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littlemo's avatar
littlemo
Explorer
Nov 03, 2015

California 395 now?

Leaving Las Vegas to head to my Aunts house in Fair Oaks, California. (Sacramento).

I know I can go up through Nevada but it looks like 395 is more scenic but I know nothing about 395.

We are 26ft class "C" pulling a toad. Is this doable at this time of year with our setup or should we just boogie on up through Nevada? (Mountain driving is not a problem with my DH)

Thanks!
  • Thanks for all of your input.
    Facts: *Have never been on 395.
    * Don't want to drive in anything requiring chains.
    * Don't have chains.
    * We will not be leaving LV for a day or two due to Walmart
    coding wrong on one of my husbands medications and has
    insurance messed up.

    We are not in a great hurry. We can take several days to get there. Yes, I was looking at going over to Pahrump then through DV but I'm open to other suggestions.

    I was thinking we would take HWY 50 out of Tahoe. We've only gone from Lake Tahoe over HWY 50 once years ago to get back to Fair Oaks and that was in a car. We just went over the mountains to see The Big Trees and came out in Tahoe and took 50 back to Fair Oaks.

    We usually travel out there in the summer and approach from the south so this will be a whole new experience.
    Maybe I should just skip the "scenic":( and go up through Nevada.

    Thanks for your input and keep it coming!

    Bear: Thanks for that info. My husband IS a WWII history buff and I love to eat so thank you!
  • Came down 395 Reno->Lone Pine Sunday. Very strong winds- were diverted from 580 to old 395 for about 15 miles (very picturesque). Lovely scenery on 395.

    Watch the weather though! Yesterday, chains were required in 4 locations north and south of Mammoth.
  • Im a longhaul trucker. Keep me in mind for routing. How were you planning to get to 395 from Vegas? Not really the best time of year to be going to 395 from Vegas. Those skinny curvy roads can be a nightmare this time of year.
  • In Bishop there are two great places to stop and buy bakery goods and jerky.
    www.erickschatsbakery.com
    www.smokedmeats.com/

    Manzanar Internment Camp is interesting stop for history/WWII buffs.
  • 395 is an incredible road, the scenery is breathtaking, especially now with the Sierras capped in snow! 395 itself is big rig friendly, 2 lanes in both directions much of the way, no nasty curves, and grades similar to what you would find on an interstate.

    However, are you looking for the quickest most direct route or are you planning to take a couple days? Working your way over to 395 from LV will take time as well as going over the Sierras to Sacramento

    How do you plan to get from LV to 395? 190 through Death Valley is scenic but has steep grades, curves and while doable will take some time.

    How do you plan to get from the eastern Sierra to Sacramento? The high Sierra passes (120,108,4) are closed with snow, you will have to go farther north.

    With a little more information we might be able to give you some better recommendations :)
  • Yes, IMHO 395 is a much more scenic route Nevada 95. Winter storms can come through the area at any time and could cause some problems with snow going up and over the summits.