue clouds.
    A person and their dog pose in front of towering, twisted dead tree roots in a rocky desert canyon.

    Walk Among the Oldest Trees on Earth: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

    Hidden high in California's White Mountains, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest protects some of the oldest living trees on Earth. Certain Great Basin bristlecone pines have survived for more than 4,000 years, enduring wind, snow, drought, and time itself.
    The forest sits at roughly 10,000 feet in elevation and feels unlike anywhere else in California. Twisted trunks, dramatic alpine desert scenery, and endless mountain views create an experience that's equal parts humbling and inspiring.

    Know Before You Go: Typically open from mid-June through October. No food, water or fuel services beyond Big Pine. There is very limited cell service and be sure to bring plenty of water & snacks.

    A woman in sunglasses poses in front of a painted mountain-bike map mural on an outdoor wall, with trees nearby.

    Arrive in Bishop: The Gateway to the Eastern Sierra

    Eventually, the mountains close in, the air cools, and you'll arrive in Bishop.

    More than just a stop along the highway, Bishop is a community built around outdoor adventure, local stories, and a deep connection to the landscape. It's where desert meets alpine wilderness, where ranching history meets modern exploration, and where some of California's most spectacular natural attractions are found just minutes away.

    Explore from Wayfinder Bishop

    A turquoise alpine lake sits before snowcapped mountain peaks, with rocky shores and scattered boats on a clear day.

    Lake Sabrina

    Just fifteen minutes from the hotel, Lake Sabrina offers everything from paddle sports and fishing to high-country hiking. Nestled among towering granite peaks, it's one of the easiest ways to experience the alpine side of the Eastern Sierra without venturing too far from town.

    A man poses beside ancient stone arches, framed by snowy mountains and a bright blue sky outside the ruins.

    Crowley Lake Columns

    These towering twenty-foot stone pillars were formed by volcanic activity approximately 760,000 years ago and resemble the ruins of an ancient cathedral rising from the shoreline. Visit between July and October when lake levels are typically lower and more of the formations are visible.

    Wayfinder Bishop

    Convict Lake

    A thirty-minute drive from Wayfinder Bishop leads to one of the most photographed lakes in California.
    Convict Lake is a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks and known for exceptional trout fishing, stunning fall colors, and unforgettable sunrises.

      YOUR EASTERN SIERRA BASECAMP

      When the day's adventure is over, Wayfinder Bishop is ready to welcome you home. Relax beside the creek that winds through the property, enjoy a drink at our fireside bar, unwind in the pool, hot tub, or sauna, and get ready for another day of exploration. Because around here, every road leads to a new story.

      Small Town. Big Nature. Endless Possibilities.

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