Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

2026 Scenic 395 37 McGee Creek lava was trapped in a deep lake, and as it cooled, it contracted and cracked, forming colossal columns of rock into near sym- metrical hexagons and polygons. During subsequent ice ages, glaciers scoured and polished these pillars, creating a smooth, startling surface that seems improbable in the natural landscape. Further north, Mono Lake is geographi- cally, geologically, and historically unique. The most peculiar features are the Tufa Towers, formations of calcium carbonate that appear unearthly as they rise from the water. These towers were exposed when the lake lost almost half its depth after water was diverted to Los Angeles 80 to 50 years ago. Spiritual Curiosities and Lingering Echoes The Tuttle Creek Ashram is a special, spiritual place tucked high into the moun- tains above Lone Pine at 8,000 feet. The stone building, built in 1930 by philos- ophers FranklinWolff and Sherifa, was specifically located near the highest point in the contiguous USA, Mt. Whitney. The couple believed a country’s spiritual point was near its highest elevation. Though once vandalized and abandoned, it is now considered historically significant and is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. Mining was big business in California 100 years ago. This landscape with its craggy crests and rocky ridges presented monumental challenges for transporting goods and lumber between settlements, mines, and mills. On the Sherwin Plateau north of Bishop, deepWagonWheel Ruts were slowly carved into the soft Bishop Tuff rock by massive, multi-ton wagons pulled by 20-mule teams hauling lumber up and down the steep Sherwin grade. If you stand in the remnants of these old ruts and listen quietly, you might still hear the braying of the mules and creaking of the wheels as if carried on the wind from a century ago. On the outskirts of Bishop, the Pet Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful, wildly wonderful place where hundreds of be- loved pets are buried. Gravestones with sweet epitaphs and adornments like toys and collars show the palpable love and enduring loyalty felt for these animals. Tread lightly here. It is just possible that their eternal spirits are running along the trails, jumping in the streams, or stalking through the bushes that they so loved when they lived here. For a bit of fun, Gravity Hill, is a par- ticular spot on a quiet, remote road just west of Bishop. At a particular point in the road where it appears to be heading uphill, you can stop your car, place it in neutral, and it will slowly begin to move forward and upward. It’s an optical illusion of the freakiest kind. Perhaps it should be called “Un-Gravity Hill.” More Weird and Wonderful From geological marvels to human eccentricities, a road trip along US-395 is a journey into the weird and wonderful heart of the Eastern Sierra. Pro Tip: Choose only one or two for a day trip or make your base in one of the lovely towns along the route and spend a few days exploring. Consider the season and knowwhen is best for each. Take your time and come back often. Get Info: Stop in at one of the region’s information centers and chat with the staff. These folks are friendly and knowl- edgeable and can offer maps, directions, and suggestions about these and other weird and wonderful sights. Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center, US-395 &CA-136, Lone Pine, CA 93545 Bishop Chamber of Commerce and In- formation Center, 218 S. Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 USA Mammoth LakesWelcome Center, 2510 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541.