Sierra Nevada
Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes Road Trip: Scenic Stops Along US-395
Plan the drive from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes on US-395: Red Rock Canyon, the Alabama Hills, Manzanar, Bishop bakeries, and Convict Lake.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes is about 310 miles, roughly 5 to 5.5 hours without stops, crossing the Mojave and following US-395 up the Eastern Sierra.
This guide lists stops in order and covers gas, food, winter driving and whether to split the drive in Lone Pine or Bishop.
In This Guide
Route Overview and Timing
From most of Los Angeles, take I-5 to CA-14 through Santa Clarita, Palmdale and Mojave, joining US-395 north of Inyokern. From the Inland Empire, take I-15 to US-395 via Adelanto and Kramer Junction; both merge before Olancha and Lone Pine.
Leave early to reach Lone Pine by lunch. For a week-long version, see my 7-day Highway 395 itinerary.
The Desert Stretch: Los Angeles to Owens Lake
The first couple of hours are desert, with a few short stops.
Vasquez Rocks and Red Rock Canyon
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, off CA-14 in Agua Dulce, has tilted sandstone seen in Star Trek and westerns. A short loop takes about 30 minutes.
Red Rock Canyon State Park has colored cliffs and the short Hagen Canyon Nature Trail. Morning light is best.
Fossil Falls and Owens Lake
Off US-395, Fossil Falls is a short walk to a channel of polished black lava carved by an ancient river.
Farther north is dry Owens Lake, drained in the early 1900s to supply Los Angeles. Restoration work now draws migrating birds back.
Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills, and Manzanar
If you make one long stop, make it here. Manzanar is ten minutes north of Lone Pine.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is the gateway to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous US. Get maps at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center south of town, then lunch at the Alabama Hills Cafe.
The Museum of Western Film History is in town. For Whitney permits and training, see my guide to hiking Mount Whitney.
The Alabama Hills
Whitney Portal Road leads into the Alabama Hills, rounded boulders where hundreds of films were shot. The short Mobius Arch Loop Trail frames Mount Whitney through an arch.
With more time, drive Movie Road for Heart Arch, Boot Arch, Lathe Arch, Cyclops Arch and the Eye of Alabama Hills. To split the drive, stay at the Dow Villa Motel.
Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar was one of ten camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The visitor center, reconstructed barracks and cemetery monument tell its history.
Allow at least an hour for the exhibits and driving tour. Admission is free.
Independence, Big Pine, and Bishop
The middle stretch has small towns, food stops and side canyons. Pick one or two.
Independence and Big Pine
Independence has the Eastern California Museum. Big Pine is the turnoff for Glacier Lodge Road, the Big Pine Lakes and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains.
Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine draws lines on summer weekends.
Bishop
Bishop is the largest town on the route. Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ sells sheepherder bread and pastries, and Mahogany Smoked Meats sells jerky.
The Laws Railroad Museum north of town has historic buildings and trains.
Convict Lake and Arrival in Mammoth
North of Bishop, US-395 climbs the Sherwin Grade past Tom’s Place and Crowley Lake. Just before Mammoth, a short road leads to Convict Lake, ringed by jagged peaks.
A flat 2.5-mile trail loops the lake. The Crowley Lake Stone Columns and Hot Creek Geologic Site are nearby.
The Mammoth Lakes turnoff on Highway 203 is 10 minutes from Convict Lake. See my summer in Mammoth Lakes guide for what to do next.
Winter Driving and Safety
US-395 is open year-round, but storms bring chain controls, most often on the Sherwin Grade and near Mammoth. Carry chains, keep the tank full, and pack warm clothes, water and snacks.
In summer, carry extra water for the desert. My guide to driving Highway 395 in winter covers chains, passes and road reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes?
About 310 miles, usually 5 to 5.5 hours without stops. With traffic, weather or sightseeing, plan 6 to 8 hours.
Is US-395 open in winter?
Yes, year-round. Snow can bring chain controls and brief closures, so check Caltrans QuickMap and carry chains November to April.
Where should I stop between Los Angeles and Mammoth?
Red Rock Canyon, Fossil Falls, Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills, Manzanar, Bishop and Convict Lake. With time for one, choose the Alabama Hills.
Should I split the drive from Los Angeles to Mammoth?
It’s optional. A night in Lone Pine or Bishop lets you see the Alabama Hills and Manzanar in daylight and avoid the last grade after dark.
Destination guide
My Mammoth hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
