#171: An Epic Road Trip Along California’s Highway 395
The 150-mile stretch of Highway 395 from Bridgeport to Lone Pine takes travelers through a landscape of wide valleys, alpine lakes, volcanic wonders, and Old West history. Running along the eastern edge of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, this is one of the most scenic drives in the West.
On our recent trip, we revisited some of our favorite places along the route, including towns and landmarks that feel like the land that time forgot. From the ghost town of Bodie to the alpine beauty of June Lake and the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, every stop had a story to tell. We explored hot springs, ancient forests, and film locations that have been featured in hundreds of Hollywood movies.
In this episode, we share the highlights of this unforgettable road trip, including:
· The eerie allure of Bodie Ghost Town, frozen in time,
· Where to find the best fish tacos on the planet (hint: inside a gas station),
· The alpine lakes, fall colors, and mountain views that make the June Lake Loop so special,
· Hidden gems like Hot Creek and Convict Lake,
· The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to trees nearly 5,000 years old,
· The sobering history of Manzanar National Historic Site,
· And our favorite way to end the trip – eating a pancake the size of a hubcap at Whitney Portal beneath the tallest peak in the lower 48.
If you love mountain scenery, quirky small towns, and fascinating history, Highway 395 is one of America’s great drives. And one that every traveler should experience at least once.
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Special Note:
Join us on a festive European Christmas Markets trip in December 2026 (Germany and Austria). The trip opens for bookings at 9am on November 5, 2025. Follow this link for more information about the trip and how to sign up: http://bit.ly/48Mu0cU. Space is limited so check it out soon. If you have any questions about this trip, feel free to email us at mattandkarensmith@gmail.com
Don't want to take notes while listening?
We’ve created a companion blog post for this episode with all the Highway 395 stops and details, so you don’t have to take notes while you listen. You can find the blog post by following this link: https://www.mattandkaren.com/highway-395-california-road-trip/
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