Stop in at this old “Living Ghost Town” of Randsburg just 5 minutes off Highway 395. The historic town center features a real western saloon, antique shops, a general store, and two inns. Rich mining history, historic sights, ancient lava flows, petroglyphs, and plenty of open public lands is what this locale offers.
Free Museum Admission!
A large variety of present and past US Navy aircraft, weapons and technology are available at the museum for close up viewing and scrutiny.
A popular filming location for films such as Planet of the Apes and Star Trek, The Trona Pinnacles will spark your imagination. Fly to the moon, a distant planet, or imagine prehistoric creatures roaming the desert expanse.This easy day trip from Ridgecrest is just about 25 miles away off CA-178E towards Trona. Take the dirt road turnoff.
Fossil Falls is a unique geologic feature formed by lava that flowed from nearby volcanoes.The falls were formed when the rushing river was forced to divert its course over a basalt flow, polishing and reshaping the rock into a variety of unique shapes and forms creating a chasm of shiny, sculpted black lava. From Hwy 395 take Cinder Road turnoff and follow signs to Fossil Falls approximately 1 mile off the highway
The Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns in Inyo County stand as a reminder of the tremendous impact of the Gold Rush on forests and landscapes. These beehive shaped structures are a part of the larger story of Owens Lake before its water was diverted to nourish the Los Angeles Basin. Located a few miles north of the small ranching town of Cartago (13 miles south of Lone Pine). The kilns are about one mile east from the turnout on Highway 395 via a graded dirt road.
Explore the Lone Pine Film History Museum’s extensive collection of real movie costumes, movie cars, props, posters, and other memorabilia. This collection tells the story of filming in the area in and around Lone Pine which has been the location for hundreds of films, commercials and television shows.
The Alabama Hills recreation area is located in the shadow of Mt. Whitney. This area served as the Hollywood film industry’s backdrop for many well-known western films to the more recent blockbusters of today such as Iron Man.
Mt. Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet. The best place from which to see Mt. Whitney is the Interagency Visitor Center on Highway 395.
Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II. Ranger-led tours occur regularly and run from 15 to 90 minutes.
This historic fish hatchery was the second state hatchery built in California. The shady grounds and main pond are excellent for relaxing, enjoying a picnic, and fish viewing, making it an excellent rest stop. Access is west of HWY 395 on Fish Hatchery Road 3 miles northwest of Independence, CA.
Big Pine California is the entrance to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, the oldest trees grow on outcrops of dolomite.
Hwy 168 (May – November).
Keough’s Hot Springs was established in 1919 and is home to largest natural hot springs pool in the Eastern Sierra. A day at the resort costs ten bucks while taking a dip in the Hot Ditch pools is free.
The Laws Railroad Museum is not just another train museum, as it will transfer you back to a time when the railroad station was at the center of the action in many western towns..
Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ is a not only a bakery, it’s a tourist attraction. Known for unique bread, the bakery uses a basque recipe and bakes the bread in stone hearth ovens, with no preservatives, with everything handmade from scratch, including the yeast.
In continuous operation since 1917, Tom’s Place has evolved over the years and now includes the Lodge, and rent-able cabins, a general store, café, and saloon. Located right off the highway, you can make a refreshing pit-stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, pick up supplies at the general store, and then be on your way.
Nestled in the aspens of Convict Canyon, below the towering peak of Mount Morrison and adjacent to a 170 acre crystal lake, Convict Lake Resort provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, family vacation, special occasion, stop on your annual road trip or base camp for your favorite Eastern Sierra adventure.
Directions to Wild Willy’s hot springs: From US 395 exit right on Benton Crossing Road. Drive a little over two miles until you cross over two cattle guards. Turn right after the 2nd cattle guard and follow the road. Drive about a mile to the parking area. Follow the wood boardwalk to the mineral pools. This hot mineral pool flows at about 103 degrees year round and can hold large groups. Clothing optional is the rule here, like many other hot springs in the area.
Just south of Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek Hatchery is a historic site of trout production and a major supplier of trout for the excellent fishing in nearby lakes and streams. The Owens River, Lake Crowley, geothermal sites of interest, beautiful alpine lakes and Mammoth Mountain are all within a short drive of Hot Creek Hatchery. Check for dates of Annual Trout Fest!
Mammoth Hot Creek Geologic Site is three miles south of Mammoth Junction on US 395. Exit Airport Road and drive past the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery to the parking lot. There is a trail down to the creek. Swimming and bathing here is prohibited.
