Inyo County is California’s second-largest county. Highway 395 runs through the center of Inyo County along the Owens River Valley—the eastern High Sierra to the west and the White Mountains to the east. A road trip along Highway 395 is one of the most scenic in the nation.
Did you know that Inyo County boasts the highest point in the US, Mount Whitney, and the lowest point, Badwater Basin, in Death Valley National Park? To truly appreciate the wonders of this region, we recommend exploring the points of interest along and near Highway 395 over several days or more. Check out our Inyo County day trips list for inspiration.
Cerro Gordo Ghost Town
High in the Inyo Mountains, the deserted Cerro Gordo Ghost Town sits atop the Owens Valley. The town encompasses a hotel, saloon, brothel, and church, among other structures. However, accessing Cerro Gordo may not be suitable for all travelers due to the 27-mile journey on a graded dirt road that rises to 8500 feet. It is recommended to utilize a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this venture.
Owens Valley Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns
The Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns made charcoal that powered the stamping mill at Cerro Gordo mines. Timber arrived at the kilns via a flume that ran down Cottonwood Canyon. After the wood was processed into charcoal, it was transported to the town of Keeler via steamboat over Owens Lake. Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns are located seven miles north of Cartago on Highway 395. There is a small sign at the turnoff. From there, proceed about one mile toward the Owens Lake dry bed.
Owens Lake Trails Plaza
While most Owens Lake lacks water, several small areas have been shallowly flooded to prevent dust storms. One such area is the Owens Lake Plover Wing Plaza. Here you can find the most extensive lake section with water, interesting land artworks, marshland, and several miles of trails along the shore.
Whitney Portal
Whitney Portal is situated amidst majestic pine trees and rugged granite peaks, approximately 13 miles west of the charming town of Lone Pine. This portal serves as the Mount Whitney Trail’s starting point and the John Muir Wilderness Area entry point.
Inyo County Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery
Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery is a pleasant stop along Highway 395. Inside the historic 1916 main building are exhibits about the wildlife in Owens Valley. Outside there is a large pond stocked with rainbow trout. Even though the state no longer uses the facility as an incubator, it is still worth a visit.
California Eastern Sierra Museum
Stop by the Eastern California Museum when traveling through the Owens Valley along Highway 395. Situated in Independence, this incredible museum showcases a vast collection of historic artifacts and photographs from the Eastern Sierra, Death Valley, and Mono Lake regions. It’s a must-visit for any history buff or curious traveler.
Alabama Hills Owens Valley
The unique rock formations and arches of the Alabama Hills make a stunning playground for tourists. The most famous of these arches is a fifteen-minute round-trip walk along the Alabama Hills Arch Nature Trail. Enjoy incredible rock formations and spectacular mountain views.
Manzanar Historic Site Highway 395
At its peak, Manzanar housed over 10,000 men, women, and children in crude barracks-style housing that offered no creature comforts or privacy. In 1972, Manzanar was designated as a California Historic Landmark and, in 1985, was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. To get a sense of the overall size of the camp, be sure to take the 3.2-mile auto tour. Manzanar National Historic Site is ten miles north of Lone Pine, CA.
Olancha Sculpture Gardens
Located in the “town” of Olancha, you will find a wonderful collection of metal artworks. These sculptures are the work of Jael Hoffmann. There are about 20 sculptures scattered across the desert floor. Driving along Highway 395, you may get a glimpse. But we recommend turning off the highway and checking out the Olancha Sculpture Garden close-up. The sculptures are located on the west side of US 395 if you are traveling from Southern California. 1.5 miles south of the intersection of 395 and 190. Turn left on Walker Creek Road, right on Old State Highway.
California Eastern Sierra Natural Hot Springs
Nothing beats a soak in a natural hot spring; Inyo County has plenty of them. Inyo County’s hot springs range from secluded rock pools to historic resorts. They all share the hot mineral water that heals the spirit and soothes the body.
Convict Lake California
It is east of the Sierras, just off US Highway 395, south of Mammoth Lakes. Convict Lake has plenty to do, but fishing is probably the most popular activity. The Lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout, making it an angler’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can explore the adjoining trails on foot, horseback, skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile.
Keough Hot Springs
Established in 1919 by Phillip Keough as a health spa, the resort has changed owners several times. The current owners purchased the property in 1998 and have endeavored to make Keough Hot Spring Resort as popular today as it was in the 1920s and ’30s.
The Town of Bishop California
Bishop, California, is a little town with a significant history. It is located in Inyo County and has a population of under 4,000. It was named Bishop Creek, initially the most populated place in Inyo County. While traveling through Bishop, consider a stop-in at Erick Schat’s Bakery. The best bread ever comes from Erick Schat’s Bakery. It’s Dutch style with no preservatives.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
At an elevation that ranges between 10,000 and 11,000 feet, the forest boasts incredible views of the Sierra Nevada’. Even more breathtaking are the Bristlecone pines – the oldest trees globally. For those visitors who want to learn more about the forest, the Visitor Center is open from mid-June until Labor Day.
Laws Railroad Museum
Laws Railroad Museum is a fascinating place to visit while traveling through the Owens Valley. There are hundreds of railroad and mining artifacts covering the 11-acre historic site—plan on spending at least a couple of hours exploring the museum and grounds.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley was named by prospectors who crossed the valley to the goldfields. Today this area of California draws visitors from all over the world. Exploring all this national park has to offer will take several days.
You have it backwards. The White mountains are on the east side of the Owens valley.
Thanks for catching the typo.
Cerro Gordo is privately owned. The young man who owns the abandoned property lives there and has started a museum which is home to items he found in the mines and around the property. He does welcome visitors and volunteers who help in rebuilding the mining town. It might be wise to include that in your information before people start trespassing.
If you click through to the article it is clearly stated that the Ghost Town is private property.
Thank you for sharing. My husband and I love to do road-trips.
Highway 395 is a great road trip. So many fun things to discover along the way.
Love the 395. Favorite drive in all my time so far on earth.