Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

48 2026 Scenic 395 attention — descents from around 6,000 feet elevation provide big views across the valley. Just Outstanding, a fun addition to the local trail network, lives up to its name through flow-oriented construction that winds through oak woodlands and gran- ite outcrops with features suitable for intermediate riders. The annual Keyesville Classic race, typically held in October, brings compet- itive cyclists to test themselves on scenic climbs and shreddy descents through his- toric mining country, where singletrack threading through oaks and wildflowers has established the event’s reputation for both scenic beauty and legitimate physi- cal challenge. Whether running rapids or lounging along calmer stretches of the Kern, visi- tors tend to return. The Kern River Valley is a yea-round playground that will have you planning your next adventure on the drive home. Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills Continuing north on Highway 395, Lone Pine occupies the base of Mt. Whit- ney, which reaches 14,505 feet to claim status as the tallest peak in the contig- uous United States. Just west of town, the Alabama Hills announce themselves immediately through their distinctive rounded granite boulders —wind and weathering have sculpted these forma- tions into arches, spires, and incredibly balanced rocks over geologic time. Unpaved routes locally known as Movie Roads wind through the hills past natural stone frames and striking formations that have appeared in hundreds of Western films and modern productions, from Gunga Din to Gladiator. The Mobius Arch particularly attracts sunrise photogra- phers who position themselves to frame Mt. Whitney through the opening. Min- imal light pollution makes these hills ex- ceptional for stargazing on clear nights. Short hikes and informal scrambles ac- commodate casual visitors — the roughly 1-mile Mobius Arch loop requires modest effort and time. Mountain bikers navigate the area’s easy singletrack trails. More ambitious objectives exist via Whitney Portal Road, which ascends 13 miles through switchbacks to approximately 8,300 feet elevation, terminating at the Mt. Whitney trailhead that serves both day hikers and those planning overnight trips. Permit allocation operates through a lottery system. The portal area main- tains a seasonal campground and small store. Horseshoe Meadows Road climbs beyond 10,000 feet to reach a trailhead providing access to the Cottonwood Lakes basin, roughly five or six miles dis- tant. This basin contains a chain of alpine pools where golden trout swim beneath Mt. Langley’s slopes. Day hikers can en- ter without securing overnight permits, though backpackers must navigate the wilderness quota system. Lone Pine offers solid amenities for a town its size — the Museum of Western FilmHistory documents the area’s Hol- lywood connections, while the Dow Villa Motel retains period charm. Diaz Lake, positioned just south of town, provides picnic facilities and trout fishing access. Manzanar National Historic Site, sev- eral miles north, presents comprehensive exhibits and ranger-led tours examining the Japanese American internment expe- rience during World War II. Keough’s Hot Springs, located a short drive south, operates soaking pools fed by natural thermal water. During winter months, the Alabama Hills receive occa- sional snow that transforms the land- scape into a quieter venue for short walks and photography. Bishop and Owens Valley Bishop anchors the Owens Valley and functions as the largest population center along this Highway 395 segment. Situat- ed at approximately 4,150 feet elevation, the town serves as a logical resupply point with established businesses like Mammoth Mountaineering Supply and Erick Schat’s Bakery, alongside newer breweries including Mountain Rambler. Bishop Creek Canyon extends west- ward from town, eventually dividing into three forks that contain classic Sierra trout habitat. South Lake, Lake Sabrina, and the North Fork attract anglers pur- suing rainbow and brown trout through techniques ranging from shore casting to float tube trolling. Campgrounds such as Sabrina, Intake, and Four Jeffrey reach capacity quick- ly during summer weekends. Multiple trails ascend from the canyon toward high-country terrain within the John Muir Wilderness boundaries, with Bishop Pass representing one prominent route. The Owens Valley’s particular topog- raphy generates reliable thermal currents that have made the area popular among hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts, who launch year-round when condi- tions permit. Rock climbers concentrate efforts on the volcanic tuff walls of the Owens River Gorge and the extensive granite boulder fields at the Buttermilks and Happy Boulders. The Lower Owens River below Crowley Lake maintains consistent flows suitable for fly fishing, with mature cottonwoods and willows establishing riparian corri- dors along the banks. Birdwatchers regularly document gold- en eagles, great blue herons, and various waterfowl species. An entirely different excursion leads east into the White Mountains, where the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest preserves specimens exceeding 4,000 years in age. The access road climbs to roughly 10,000 feet elevation, with short boardwalk trails providing views of the gnarled, ancient trees. Aspen foliage reaches peak autumn col- or in the higher canyons, typically during late September and early October. Winter transforms portions of the gorge into an ice climbing venue when sufficient freez- ing occurs. Those interested in regional history can visit the Laws Railroad Museum, which maintains preserved locomotives and reconstructed pioneer-era structures. Keough’s Hot Springs, south of Bishop, continues to draw visitors seeking ther- apeutic soaking after extended outdoor activity. Mammoth Lakes and Crowley Lake Mammoth Lakes occupies an elevated position near 8,000 feet and has devel- oped into a year-round recreation center built around its substantial ski resort. The basin contains multiple lakes —Mary, George, Mamie, Twin, and Horseshoe — nestled within a scenic bowl belowMam- moth Mountain’s volcanic slopes. Campgrounds including Coldwater and Lake Mary connect via paved roads and maintained trails. Anglers employ varied tactics: working shallowmargins for brook trout, targeting deeper water for the hatchery strain known as Alpers rainbow trout, or trolling larger lakes for browns. Float tubes have become standard equipment at Twin Lakes. Anglers in float tubes are able to access deep water portions of the lakes and it allows then to target the photo worthy trout that will have you dreaming about the next big one you can catch. Black bears regularly patrol campsites throughout the basin — the ubiquitous bear-proof storage boxes exist for legit- imate reasons, bears walk through the campgrounds routinely and some nights multiple bears can visit your site. Summer transforms Mammoth into a mountain biking destination, with a bike park offering downhill runs and an extensive network of cross-country routes threading through the surrounding forests. A seasonal shuttle provides access to Devils Postpile National Monument, where columnar basalt formations rise in remarkably uniform hexagonal patterns. From the monument, trail continues approximately 2 miles to Rainbow Falls — a 101-foot cascade that, on sunny days, generates visible prismatic effects in the mist. The San Joaquin River below the falls supports rainbow trout populations, with fly anglers able to wade directly from the trail. Convict Lake produces striking tur- quoise water tones and features a rel- atively short loop trail that becomes especially popular during the aspen color season. Convict Lake supports popu- lations of rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally planted trophy-sized fish that attract serious anglers willing to work deeper water with specialized techniques. Shore fishing remains productive along the northeastern shoreline and near the inlet, though float tubes and small water- craft provide access to drop-offs where larger browns suspend during warmer months. The lake’s dramatic setting beneath Sevehah Cliff and the surround- ing peaks can distract from fishing, particularly during morning hours when the surrounding rock faces reflect in still water — though the scenery arguably constitutes half the appeal for those com- bining technical pursuit with aesthetic experience. Hot Creek Geologic Site presents steaming thermal pools visible from elevated boardwalks, though swimming remains prohibited due to unpredictable Continued from Page 4 Guide