You can adjust this 395 road trip to fit a 3-4 day timeframe, but youll need to make some hard choices about what you have time for. I have a feeling I'm just over looking it. Check Cal Trans for snowy road conditions, watch out for fast moving semis, and stay in the slow lane, especially if you are in an RV. This whole area is SOOOOOO dog friendly. The regular roads to Mono Lake that most visitors would take are fine. State: Highest Point: Highest Elevation (feet) State Elevation Maps: Alabama Highest Point: Cheaha Mt., AL: 2,405: Alabama Elevation Map: Alaska Highest Point: Mt. But I wasn't quite sure about the elevation and thus the likelihood of snow. This lovely alpine lake is named after a bruhaha that ensued after a group of escaped prisoners hid out there. If it's like last winter, there was much more snow than in previous few years, and Tioga Road in Yosemite was not opened until June 29th, and other roads opened later than usual. William Stevenson (1853-1883) and Lydia Frances Kemp (1863-1941) John Amasa Bennett (1875-1945) and Geneva . Those latter two are a lightly shorter option (in terms of miles) compared to I-80, but beyond that? You can also get some inspiration and trivia with these fun facts about Death Valley. It's by no means the fastest route north, but it's one of the prettiestparticularly the stretch from its starting point in the Mojave Desert to the state border with Nevada. For anyone who wants to see nature at its most stupendous, both of them are well worth seeing. In April, snow can fall occasionally along 395. The highest elevation anywhere on US 395, which goes from the Canadian border through Washington, Oregon, and most of the length of California, is about 8300 feet/2.5 km above sea level. The section of California 299 east of U.S. 395 was never part of U.S. 299. If you prefer a steady path without steep grades, use the flat route finder to get the least elevation change. Start your day with a short detour west to Minaret Vista, a stunning panorama taking in a large swath of the Sierra Nevada imagine the very different reaction that early settlers would have had when faced withthis daunting natural barrier. There are four highway passes to the north, between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, but none to the south for about 200mi (320km), until Sherman Pass in southern Tulare County. Or simply stop into town for a cold one at June Lake Brewing. The highway enters the state in a corner of Sierra County, entering Lassen County just 3 miles (4.8km) later. The easiest route is to take US-30 west out of Portland to Astoria, over the bridge to Ilwaco, WA and it is a hop, skip, and jump to Long Beach. [citation needed]. In addition, the tree leaves on this lake really pop in the fall. In a T-intersection with SR36 just before Susanville, US395 makes a sharp turn avoiding the city, making a near complete loop around the Susanville Municipal Airport. Just before you reach Lone Pine, be sure to call in at the Manzanar National Historic Site, a Japanese internment camp from WWII. If you drive over Tioga pass through Yosemite, the trails there are not dog-friendly. In light snow years, the road may remain open until December and open as early as April.[3][4][5]. Stay andeat:There are three main sleeping and eating areas in the park: Panamint Springs; Stovepipe Wells; and The Oasis at Death Valley. [3], The highway descends Conway Summit via the tributaries of the East Walker River, heading towards Bridgeport and Bridgeport Reservoir. Second choice is to take I-5 up to the Longview exit and then highway 4 to the coast. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84861345', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California/Nevada state line, it is highly scenic. Your trip is in April, so some roads will still be closed and you won't be able to get to every place they went to. Along the descent towards Mono Lake, the highway passes near the community of June Lake, a recreation area where there are several freshwater lakes famous for trout fishing, and the June Mountain Ski Area. (Were good with a few long driving days but well have to be in San Francisco on the third day to catch our flight so we dont have a lot of wriggle room. Mono Lake is worth visiting for its crazy limestone tufa towers, which stagger upright out of the lake like crusty white zombies. You can take a dip in Grant Lake or take a hike to nearby Parker Lake or Agnew Lake. So check that out if you are going to be hanging around in the area. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. State Elevation(ft.)1 Highest point Elevation(ft.)Lowest point Elevation(ft.)Alabama 500 Cheaha Mountain 2,405 Gulf of Mexico Sea levelAlaska 1,900 Mt. On May 20, 1880, the Carson and Colorado Railway was formed, with the intent of extending a rail line from the existing Virginia and Truckee Railroad at Hawthorne, Nevada through the Owens Valley towards the Colorado River. If you do Mono lake, stay on the trails, as the rocks are really sharp. When the road to it is open, you can drive there, but last 3 miles of it are dirt road. From this point north, the highway follows a rail line originally built by the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway; the line is now owned by the Union Pacific Railroad.[3][14]. Also, note that the highway is not well lit at night. [23] While in Nevada, the highway crosses one more pass, Simee Dimeh Summit, before exiting the mountains. Start your adventure in Tahoe, a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing in winter and just about every other activity the rest of the year (the east shores Flume Trail is a must for mountain bikers). [6] US395 is eligible to be included in the State Scenic Highway System,[7] and is officially designated as a scenic highway by the California Department of Transportation from Fort Independence to Fort Springs Road in Inyo County, and from the InyoMono county line to south of Walker. If you want to fly and drive, use our guide for finding the closest Eastern Sierra airport. You can also drive to Convict Lake easily from 395 and it is paved all the way. Summer is a great time if you like hiking and water sports, but weekends and holidays can be crazy busy, so book ahead. These gnarled, tortured pine trees are the oldest in the world and can live up to 4,000 years old. Here US395 parallels the South Fork of the Pit River until the confluence with the north fork in Alturas. This itinerary is a five day road trip from top to bottom. Along the shores of Owens Lake, the highway passes by Cartago and Olancha. Nearby is where the Los Angeles Aqueduct is tapped from the Owens River; with more vegetation visible north of this point. Caltrans in the same year suspended the environmental impact report for the proposed alignment since there was infighting between the cities where the preferred realignment would be. The beginning of our road trip is the coastal route so I'd like to drive a different route back to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The extension first appeared on the Official Nevada Highway map in 1935 and its Californian equivalent in 1936. Lots to see all along the route. In heavy snow years, the road has closed in early October, and has remained closed as late as early July. The US395 corridor from Lone Pine north to the Nevada state line is noted for a high concentration of natural hot springs leading to the area being known as the "hot springs jackpot".[18]. Why Jack, we are going to the Eastern Sierras of course. Grab a refreshing beer to toast the end of your trip along the highway of superlatives. Beginning about a dozen miles west of Bakersfield, Highway 58 is a roller-coaster all the way to the coast. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. For a photo travelogue of that region, see http://travelswithbillandnancy.com/eastern_sierras.htm. Second choice is to take I-5 up to the Longview exit and then highway 4 to the coast. Dana Meadows contains several small lakes. State Route 120 runs through it, and serves as the eastern entry point for Yosemite National Park, at the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Or if you are short on time, but still want to see Death Valley, get a very early start and use this 1-day itinerary. Have fun and goest thou soon in thy shiny car. The southeast side has some nice beaches for fishing and swimming and you can rent kayaks and boats from the local concessionaire. Check for deals and book here. US Highway 395 is California 's backbone. The portion from Reno to Hallelujah Junction is used as a connection between the Union Pacific's two main lines in northern California/Nevada, the Overland Route (First Transcontinental Railroad) and the Feather River Route. We would be driving here mid April. Or go on a guided tour to gain access to otherwise closed-off buildings. For eating options, book in advance for Cafe Fiorebecause itssuperb Italian food is no secret. Some questions I hope you can help with: 1) how likely is it that there are winter conditions on this road at that time of the year? While crossing the desert, the route clips the northeastern corner of Edwards Air Force Base. If you like this kind of spare desert landscape in the southeastern Sierras, youll love Death Valley. Construction of the Bishop bypass is projected to begin in 2025. Its very detailed and shows both paved and dirt roads as well as state parks and some campsites. Could I get you opinion on driving times? This itinerary is also a great routing if you are driving from San Francisco to Las Vegas (or vice versa). ValleyEx (254) ValleyEx (255) old farmstead. In the winter, when the Coast range is subject to snow and ice, Hwy 30 in Oregon is NOT the best way to get to Long Beach. Then double back toward Lee Vining and take Highway 120 east to the southern Mono Lake viewpoint. It follows some of the river, but it goes over the coast range. The longer version is to go 13 miles further up the dirt road to the Patriarch grove. Spring wildflower season starts in late May, but if its a late snow year, many of the hiking trails and campgrounds wont be open yet. [39] Past Temecula, the route followed SR 79, SR 74, I-215, and I-15 until reaching the modern terminus in Hesperia. Route 89 starts in the south at U.S. 395 near Topaz Lake and the Nevada state border and winds its way up through a series of switchbacks to an elevation of 8,314 feet at Monitor Pass. Then it gets monotonous. Todays detour goes up the Whitney Portal Road, which is just west of Lone Pine. But hiking will be limited and you wont be able to transit over the Tioga or Sonora passes. Amtrak, the USAs only passenger train operator, announced that it has taken the first steps to upgrade its overnight trains for the first time in 40 years. This pass, like many other passes in the Sierra Nevada, has a gradual approach from the west and drops off to the east dramatically, losing more than 3,000ft (910m) by the time the road reaches U.S. Route 395. Less than 7 miles to the southwest of the pass, inside Yosemite National Park, is Tuolumne Meadows. 2) given that its April, the road to the Bristlecone Pine Forest will still be closed. The highway serves as a connection to the Los Angeles area for the communities of the Owens Valley, Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake. Some parts are now built to freeway standards. There are several trailheads into the Yosemite backcountry which begin at Tioga Pass, including the trail to the Gaylor Lakes to the west/northwest, and the trail to the summit of Mount Dana. However, US395 does not resume following the river, instead cutting across the Long Valley Caldera to serve the ski resort areas of Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain via SR203, after paralleling the runway of the Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Alternatively, you can tack on some road trip time in Yosemite. If you can't find itnot sure it is on the net. I tried tripcheck.com but I could not find out what I was looking for. Sacred to local Indigenous populations, Spirit Mountain (or Avi Kwa Ame) might become the newest federal national monument. Check reviews and book here. 58, one of the best locations available today. Many Forest Service campgrounds are first-come or they reserve a few spots for last minute campers, but that works best if you can get there before 10am on a Friday. Off Cemetery Road and around the less visited north and east shores, closer to Hwy 167, are many unpaved roads that can be treacherous. Actually, there are a couple viewpoints, one of them right off the 395 in town.. Stay and eat:Time it right (its generally only open in the evenings) and Mono Inn, on the 395 just north of Lee Vining, will give you one of the most memorable meals-with-a-view youll have along the whole route. When that photo opens great fishing, off the highway to the right past those trees . For good eats, check out the Erick Schats Bakker or the Holy Smoke Texas Barbeque. The valley, named for one of explorer John C. Fremont's guides, was primarily home to the Timbisha and Paiute peoples before European settlement. For camping: For weekends/holidays in the summer, you should pre-book. Once you get south of Lone Pine, the road downshifts to two lanes. The calculator provides a way to calculate how elevated the land is for a trip you are planning or for reference purposes. The two highways are briefly concurrent from Alturas to the XL Ranch Indian Reservation. It is the longest state highway in Oregon, running 237 miles (381 km) from the community of White City, Oregon (just north of Medford ), through Klamath Falls and on to Lakeview. Scott, that is still a million times better than the 99, or the soul-crushing I-5! It wasnt until a visit last fall that my feelings changed from admiring affection to full blown love. Create an elevation map for your next trip. pauline hanson dancing with the stars; just jerk dance members; what happens if a teacher gets a dui Heres a BLM map of the area. We have a whole guide that outlines a lot of fun things to do in Bishop both in town and nearby. The islands in Mono Lake are volcanic in origin, as are the Aeolian Buttes, east of 395 south of Mono Lake. Dalton Highway, also known as the North Slope Haul Road, was named after Alaskan engineer James W Dalton. Heres what that means. Sure, it doesnt have the showy seascapes of the Pacific Coast Highway, but hiding in the shadows of the Eastern Sierras are some amazing landscapes, vast acres of pine forest and some pretty funky geology. This itinerary is also a great routing if you are driving from San Francisco to Las Vegas (or vice versa). You should also purchase aroadside safely kitwhich includes things like a warning triangle, jumper cables, glass breaker, multi tool, cable ties and small first aid kit. Huh, and here I think of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both will get you to Long Beach, 401 being a little bit shorter. Im in the early planning stages of our first trip to the US. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. [46][47] Construction on the bypass began in 2022. The lake is the calm centerpiece of the action, famous as the largest alpine lake in North America and for its amazingly clear water thanks to its height (6225ft above sea level) and the waters depth (1644ft in places) algae cant grow here, allowing unparalleled underwater views. This add-on is best done from October to April. Thank you in advance for taking the time. The highest point in the Atigun Pass lies on the Continental Divide. Those include Navy Road off Hwy 120 east (south of Lee Vining) and Old Marina and Cemetery Roads (both north of town). Your third day starts off with a detour. We asked our readers to nominate their favorite small businesses. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. And then there are the ghost towns, living towns, ski resorts, tufa formations, film locations and more. For sleeping, Mammoth Lakes has plenty of decent, alpine-style options including Tamarack Lodge. Read More: Get the full downlow on all CA parks with our complete California State Parks list (with map). Also, we dont recommend the Death Valley side trip in the summer because the temps are positively volcanic. Google Earth is a good way to evaluate routes, albeit without elevation numbers. Interstate 80 is a major transcontinental corridor connecting California and New York City. Among the more notable upgrades, the Los Peasquitos Creek Arch Bridge, along the portion of former US395 now used by I-15, was built in 1949, and replaced in 1964, with a second span built in 1977. Except where prefixed with a letter, postmiles were measured on the road as it was in 1964, based on the alignment that existed at the time, and do not necessarily reflect current mileage. Tioga Pass is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. I do not know where it gets even close to 2000 feet elev, US-26 crosses the Coast. Past Lone Pine, the highway passes by Manzanar National Historic Site, a concentration camp where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II. The Dalton Highway was originally built to service the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which pumps oil from the north coast to the south of the state. In the winter, many of the smaller RV parks are closed. Find elevation by address: Places in California, USA: Stop at Bishop for any supplies you might need and make the side trip to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to see trees that are the oldest living things on earth some have been around for 5000 years. That Hwy 30 high point about same as Hwy 18 high point. The western bypass was strongly opposed by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since it threatens to reduce their water and land ownership rights in the Owens Valley. Take the Minaret Summit road to the Devils Postpile National Monument. Just 45 minutes south is Mono (pronounced moh-no) Lake. If you want some more crazy geology, your next stop should be the Hot Creek Geologic attraction off 395 east of the Mammoth airport. While many people visit Yosemite Valley, far fewer take the time to make this drive, which is one of the best in California. From Mono Lake its a 30-minute drive to Mammoth Lakes, regional hub, famous ski resort and a great place to spend the night. california's-10-best-hiking-trails-link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/california-best-hiking-trails">, california's-top-experiences-link" href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-25-experiences-in-california">, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The new southern terminus of US395 was at Pacific Highway (former US 101) in San Diego. Prior to July 1, 1964, the part of SR14 between I-5 and US395 was part of US6 that continued south to Long Beach. Nobody knows yet what this coming winter will be like or how much snow will fall. They cherished humanity. Bishop serves as a gateway for the recreation areas of the Sierra Nevada, including Mammoth Mountain. Stay andeat:The Whitney Portal Hostel & Hotel (run by the same people who run the store at the trailhead) is the best place to stay in town, with both dorm beds and motel-style rooms available ask for one with a view of the mountain. Edited: 12 years ago The instructions are from Las Vegas, so ignore the driving directions, but otherwise use the suggested routing once in the park. The spot where the sign is along the Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 rest within the town limits of Becket, MA. Some of the canyons managed by the Forest Service allow disbursed camping. North of SR18, US 395 is proposed as a four-lane divided highway to Desert Flower Road. I had some free time and an itch to fire up the van. The route via the Eastern Sierra seems a lot more scenic. [17] From the I-15 terminus to SR18 the proposed alignment would have upgraded US395 to a six-lane freeway. On US 30 it feels like you pull away from river and climb over a small hill. Ive seen the obvious other options of I-5 and CA-99 described as very boring and that doesnt seem like a fitting end to what promises to be an amazing trip. Heres the 5 day itinerary for your 395 travel. Seems that you just haven't been to Long Beach via Or hwy 30. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. This is a quiet, pretty road that winds through pine forest. [8] This designation means that there are substantial sections of highway passing through a "memorable landscape" with no "visual intrusions", where the potential designation has gained popular favor with the community. Prior to truncation, US395 served the metropolitan areas of San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino. Consider getting an electric car cooler, which is great for keeping lunch stuff cold without becoming soggy from melted ice. Head to the South Tufa Area where you can learn more about the weird, tower-like limestone formations known as tufa (created by the action of the lakes water with the salts in it), the billions of tiny shrimp that call the lake home, and, if youre here in autumn, the millions of migrating birds who feast on the shrimp and flies. Though the rail line was never finished, it did bring economic development to the valley. Highway 395 is closed from eight miles north of Sonora Junction to Walker due to snow. This image was generated by NOAA from digital data bases of land and . Dana Meadows is immediately south of the pass alongside the highway, as the pass itself is roughly angled northsouth as opposed to eastwest. Id like to plan accordingly.). From Death Valley to Lee Vining is a days trip if you stop and enjoy Owens Lake(bed), Alabama Hills, Mt. It boomed from 1882 to 1932 and is a well-preserved relic of our gold rush. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet and this year the road to it opened late, but they put a sign at the gate saying it was only a 2 mile hike to it and that it was an easy hike. Elevation: 145m / 476feet Barometric Pressure: 100KPa. April is in the spring when spring storms that are winter-like are still possible, and they could leave snow or ice on the roads, even on 395 itself. [31] By 1918, the Camino Sierra had been included in the Automobile Blue Book, an early road atlas of the United States.[32]. [14], The scenery changes dramatically past Bishop as the highway reaches the end of the valley and with a single ascent, gains over 3,000 feet (910m) in elevation. Just before arriving at Mono Lake, US395 has a brief concurrency with SR120; the two routes separate at the southern end of Lee Vining. Although Susanville is used as a control city, US395 does not technically enter the city. For good eats, check out the Castro taco truck or the Alabama Hills Cafe. Have your camera ready. Just less than 5 miles (8.0km) from Hallelujah Junction is Beckwourth Pass, the lowest pass in the Sierra, used by both SR70 and the Feather River Route. Alternatively you can build a trip from this 2-day Death Valley itinerary. Along the descent the highway passes by Bodie, a ghost town which the state park system has preserved, including items still on the shelves in the abandoned stores.[22]. ;-). Mobile signals are very spotty on 395 and Google Maps wont always work there. However, that trip was in September, when all roads were open. Though the railroad is abandoned north of Searles Station, US395 parallels the old railroad grade from this point to Lone Pine.[3][14]. Like driving through a big national park with small towns along the way. Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? It starts at the junction of U.S. Route 395 near Topaz Lake and eventually ends up at Mt. Top spots on both itineraries are Ryolite Ghost town, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Dunes. Hwy 18 to Lincoln City is around 750. so is US-20. But this itinerary recommends the best scenic bits on a 227 mile stretch that starts just south of Carson City. This will take you an additional 13 miles up to the Mount Whitney trailhead, which is only for experienced mountain hikers, but the drive is lovely. [36][37] By 1937, US6 had been extended to California, concurrent with US395 between Bishop and Inyokern.[36]. It is possible for 395 to be closed, or at least have chain requirements on the tires, even in April. to Bridgeport U.S. 395: From Sonora Junction to Walker SR 203: From Meridian Blvd to U.S. 395 I have been to coast on both US 30 and Wash-4, but not a regular. Highway 395 actually runs from California's border with Oregon all the way down to Victorville. [3], Visible for miles, the highway finally passes Mono Lake, squeezed between the lake and the Sierra crest. I suppose we'll check once we're in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yes, as long as you are a safe driver. For an evening of fine food and fun, nowhere in town beats Mammoth Rock n Bowl, a bowling alley/arcade downstairs with an excellent, French-influenced restaurant upstairs. At the north end of Bishop is the former separation with, and current terminus of, US6, a 3,205-mile (5,158km) route which travels eastward across the US to Provincetown, Massachusetts on the east coast. (This article contains affiliate links. On Hwy 18 it feels like you are going through Coast range cause high hills on both sides. Highest point County or subdivision Elevation feet Lowest Point County or . Starting on the west side of Highway 395, drivers . Then suddenly the road tightens down into twisting loops as you dive into canyon country. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/elevations.php. Each day has 2-5 cool things do do and see as well as at least one scenic detour that gets you slightly off 395. [15] Rather than going directly to Mammoth Lakes, take the Mammoth Scenic Loop, which is 8 miles before the main turnoff. The summit on Hwy 4 is only around 760feet. But things literally go downhill from there. Visiting Bodie requires the same. Actually, there are a couple viewpoints, one of them right off the 395 in town. Then bunk down in Lee Vining or back in June Lake. It comes with a AAA membership, most new car purchases or a credit card like the American Express Rewards Gold Card. Grab dinner at the Whoa Nellie Deli, which is the best food you will ever find at a gas station. The highway retains that name as it travels through Tuolumne Meadows, over Tioga Pass at an elevation of 9,945 feet, and through the Lee Vining Canyon on its 59-mile (95 km) journey to its intersection with U.S. Route 395, at Lee Vining. State Route 120 runs through it, and serves as the eastern entry point for Yosemite National Park, at the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Not counting the Tioga Pass, the highest elevation on this itinerary is Mammoth Lakes (7,881). The best place from which to see Mt. Down in Lone Pine, the Museum of Western Film History delves more deeply into the areas connections with shows like The Lone Ranger and movies such asDjango Unchained. If weather permits, you HAVE to take this route; if you get stuck taking 99 or I-5, dont even look at any pictures or videos of 395 because youll be kicking yourself for the next 10 years (or whenever you can come back and include it). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. FYI - I think Hiway 30' gets to about 2000 feet along that route. Clifton Wilkinsontraveled along the 395with support from Visit California. This summit separates the Owens River watershed from that of Mono Lake, a salt lake approximately three times as salty as the ocean.[21]. Tioga Road over Tioga Pass is located in the eastern portion of Yosemite National Park and provides a way to drive through the park's high country, connecting Yosemite Valley with Highway 395. The highest mountain or highest elevation point for each of the 50 states are listed in the table below. The town of Bishop was established to trade goods with the mining town of Aurora. The trail was first believed to be used by Jedediah Smith in 1826. Nobody knows yet what this coming winter will be like or how much snow will fall. About California Highway 395 Its location means Highway 395 connects to the cities of Las Vegas, Reno, and Sacramento. This National Historic Park remembers that tragedy with guided tours and exhibits. For a relaxed setting, the Toll Road Restaurant has filling fare, as does Panamint Springs Resort. The northern segment also follows the Sierra Nevada and crosses the Modoc Plateau. Take a self-guided tour with the map fromthe small museum, peering into homes eerily still filled with their last owners belongings. Formerly a fertile lake and valley, Owens Lake and the southern portion of the valley are now dry. Now, on to Convict Lake. Tucked away in the eastern central part of California, the road is 19.31km (12 miles) long, starting at Lone Pine. This area is particularly nice in the late spring for wildflowers or for leaf peeping in the fall. Dont do Sonora Pass if you have an extra large RV, because you wont make the hairpin turns at the eastern end. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. There were plans to connect this narrow gauge line with SP's standard gauge lines in the area, however these plans never materialized and the narrow gauge line was scrapped in 1959. , use our guide for finding the closest Eastern Sierra airport ( pronounced moh-no ) Lake a bit... 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The Massachusetts Turnpike on I-90 rest within the town limits of Becket, MA should pre-book in for. The late spring for wildflowers or for reference purposes Force Base ) John Bennett... Ryolite ghost town, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie point and Mesquite Dunes along that route work.. A AAA membership, most new car purchases or a credit card like the Express. Tragedy with guided tours and exhibits Valley itinerary heading towards Bridgeport and Bridgeport Reservoir goes over the Tioga or passes... Route 395 near Topaz Lake and the southern Mono Lake, squeezed between the Lake crusty. Is best done from October to April peering into homes eerily still with. Think of ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad top spots on both itineraries are Ryolite ghost town, Badwater,!