What do these mean to you?  "Little Lake"  = "Origin of the People"

 Mt. Whitney:  "The Old One"   and  Winnedumah:  "Stand right there on the crest" 

These terms define themselves as you travel the Highway 395 Scenic Byway and the glorious scenes of a land created with extreme events of thermal and volcanic action so many years ago that we can't even get our mind around the idea of time that far past.  But be assured it is preserved and ready for some excitement and fun as well as learning about nature and the history of the "Old West".

Entrance to the Eastern Sierra, depicted on canvas.  Photo Credit: Clora Teel

 As you travel the Eastern Sierra on Highway 395 you will find a varied and exciting stretch of California travel that will not be equaled any where else.   The Scenic Byway is just what the title states, scenic and for the most part very easy to travel and take time to make stops along the way. 

Watch Road Signs:  These give the description of the place, and the mileage to get there.

The towns and lakes along the way offer shopping and recreation as well as historical sites and events to attend depending on the time of year you choose to travel.

The historical places include:  Manzanar Historical Museum and driving tour.

The Lone Pine Film Museum: A historical record of the film making and the films festures of the Alabama Hills.

Mount Whitney:  Highest peak in the Continental  U. S.   With  passage through the Alabama Hills,  continuing to Whitney Portal campground and lake.

And for a short 24 mile off highway experience tour the Ancient Bristlecone Forest National Park. 

 Stops in the small and preserved old west cities of  Lone Pine, Big Pine, Bishop and Lee Vining will reveal a bevy of shopping for gifts, food, and recreational opportunities.  The fishing of small lakes and streams, and a boat tour of Mono Lake in the Mono Lake Basin could be one of the highlights of a summer of  fall vacation.   Winter storms close most of the areas tourist stops in late October.  Check ahead for what is available to do after that date.   The hotels book to NO VACANCY  especially in the late summer and fall.  Camping and boating at June Lake Resort is a favorite of many year after year.  You can even catch a little opportunity for a casino along the way. 

Highway 395 can be experienced by driving, either from southern Ca. or can be accessed by way of Reno if you are in the northern part of Ca. when beginning the drive.  The North Shore of Lake Tahoe is a simple way to get on Highway 395 and take an enjoyable drive, or an extended trip in the Eastern Sierra.