If your goal is to spice up your drive along the 395 with pit stops that steer clear of the crowds, offer an authentic Eastern Sierras experience, and upgrade your road trip adventure, then this list is for you!
Photo: Ella Clifford
The section of 395 that stretches from the Tahoe area to Lone Pine is rad. As you drive this stretch of highway, you can’t help but feel inspired by your surroundings. It’s widely known that there are many destinations along the drive that are out of this world, but what about convenient stops that one can make throughout their journey?
Places that are unique, charming, and even breathtaking. All within a 15-minute detour off the main road, yet are often overlooked. Road trips will be elevated to the next level with the realization that one doesn’t need to block off an entire day to experience what the Eastern Sierras have to offer. Instead, just incorporate them into the drive as quick refreshers along the way.
1 THE MOBILE
Photo: Ella Clifford
The Mobil is a bustling pit stop just outside of Lee Vining, located on the turnoff to enter Yosemite. It is often the last place travelers see before entering the mountains and the first place they encounter as they reenter society, producing a mix of dazed and confused-looking individuals. The Mobile is the ultimate mixing pot of bums, dirtbags, wannabe dirtbags, city people on vacation, and the randoms just stopping to get gas and
finding themselves within a unique subculture.
Beyond the wide variety of people, the Mobile’s restaurant is quite a hit. The Whoa Nellie Deli most likely appears in the dreams of many Yosemite climbers. Good food paired with live music that the Mobile offers on Thursdays and Sundays is the perfect recipe for a good time with a mix of locals and travelers.
Visitors described this gem of the 395 as a necessity, a right of passage, and an unlikely oasis. Add this unlikely oasis to the list of stops on your next trip on the 395 to get a taste of diehard weekend warriors.
2 Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes was described as serene and cleansing by a first-time visitor in early August. The lakes are located about 15 minutes from downtown Bridgeport, yet they provide the mountain lake environment that many believe requires a hike to experience.
The water is clear and sparkling, the different shades of blue dictated by the depth and what lurks below. The road follows along the lake, curving with the edge of the water. Never getting further than a handful of feet away, making it a convenient place to stop and rejuvenate yourself
with a quick dip. Twin Lakes creates an environment that is rare to find these days. It’s incredibly easy to access and absolutely stunning, while remaining quiet and isolated from the crowds. The two lakes that
are only separated by a small stream spread out the visitors to make it feel far more remote than it truly is.
Photo: Ella Clifford
A quiet, beautiful area that is hardly a 30-minute detour round trip is a great addition to a road trip along the 395. You can even stop at the local market, where the workers are super social and there are bussin deli sandwiches.
3 Walker Coffee
Now, the key for some to make a road trip more manageable is to split the drive up into sections. The problem with that is usually all the sick stops are bunched together, leaving long stretches without stopping. Heading northbound on 395, you find yourself through Mammoth, Bridgeport, Lee Vining, through Walker Canyon, and are prepared to crush the final stretch into Nevada. The small town of Walker is yet another unlikely gem of 395 with a number of fun pit stops.
Walker Coffee is a stop worth making to fuel up for the trek through Nevada to the Tahoe area, or on your way down as you enter the Eastern Sierras. They have great coffee, friendly staff, and a variety of food. They also offer a special pup cup if you have a furry friend with you. Add Walker Coffee to the agenda on your next trip on the 395; it’ll give you a taste of the unique Walker atmosphere and is a nice refresher to help boost you to your next destination.
Photo: Ella Clifford
5 Convict Lake
Photo: Ella Clifford
Convict is yet another stunning mountain lake within 15 minutes of the 395 with zero hike in. This mountain lake remains crystal clear despite its easy access. In fact, it’s so clear that it reflects Mount Morrison across its surface.
Convict is magical throughout the entire year. It’s a no-cellular-service zone that creates a sanctuary for visitors to disconnect from the rest of the world for a little while without having to hike deep into the wilderness. Convict is a popular destination for fishermen and offers many
activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and even horseback riding. This gem of a lake is another easy, yet unforgettable stop that should be added to your next road trip on the 395.
6 Bishop Gear Exchange
This stop is for everyone, even those who hate shopping. The Bishop Gear Exchange is located in downtown Bishop and is the ultimate paradise for anyone who remotely likes the outdoors. Half of the store is new retail-priced items, great for window shopping if you’re bumming your way across California. However, the other half is where the magic happens.
Everything and anything you could ever need can probably be found for a great price within the exchange section of the store. From all types of clothing to camping gear, to shoes, to climbing gear, to skis and ski gear, the Bishop Gear Exchange has got it all. There are most likely people who haven’t gone shopping at any other store in ages. If they need something, they can just go to the gear exchange and get it for a great price. The items sold in the store have lived a rad life before you ever lay eyes on them, but not in an icky way. The Gear Exchange keeps the magic
alive of these items that are no longer needed by their previous owners and allows a place for the gear to have an opportunity to make another person very happy.
Bishop Gear Exchange is a great addition along 395. Even if you think you don’t need anything, you’ll think again when you find a perfect puffy jacket for $15.
8 Great Basin Bakery
Last but not least is the Great Basin Bakery located on the southern end of downtown Bishop. Everyone and their mother knows about Schat’s, due to its salivating array of baked goods. However, it’s time to shine the
spotlight on this other phenomenal bakery that Bishop has to offer.
Great Basin Bakery may not have the same quantity of baked goods that Schat’s has, but its quality is what makes it special. Its quiet environment allows for a break from the tourist traps and truly
Photo: Ella Clifford
feels like a local business. They’ve got delicious sandwiches, freshly baked bread, freshly baked pastries, and their gluten-free options are unforgettable for a person who is allergic to gluten. Whether you’re fueling up for a big weekend in the mountains, need some snacks for the road, or reviving yourself after a crazy weekend endeavor, go show this bakery some love.
