LAST UPDATED ON: 01/09/2025
Welcome to the Eastern Sierra: California’s Wild Side
Discover the top Places to Visit in Eastern Sierras that showcase the stunning beauty and rich history of this remarkable region.
Imagine a place where jagged, snow-covered mountains crash down into a wide, sun-drenched desert valley. This is California’s Eastern Sierra, a land of beautiful and wild contrasts.1 It’s a region unlike any other, stretching from the highest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney, to the otherworldly shores of a million-year-old lake.2 This is not just a trip; it’s an adventure into one of America’s most stunning and untamed landscapes.
The main road that ties all these wonders together is U.S. Highway 395. More than just a way to get from one place to another, this highway is one of the most scenic drives in the entire country, a ribbon of asphalt that leads you through breathtaking views of mountains, desert, and endless blue sky.2 Along this route, you can explore the oldest trees on Earth, walk through a ghost town frozen in time, and ski down a world-class mountain, all in one trip.3
The incredible landscape of the Eastern Sierra is the main character in its long and fascinating story. The same powerful forces that pushed these giant granite mountains up from the earth also created the rich veins of gold that led to boomtowns like Bodie.6 The snow that falls on these peaks melts into rivers that became a source of conflict and controversy, as the growing city of Los Angeles diverted water, forever changing places like Mono Lake and the Owens Valley.1 And the massive mountains themselves provide the perfect playground for modern adventures, with resorts like Mammoth Lakes attracting visitors from all over the world.8
This region is also the ancestral homeland of several Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Shoshone, whose history is deeply connected to this land.1 A journey here is a journey through a living history book, where every mountain, lake, and valley has a story to tell.
Your Eastern Sierra Adventure Map
Planning a trip to a place with so much to see can feel like a big task. To help you get started, here is a quick look at the seven amazing places covered in this guide. One of the most wonderful things about the Eastern Sierra is how accessible its treasures are.
You’ll notice that some of the most unforgettable experiences, like exploring the rocky playground of Alabama Hills or reflecting on an important piece of American history at Manzanar, are completely free to visit. Other spots have small entry fees that are much lower than what you might find at large national parks. This makes the Eastern Sierra a fantastic destination for families, road-trippers, and anyone looking for a world-class adventure without a hefty price tag.
Table 1: The Eastern Sierra’s 7 Amazing Places at a Glance
| Place Name | Best For | Best Season | Typical Entry Fee |
| Alabama Hills | Scenery & Movie History | Spring, Fall | Free |
| Manzanar National Historic Site | American History | Year-round | Free |
| Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest | Natural Wonder | Summer, Fall | $3/person |
| Mammoth Lakes | Year-Round Adventure | All Seasons | Varies by activity |
| June Lake Loop | Scenic Driving & Fall Color | Summer, Fall | Free (drive) |
| Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve | Unique Geology & Wildlife | Summer, Fall | $3/person |
| Bodie State Historic Park | Ghost Town Exploration | Summer, Fall | $8/adult |
The 7 Must-See Destinations
Our journey begins in the south and follows Highway 395 northward, taking you through a landscape that changes with every mile.
1. Alabama Hills: Walk Through a Hollywood Movie Set
Introduction
Imagine a playground of giant, rounded rocks and smooth, sandy hills, where the background is a wall of sharp, snowy mountains. That’s Alabama Hills.8 This amazing place is famous for two things. First, it’s a natural wonder, with hundreds of cool rock formations and natural arches you can explore. Second, it has been Hollywood’s favorite outdoor movie set for over 100 years. Hundreds of movies, especially old Westerns starring actors like John Wayne, were filmed here.9 Walking around, you might feel like you’ve stepped right into a movie.
| Location | Alabama Hills National Scenic Area is located just west of the small town of Lone Pine, in Inyo County, California.8 |
| Best Time to Visit | The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. Summer can get very hot during the day. In the spring, you might even see beautiful wildflowers blooming among the rocks.11 |
| How to Get There | From the center of Lone Pine, drive west on Whitney Portal Road for about 2.7 miles. Then, turn right onto Movie Flat Road. This main road is a dirt road, but it is well-maintained, so most regular cars can handle it just fine if you drive slowly.8 |
| Pro Tips | Don’t miss the Mobius Arch Trail. It’s a short and easy half-mile walk that leads to a beautiful natural arch. If you stand in just the right spot, the arch perfectly frames Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, making for an unforgettable photo.8 Also, be sure to download a map of the area from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website before you go, as your phone’s GPS might not work out there.11 |
| Entry Fees | It is completely free to visit and explore Alabama Hills. If you plan to camp overnight, you will need to get a free permit online or at the visitor center.11 |
| Things to Keep in Mind | This is a desert, so it’s very important to bring plenty of water. There are no stores or water fountains here. Also, be sure to stay on the marked roads and trails. The plants and soil are very fragile, and driving over them can cause damage that takes many years to heal. This rule is called “Don’t Crush the Brush!”.11 Finally, there are no trash cans, so you must pack out everything you bring in with you.11 |
| Nearest Restaurant | Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery in Lone Pine is the perfect place to eat before or after your adventure. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors, known for its big, delicious breakfasts and tasty lunches.15 |
| Nearest Hotel | Dow Villa Motel in Lone Pine is a great place to stay. It has a lot of history and was a popular spot for movie stars back in the day. You can choose to stay in the modern motel section or in the historic hotel for a taste of old Hollywood charm.17 |
2. Manzanar National Historic Site: A Place of Remembrance
Introduction
Manzanar is a very important and serious place. It tells the story of a difficult time in American history. During World War II, the U.S. government forced over 110,000 people of Japanese ancestry, most of them American citizens, to leave their homes and live in camps. Manzanar was one of ten such camps, and over 11,000 people were held here.18 Visiting Manzanar is a chance to learn about what happened, to honor the people who lived here, and to think about the importance of freedom and justice for everyone.
| Location | Manzanar National Historic Site is located right on the west side of U.S. Highway 395. It is 9 miles north of Lone Pine and 6 miles south of the town of Independence.19 |
| Best Time to Visit | Manzanar is open all year. Spring and fall have the most comfortable weather for walking around the large site. The wind can be strong here, so be prepared. |
| How to Get There | The entrance to Manzanar is clearly marked and easy to find right off Highway 395.20 |
| Pro Tips | A great way to start your visit is at the Visitor Center, which is housed in the camp’s historic auditorium. Here, you can see powerful exhibits, watch a short film, and get a map of the site. This will help you understand the stories of the people who were forced to live here. After the visitor center, you can take a 3.2-mile self-guided driving tour around the site to see the replica barracks, a mess hall, and the beautiful cemetery monument, which has become a symbol of remembrance.18 |
| Entry Fees | There is no fee to enter Manzanar National Historic Site.21 |
| Things to Keep in Mind | This is a place of history and memory, so it’s important to be respectful during your visit. The site is very large and exposed to the sun and wind. Make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes, and bring a bottle of water. The grounds are open every day from sunrise to sunset, but the Visitor Center and the reconstructed buildings have specific hours, so it’s a good idea to check the park’s website before you go.22 |
| Nearest Restaurant | Still Life Cafe in the nearby town of Independence is a surprising and delicious find. It serves tasty French and European-style food in a cozy, small-town setting.23 |
| Nearest Hotel | Mt. Williamson Motel and Basecamp in Independence is a wonderful place to stay. It’s known for being very clean and friendly, and it’s a popular spot for hikers and travelers exploring the area.24 |
3. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: Meet the World’s Oldest Trees
Introduction
High in the White Mountains, far above the desert floor, lives a forest of truly ancient beings. The Great Basin bristlecone pines are the oldest living things on Earth.26 Walking among these gnarled, twisted trees is like stepping back in time. Some of them have been alive for nearly 5,000 years! That means they were already growing when the pyramids were being built in Egypt. These trees are incredibly tough, surviving for thousands of years in a cold, windy, and difficult place to live.27
| Location | The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located in the White Mountains, east of the town of Big Pine. The main visitor area is called Schulman Grove.28 |
| Best Time to Visit | The best time to visit is in the summer and early fall, usually from late May through October. The road to the forest is at a very high elevation and is closed by snow during the winter.27 |
| How to Get There | From Highway 395 in the town of Big Pine, take California Highway 168 east for 13 miles. Then, turn left onto White Mountain Road. It’s a beautiful, paved, 10-mile drive up to the Schulman Grove Visitor Center. The road is winding, so take your time and enjoy the views.28 |
| Pro Tips | At Schulman Grove, there are a couple of great trails. The Discovery Trail is an easy 1-mile loop that is perfect for a short visit. For a longer adventure, the 4.5-mile Methuselah Trail takes you past some of the oldest trees, including the grove where “Methuselah,” one of the world’s oldest known trees, lives (its exact location is kept a secret to protect it). If you have a car that can handle a dirt road, you can drive another 13 miles to Patriarch Grove, which is even more remote and home to the world’s largest bristlecone pine, the Patriarch Tree.29 |
| Entry Fees | There is a day-use fee of $3.00 per person, with a maximum of $6.00 per car. If you have a National Parks pass (Interagency Pass), you can use it here.28 |
| Things to Keep in Mind | This forest is very high up, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. The air is thinner here, which can make you feel tired or out of breath, so it’s important to walk slowly and take it easy. There is no gas, food, or water available in the forest. Make sure to fill up your gas tank and bring all the water and snacks you’ll need from Big Pine.28 Also, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.29 |
| Nearest Restaurant | After your visit, a great place to stop for food is Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine. It’s one of the most famous and beloved restaurants in the entire Eastern Sierra, known for its mouth-watering barbecue. |
| Nearest Hotel | Starlight Motel in Big Pine is a great choice for your stay. It’s a clean, comfortable, and well-rated motel that makes a perfect basecamp for exploring the amazing White Mountains.30 |
4. Mammoth Lakes: The High Sierra’s Playground
Introduction
Mammoth Lakes is the exciting, year-round heart of the Eastern Sierra.5 It’s a bustling mountain town that is famous all over the world. In the winter, it’s a snowy paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with the massive Mammoth Mountain offering endless runs.33 When the snow melts, the town transforms into a summer playground, with beautiful lakes for fishing and kayaking, and countless trails for hiking and mountain biking.32 It’s a place where there is always something fun to do, no matter the season.
| Location | Mammoth Lakes is a large town located just off Highway 395. You can get there by taking the exit for California Highway 203.32 |
| Best Time to Visit | Any time is a great time to visit Mammoth Lakes. Winter is for snow sports. Summer is perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and enjoying the lakes. Fall is beautiful, with crisp air, fewer people, and golden fall colors.32 |
| How to Get There | From Highway 395, take the exit for Highway 203 and drive west. This road will take you right into the center of town. |
| Pro Tips | In the summer, a must-do activity is taking the scenic gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain. At 11,053 feet, the views are incredible—you can see for miles in every direction.36 Another amazing spot is Devils Postpile National Monument. It’s a rare and fascinating wall of six-sided basalt columns that look like giant pencils sticking out of the ground. From there, you can take an easy 2-mile hike to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls.5 In the busy summer months, you will need to park your car and take a mandatory shuttle bus to get to this area.36 |
| Entry Fees | Fees in Mammoth Lakes vary depending on what you want to do. You’ll need to buy lift tickets for skiing or for the summer gondola ride. There is also an entrance fee for Devils Postpile National Monument. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Mammoth Lakes is at a high elevation, around 7,880 feet, so remember to drink lots of water and take it easy on your first day.8 The road to Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow is closed during the winter due to heavy snow.36 Because it’s a very popular destination, it’s a good idea to book your hotel or campsite far in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or holiday. |
| Nearest Restaurant | The Eatery at Mammoth Brewing Company is a fantastic spot for a casual meal. They have delicious food like burgers and tacos, and you can try the fresh, local beer that they make right there. |
| Nearest Hotel | The Village Lodge is a great place to stay because it’s right in the middle of the action. It offers comfortable condominium-style rooms and is located in the heart of the pedestrian village, so you can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and the gondola that takes you up the mountain.37 |
5. June Lake Loop: A Drive Through Paradise
Introduction
The June Lake Loop is a breathtaking 16-mile scenic drive that many people call the “Switzerland of California”.38 This beautiful road winds its way through a horseshoe-shaped canyon carved by a glacier long ago. It passes by four sparkling alpine lakes—June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake—all sitting at the base of tall, rugged mountains like the 10,909-foot Carson Peak.40 The drive is peaceful, stunningly beautiful, and feels like a secret escape.
| Location | The June Lake Loop is a 16-mile road, also known as State Route 158. It connects to Highway 395 at two different points and is located about a 20-minute drive north of Mammoth Lakes.38 |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer is a wonderful time to visit for fishing, boating, and swimming in the cool, clear lakes.39 However, fall is when the June Lake Loop truly becomes magical. The aspen trees that line the road and the lakeshores turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold, making it one of the best places in California to see fall colors.39 |
| How to Get There | From Highway 395, you can enter the loop from either the south junction or the north junction. The best way to see everything is to drive the entire loop. |
| Pro Tips | As you enter the loop from the south, be sure to stop at the Oh! Ridge viewpoint. It offers a postcard-perfect view of June Lake with the mountains behind it.41 For a fun afternoon, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard from one of the marinas and get out on the water.39 When you get hungry, stop in the charming village of June Lake and have a meal at the historic Tiger Bar.42 |
| Entry Fees | Driving the June Lake Loop is completely free. You will only have to pay if you decide to camp, rent a boat, or do other specific activities. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | The road is paved and easy to drive. However, in the winter, parts of the loop can close due to snow. If you are visiting between November and May, it’s always a good idea to check the road conditions before you go.40 |
| Nearest Restaurant | Tiger Bar & Cafe is a must-visit. This historic spot has been serving customers since 1932 and is famous for its hearty burgers, friendly atmosphere, and old-time mountain charm.42 |
| Nearest Hotel | Double Eagle Resort and Spa offers a relaxing and beautiful place to stay. You can choose from cozy cabins or luxurious rooms. The resort has a wonderful spa with an indoor pool and a great restaurant, all set beside a peaceful creek.42 |
6. Mono Lake: A Visit to Another World
Introduction
Visiting Mono Lake is like stepping onto another planet. This huge, ancient lake is one of the oldest in North America, over a million years old.44 What makes it so strange and beautiful are the “tufa towers.” These are spooky-looking limestone spires and knobs that rise out of the water like sculptures from a fantasy world.8 The lake has no fish because its water is two and a half times saltier than the ocean. Instead, it is filled with trillions of tiny brine shrimp and alkali flies, which provide a feast for millions of birds that stop here every year on their long migrations.7
| Location | Mono Lake is located just east of Highway 395, right next to the town of Lee Vining.45 |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer and fall are the best times to visit. The weather is nice, and all the roads and visitor areas are open. Winter at Mono Lake is very beautiful and quiet, with snow dusting the tufa towers, but access can sometimes be limited by weather.44 |
| How to Get There | The best place to see the tufa towers up close is the South Tufa Area. To get there from Lee Vining, take State Route 120 east for 5 miles and then follow the signs. |
| Pro Tips | Your first stop should be the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, located just north of Lee Vining. It has great exhibits about the lake’s history and nature, and an amazing view from its deck.44 At the South Tufa Area, there is an easy 1-mile self-guided nature trail that takes you right down to the water’s edge among the towers.7 For a truly unique experience, go for a swim at Navy Beach. The super-salty water makes you float effortlessly.7 |
| Entry Fees | There is a $3 entrance fee for adults at the South Tufa Area (kids are free). If you have a National Parks pass, it is accepted here.7 |
| Things to Keep in Mind | If you decide to go for a float, be careful not to get the salty water in your eyes or in any cuts, because it will sting.7 It’s a good idea to bring a bottle of fresh water to rinse off with afterward. The weather here can change very quickly, and strong winds can pop up suddenly, so be extra careful if you are in a small boat or kayak.46 |
| Nearest Restaurant | Whoa Nellie Deli is a legendary place to eat. It’s located inside the Tioga Gas Mart at the corner of Highway 395 and Highway 120 (the road to Yosemite). You might not expect a gas station to have amazing food, but this place is famous for its gourmet meals, like fish tacos, lobster taquitos, and delicious pizzas.46 |
| Nearest Hotel | El Mono Motel in Lee Vining is a wonderful and charming place to stay. It’s a small, family-run motel with a beautiful flower garden and its own organic coffee shop. It’s a cozy and peaceful spot to rest after a day of exploring.48 |
7. Bodie State Historic Park: A Ghost Town Frozen in Time
Introduction
Step back in time at Bodie, a real California gold-rush ghost town. But this isn’t a theme park; it’s the real deal. Bodie is preserved in a state of “arrested decay,” which means nothing has been fixed up or rebuilt.6 The buildings are left just as they were when the last people moved away over 50 years ago.
You can peer through the windows and see tables still set for dinner and shops with goods still on the shelves. At its peak in the late 1800s, Bodie was a wild and bustling town of nearly 10,000 people. Today, only about 5% of the town is still standing, but it’s enough to give you a true feeling of what life was like in the Wild West.6
| Location | Bodie State Historic Park is in a remote location, northeast of Yosemite. It is 13 miles east of Highway 395, and about 7 miles south of the town of Bridgeport.6 |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer and fall are the best and easiest times to visit. The weather is usually good, and the road is open. The park is technically open all year, but its high elevation (8,375 feet) means it gets a lot of snow in the winter. From about November to May, the only way to reach Bodie is with a snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes.6 |
| How to Get There | From Highway 395, take State Route 270 east. The first 10 miles of this road are paved, but the last 3 miles are a bumpy dirt road. You don’t need a 4×4, but you do need to drive slowly and carefully.6 |
| Pro Tips | When you arrive, stop by the museum and buy a self-guided tour booklet for $3. It’s full of interesting facts and stories about the buildings and the people who lived in Bodie.6 You can also join a tour of the Stamp Mill, the big factory where they used to crush rock to get the gold out. It’s a fascinating look at the heart of the town’s economy.6 |
| Entry Fees | The entrance fee is $8 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4 to 17). It’s a good idea to bring cash, as the credit card machine at the entrance kiosk doesn’t always work.6 |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Bodie is very high up and remote. The weather can change in an instant, so even on a warm summer day, you should bring a jacket. There is no food, gas, or water for sale in the park, so you must bring everything you need with you.6 Most importantly, everything in Bodie is a historic artifact. It is against the law to take anything, not even a rusty nail, a piece of wood, or a shard of glass. Please leave everything exactly as you found it so that people can continue to enjoy this special place for years to come.6 |
| Nearest Restaurant | Virginia Creek Settlement, located on Highway 395 near the turnoff for Bodie, is a great place to eat. It has a rustic, old-time feel and serves tasty American and Italian food.52 |
| Nearest Hotel | The Bodie Hotel in the nearby town of Bridgeport offers a truly unique stay. This historic hotel was actually built in Bodie during the gold rush and was later moved to Bridgeport. Staying here is a fun way to connect with the history of the ghost town.54 |
Your Eastern Sierra Trip: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the absolute best time of year to visit the Eastern Sierra?
That really depends on what you love to do! Summer (June through August) is the most popular time. The weather is warm, all the roads and trails are open, and it’s perfect for hiking, fishing, and playing in the lakes. However, it can also be crowded. Many people who know the area well say that fall (September and October) is the best season. There are fewer crowds, the weather is still beautiful, and the fall colors are absolutely spectacular, especially around the June Lake Loop. Winter and spring are all about snow sports, with Mammoth Mountain being the main attraction.56
What should I pack for my trip?
The most important thing to remember is to pack layers of clothing. The weather in the mountains can change very quickly. A sunny morning can turn into a windy and cool afternoon. You should pack a sun hat, sunscreen, a warm jacket (like a fleece or puffy coat), a rain jacket, and good, sturdy walking shoes. Even in the middle of summer, the nights can get cold, so you’ll be happy you have warm clothes. And don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.56
Is the Eastern Sierra a good place to visit with kids?
Absolutely! The Eastern Sierra is like a giant outdoor playground for kids. They will love climbing on the weird rocks at Alabama Hills, swimming at the shallow and safe June Lake Beach 58, learning about Wild West history in the ghost town of Bodie, and seeing the strange tufa towers that look like they are from another planet at Mono Lake. There are so many opportunities for fun and learning for the whole family.
Do I need a special car like a 4×4 to explore the area?
For all the main attractions on this list, a regular car is all you need. Highway 395 is a major, well-maintained highway, and the main roads to Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop, Mono Lake, Manzanar, and the Schulman Grove in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest are all paved.8 The last few miles to Bodie and the roads inside Alabama Hills are dirt roads, but they are usually in good enough condition for a normal car if you just drive slowly and carefully.6 It’s always a good idea to check road conditions before you go, especially if you are visiting in the spring or fall.
How do I prepare for the high altitude?
Most of the places in the Eastern Sierra are at a high altitude, from 4,000 feet to over 10,000 feet. The air is thinner the higher you go, which can sometimes make people feel sick or tired. The best way to avoid this is to take it easy on your first day. Drink lots of water—more than you think you need—and try to avoid big, heavy meals and alcohol. If you are driving from sea level, you might want to spend your first night in a town at a lower elevation, like Lone Pine or Bishop, to give your body time to adjust before heading up higher to places like Mammoth Lakes or the Bristlecone Forest.32
Are there bears, and what should I do?
Yes, this is bear country. It is very important to be “bear aware.” This means you should never leave food, coolers, or any scented items (like toothpaste or soap) in your car or tent. When you are camping, you must store these items in a special bear-proof container, which is required in most areas.57 If you see a bear, do not get close to it and do not try to feed it. Make loud noises (like clapping your hands and yelling) to scare it away. The local towns and parks have a lot of great information on how to be safe around bears.
Also Read: 7 Amazing Places to Visit in Delphi, Greece
Disclaimer
The information provided about the best Places to Visit in the Eastern Sierra’s is accurate as of the time of writing. However, please note that prices, facilities, and distances may vary, and it’s always best to contact the local tourism authorities or travel operators directly for the most up-to-date information.
This blog aims to provide general guidance and insights about Places to Visit in the Eastern Sierra’s, but it should not be considered an endorsement of any one place over another. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions based on your individual preferences and needs.