Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

2026 Scenic 395 49 temperature fluctuations and underwater hazards. Eastward, Crowley Lake spreads across a broad basin that accommodates recre- ational boating, windsurfing, kayaking, and trout fishing. The marina operates boat rentals and maintains a tackle shop. Crowley Lake functions as the Eastern Sierra’s largest reservoir and arguably its most versatile recreational venue, with approximately 5,280 surface acres that accommodate powerboating, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and year-round trout fishing under regulations that per- mit various methods including trolling and bait fishing. The lake has earned recognition among fly anglers during spring and fall when massive midge hatches — locally termed “the blob” — trigger aggressive surface feeding by rainbow trout and occasion- al brown trout, with successful anglers matching the hatch. The full-service marina operates boat rentals, launches, and a tackle shop stocked according to current conditions, while multiple access points around the shoreline accommodate those fishing from shore or launching small craft like float tubes and pontoon boats. Wind patterns make the lake especially popular among windsurfers and kitesurf- ers during afternoon hours, when thermal currents reliably generate conditions that would be considered excellent on coast- al venues — though the combination of altitude, cold water, and distance from medical facilities requires appropriate preparation and skill levels. When winter arrives, Mammoth Mountain’s lift system transports skiers and snowboarders to terrain offering ap- proximately 3,500 vertical feet with runs suited to multiple ability levels. Several natural hot springs in the vicin- ity, including Wild Willy’s, provide more rustic soaking options popular during winter and shoulder seasons. These undeveloped thermal features typically require short hikes or careful navigation on unmaintained roads, and the springs themselves consist of primitive soaking pools that appeal to those seeking experi- ences beyond commercial resort ameni- ties. The pools operate under informal etiquette that generally includes packing out all trash, respecting others’ space, and accepting that clothing-optional soaking remains common at many remote springs. Benton Crossing and Whitmore Hot Springs represent other options with- in reasonable driving distance, though each location presents different access challenges and varying degrees of devel- opment, from completely primitive rock pools to sites with modest concrete tubs and changing areas. June Lake Loop The June Lake Loop presents a com- pact 14-mile scenic detour departing Highway 395 via Highway 158. This route encircles four distinct lakes — June, Gull, Silver, and Grant — positioned beneath steep mountain faces. The combination of marinas, developed campgrounds, and beach access points allows visitors to experience the loop efficiently within a single day, though the area contains suf- ficient variety to justify extended stays. Grant Lake, the largest of the four, has earned recognition for trophy-class brown trout. Trollers frequently deploy downrigger setups to reach appropriate depths. Shore anglers concentrate efforts around rocky points and structure. Boat rental operations at June Lake and Silver Lake simplify access for those without trailered watercraft. Calmmorning con- ditions favor stand-up paddleboarding, while summer afternoons draw swim- mers to warmer shallow areas. Several hiking routes ascend through aspen groves toward higher elevations, including the Parker Lake trail — a moderate out-and-back covering rough- ly 4 miles with expansive views from the destination. Reverse Peak offers ridge-top panoramas overlooking the entire loop. Autumn produces one of the Eastern Sierra’s most concentrated aspen color displays, typically peaking around mid-October. Photographers congregate at established viewpoints near Gull Lake and along Rush Creek. June Mountain ski area operates with a more family-oriented atmosphere and lighter crowds compared to nearby Mammoth. Off-road enthusiasts tack- le the East Craters Loop, a challenging 4×4 route traversing volcanic features including cinder cones, expanses of black sand, and the Devil’s Punchbowl — a dry lakebed. This loop requires valid OHV permits. June Lake village maintains modest tourist infrastructure — cabin rentals, casual dining options like the Tiger Bar, and the Double Eagle Resort with its developed spa facilities. Seasonal fishing derbies and summer concert series con- tribute to the area’s small-community character. Mono Basin and Lee Vining Lee Vining occupies an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet near Mono Lake, where hypersaline water surrounds distinctive limestone tufa towers formed through complex chemical interactions over thousands of years. The South Tufa boardwalk system allows visitors to approach these formations closely while migratory birds feed in the shallows, consuming brine shrimp and alkali flies. The lake supports crucial stopover hab- itat for multiple bird migration routes, and the stark landscape bears little resemblance to California’s coastal or mountain regions. Navy Beach provides kayak launching facilities for those interested in paddling among the tufa formations —motorized watercraft remain prohibited. Panum Crater, located just south of the lake, offers a short rim hike with scattered obsidian fragments and views from the volcanic plug dome. The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center presents com- prehensive exhibits on local geology and the contentious history of Los Angeles water diversions. Lee Vining Creek de- scends from Tioga Pass through a series of canyon pools below town that harbor small populations of wild trout. When Tioga Pass gets passable condi- tions — typically late May or early June through October or November, depend- ing on snowpack — the route provides ac- cess to Yosemite’s high country, passing Tioga Lake and Ellery Lake before reach- ing Tuolumne Meadows. Trailheads near the pass access backcountry destinations including Cathedral Lakes and Gaylor Lakes. During winter closure, the blocked road becomes a peaceful corridor for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Lundy Canyon’s side road leads toward waterfalls, beaver-engineered ponds, and particularly vibrant fall aspen color. Bridgeport and the Northern Sierra Bridgeport, positioned near 6,500 feet elevation, retains ranch-country char- acteristics — grazing meadows extend toward weathered barns and split-rail fences. Bridgeport Reservoir has estab- lished a reputation for producing large trout, with brown trout and rainbow trout regularly reaching double-dig- it weights. Anglers employ both boat trolling and shore casting near the dam structure. Twin Lakes and Green Creek camp- grounds, situated within the Hum- boldt-Toiyabe National Forest, position visitors near water access and within reasonable distance of trails penetrating Hoover Wilderness meadows. Several horseback riding operations offer guided trips into higher elevations. The East Walker River below the reser- voir attracts anglers seeking technically demanding brown trout fishing in mov- ing water. Trail systems climb toward alpine lakes including Virginia Lakes and Summit Lake, where wildflowers emerge during July. Fall hunting seasons encom- pass mule deer and sage grouse across accessible forest lands. Winter brings snowmobilers to groomed trail networks when storm systems deposit adequate snow depth. Bodie State Historic Park occupies an isolated location roughly 13 miles east of town via partially maintained dirt road. This preserved 1880s gold mining settlement contains weathered wood- en structures, abandoned vehicles, and guided interpretive tours during sum- mer months. Buckeye Hot Springs and Travertine Hot Springs, both within the general area, provide natural soaking pools with unobstructed Sierra Nevada views. Within Bridgeport proper, visitors encounter the historic courthouse, the Bridgeport Inn, and several modest mo- tels. Autumn transforms roadside aspens into brilliant gold displays. From the Kern River’s granite peaks to Mono Basin’s alien tufa formations, Highway 395 connects contrasting ecosystems — desert basins transition to alpine lakes, steep canyons open onto high meadows, and small towns have organized themselves entirely around outdoor access. Travelers can compress substantial geographic diversity into a single driving day or alternatively establish a single base camp and explore outward from there over multiple days. Recreation.gov man- ages most developed campground reser- vations, while Sequioa National Forest and Inyo National Forest alerts provide current information on road conditions and fire restrictions before departure into higher elevations.