The Best Highway 395 Detours for a Fall RV Road Trip

We’re firm believers that the best RV road trips are peppered with detours – and California’s Highway 395 has some of the best. Stretching along the eastern Sierra Nevada, US 395 delivers alpine lakes, historic ghost towns, natural hot springs, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and spectacular fall foliage. Whether you’re planning a fall weekend getaway or a longer RV road trip, here are 8 stops that are well worth the detour.

1. June Lake Loop: One of the Best Fall Foliage Drives in California

If you only have time for one scenic detour along Highway 395, make it June Lake Loop. This approximately 16-mile scenic route follows California Highway 158 through a picturesque mountain landscape that’s dotted with lakes, towering peaks, and golden aspen groves.

The loop connects four beautiful lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. During the fall, colorful foliage contrasts with the lakes’ deep blue water and the rugged Sierra Nevada peaks, creating incredible views and photo opportunities.

Things to Do Along June Lake Loop

Take your time exploring the lakes, stopping at scenic viewpoints, and enjoying a peaceful picnic beside the water. The small June Lake community has restaurants, shops, and trails to stretch your legs.

RV Travel Tip: Highway 158 includes narrow sections, curves, and limited parking. We recommend leaving your motorhome or trailer at your campground and exploring the loop in your tow vehicle.

2. Convict Lake: A Picture-Perfect Eastern Sierra Fall Destination

If you’re looking for photo opportunities, Convict Lake is one of the best Highway 395 detours. Just south of Mammoth Lakes, Convict is one of the most photogenic stops along the entire 395 corridor. A short paved access road leads to this stunning alpine lake, where dramatic mountain peaks rise above crystal-clear water. During the fall, yellow and orange foliage frames the shoreline.

The lake also carries an intriguing history: it’s named after an infamous 1871 shootout between escaped convicts and a pursuing local posse.

Things to Do at Convict Lake

The shoreline trail is approximately three miles and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, photography, and watching wildlife.

RV Travel Tip: Convict Lake has a campground, but parking near the lake gets crowded. If you’re in a larger RV, be sure to confirm campground size limits and parking options before you make the detour.

3. Mammoth Lakes: Alpine Adventures and Stunning Autumn Colors

Mammoth Lakes deserves a spot on any Eastern Sierra RV itinerary. Just west of Highway 395, this mountain destination has scenic lakes, hiking trails, restaurants, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders, but fall turns the region into a quieter mountain getaway with golden leaves and cooler temperatures.

Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes During Fall

Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin, where several alpine lakes sit beneath dramatic mountain peaks. Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, and Lake George are all popular destinations. If seasonal road access and shuttle operations are running, you can also visit Devils Postpile National Monument for a glimpse into the region’s volcanic history. For a more relaxing afternoon, explore the town’s shops and restaurants or enjoy a scenic stroll through the surrounding forest.

RV Travel Tip: Some mountain roads close seasonally, and certain routes can be challenging for larger vehicles. Check current access restrictions before heading into higher elevations.

4. Bodie State Historic Park: Explore a Real California Ghost Town

For RV travelers who love history, Bodie State Historic Park is one of the best Highway 395 detours. During its heyday in the late 1800s, thousands of residents called the booming gold mining town home. Today, weathered buildings, abandoned equipment, and dusty streets are all that’s left.

What makes Bodie interesting compared to other ghost towns is that it’s in a state of arrested decay. You can wander through the historic streets and see buildings that still contain furnishings and artifacts from California’s Gold Rush past.

Things to Do at Bodie State Historic Park

Explore the historic buildings, photograph the town’s rugged architecture, and learn about life in a remote mining community.

RV Travel Tip: The final stretch of Bodie Road includes an unpaved section. We recommend leaving your RV at your campground and using a tow vehicle for this detour.

5. Mono Lake: An Otherworldly Stop Along Highway 395

Mono Lake is one of the more unique detours along Highway 395. Located near Lee Vining, this ancient saline lake features unusual limestone formations called tufa towers. These striking structures rise from the water, creating a landscape that looks almost extraterrestrial.

Mono Lake is also an important habitat for migratory birds, which makes it an excellent destination for birders. Fall, in particular, is a great time for birdwatching as migrating species move through the area.

Things to Do at Mono Lake

Visit the South Tufa area to see the unusual limestone formations and enjoy views across the lake. You can also stop at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center to learn about the lake’s ecology, geology, and history.

RV Travel Tip: Access roads and parking vary around the lake, so confirm whether your rig can safely reach the viewpoints.

6. Alabama Hills: A Scenic Desert Detour Near Lone Pine

Alabama Hills is one of the best Highway 395 detours for anyone whose ideal RV road trip includes dramatic desert scenery. West of Lone Pine, this remarkable landscape features rounded rock formations, natural arches, and sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada. The area’s rugged beauty has attracted generations of filmmakers – countless Western movies and TV productions have used Alabama Hills as a backdrop.

Things to Do in Alabama Hills

Take a short hike to Mobius Arch. From the right angle, the arch frames the towering Sierra Nevada peaks in the distance.

RV Travel Tip: Many roads have dirt surfaces, uneven terrain, and limited turnaround space, so large RVs should stick to appropriate access roads and designated parking areas. Camping restrictions also apply, so check current Bureau of Land Management regulations before planning to stay overnight.

7. Bishop Creek Canyon: A Hidden Gem for Fall Colors

If you’re chasing brilliant fall foliage, Bishop Creek Canyon is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Eastern Sierra. Located west of Bishop, this mountain region features winding roads, sparkling lakes, and dense groves of aspen trees. During peak fall color, the mountainside explodes with shades of yellow, orange, and gold.

The area includes three main destinations: South Lake, North Lake, and Lake Sabrina. Each has a slightly different perspective on the surrounding mountain scenery.

Things to Do in Bishop Creek Canyon

We recommend driving toward Lake Sabrina or South Lake for incredible views of colorful aspens and rugged peaks. You can stop at the scenic pullouts, enjoy short hikes, or spend the afternoon photographing the changing leaves. If you enjoy fishing, there are several lakes and streams where you can cast a line.

RV Travel Tip: Mountain roads throughout Bishop Creek Canyon can be steep and winding. North Lake Road is especially narrow and includes an unpaved section. We recommend using a tow vehicle to explore the canyon.

8. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: Discover Some of the World’s Oldest Trees

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains is another one of our picks for the best detours off Highway 395. This remarkable forest has some of the oldest known non-clonal trees on Earth, including bristlecone pines that are thousands of years old. Their twisted trunks and weathered branches create a memorable landscape against the high-altitude mountain scenery.

Things to Do at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Explore the trails near Schulman Grove, where interpretive displays explain how these trees survive in such a harsh environment. You can also hike the Methuselah Trail for expansive views and a chance to see the ancient trees up close.

RV Travel Tip: The road climbs steeply into the White Mountains and includes winding sections that larger RVs and trailers may have difficulty navigating.

Essential Tips for Planning a Highway 395 RV Road Trip

Highway 395 offers spectacular scenery, but traveling through mountain and desert environments can be challenging. Here are a few tips to keep your trip safe and enjoyable.

• Check mountain weather frequently: Fall weather can change quickly along the Eastern Sierra. Monitor the forecast and check Caltrans road conditions before traveling.
• Fuel up ahead of time: Some stretches of Highway 395 have limited services, so fill your tank when you can instead of waiting until it’s nearly empty.
• Choose RV-friendly campgrounds: Check hookups, vehicle-length restrictions, reservation requirements, and seasonal closures before your trip.

Prepare Your RV for the Best Highway 395 Detours With DuraFlap

A fall road trip along Highway 395 offers everything an RV traveler could want: breathtaking scenery, intriguing history, colorful foliage, and unforgettable destinations. But those scenic miles also bring changing road conditions, mountain weather, and occasional gravel or debris.

At DuraFlap, we understand that protecting your RV or tow rig matters whether you’re traveling across the country or exploring a scenic back road closer to home. Our durable mud flaps help protect your vehicle from rocks, mud, and road debris wherever the road takes you. Each custom set is made to order right here in the U.S.A. Order your set today, then get ready to explore Highway 395’s best detours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Highway 395 suitable for large RVs?

Yes. Much of Highway 395 accommodates large RVs and motorhomes. However, some scenic detours have narrow roads, steep grades, tight turns, or unpaved surfaces. Check vehicle restrictions and road conditions before you leave the main highway.

How many days should you plan for a Highway 395 RV road trip?

Plan at least 3 to 5 days to explore several of the major attractions in California’s Eastern Sierra. A week or longer gives you more time for scenic detours, hiking, photography, and relaxing at campgrounds.

Can you camp in Alabama Hills with an RV?

Yes, but camping regulations restrict where you can stay. Some designated sites accommodate RVs, while other areas prohibit overnight camping. Check current Bureau of Land Management regulations and road conditions before choosing a campsite.