Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

2026 Scenic 395 41 EASTERN SIERRA WILDFIRE SEASON IS YEAR-ROUND High winds, low humidity, and dry, fire-prone vegetation contribute to high wildfire risk - all months of the year. Learn how you can reduce wildfire risk at WWW.WHITEBARKINSTITUTE.COM Funding for this project provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Prevention Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program. People come to the Eastern Sierra for many reasons. Grand peaks. Clear water. Dark night skies. Forests and sagebrush stretching from valley floors to high mountain ridges. It is a place shaped by natural processes, including fire, and by the everyday choices people make while spending time here. Over time, drought, warming temperatures, and a long history of fire suppression have changed how fire moves across this landscape. In many forests, trees grow closer together than they once did, and dry vegetation has built up on the ground. These conditions make it easier for fires to spread when an ignition occurs. In the high desert, sagebrush ecosystems are especially sensitive. Fires can move quickly through these landscapes, and recovery can take decades. Some areas may not return to sagebrush after a wildfire. Wind is another defining feature of the Eastern Sierra. Mountain terrain funnels and accelerates gusts, which means a small spark can become a fast-moving fire in a short amount of time. Because of these conditions, wildfire risk here is not limited to a single season. In the Eastern Sierra, wildfire season is year-round. This understanding is at the heart of Ignite Awareness, Not Wildfires , a regional effort focused on reducing human-caused fires before they start. Ignite Awareness, Not Wildfires is led by Whitebark Institute, a local Eastern Sierra nonprofit. The campaign helps visitors and residents take simple actions that reduce human-caused fires and support healthy, thriving landscapes . You are part of this story. Thoughtful choices help keep landscapes vibrant, communities thriving, and future visits possible. Learn more at WhitebarkInstitute.org/IgniteAwareness . Why Fire Awareness Matters in the Eastern Sierra Your actions can reduce wildfire risk! Opt out of a campfire; enjoy the stars. Watch for Red Flag conditions like wind, heat, and dry fuels. Check and follow local fire restrictions. Get a campfire permit if using a fire, stove, or BBQ. Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving. Drown, stir, feel, repeat. Stay on designated OHV routes to avoid igniting dry vegetation. Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks Carry water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher when camping or off-roading. Report risky fire behavior to a ranger or by calling 911.