Planning a cross-country trip this Summer and US 395 is the focal point. We will visit friends in Palm Desert and Modesto. So the question is; Is there any compelling reason to travel US 395 from South northward or North to South. Since we'll be approaching CA from the Dakotas and Yellowstone the plan is to go to Reno, cross the Pass on I80 then CA99 to Modesto. Then backtrack to Reno and go South on US 395 to Palm Desert. Of course, if there is a compelling reason, we could do the reverse. Looking forward to your responses. Thanks

A stunning highway! The Eastern Sierra. I like going south to north as the elevation increases, but no compelling reason. Take your time. See as much as you can.

U might consider Hwy 88 from Modesto to Gardnerville; scenic, lots of camping options, get gas in Gardnerville ( 70 cents less than CA )... Then down 395...Some great county & BLM camping & you could even enter Yosemite from the east for a day or so... Don’t plan on getting fuel in Bridgeport or Lee Vining unless U own a gold mine... Have been down that route 10 times in last few months....

The Shell station in Bridgeport isn’t that bad, flyboy. And they have a dump + fresh water.

395 in the summer can present challenges. If you travel south to north, consider the grades and outside temperatures. North to south means long grades and braking. Winds can be a problem too. Sometimes the CHP will restrict traffic because of the high cross winds. Be prepared to wait out the wind. We have made many trips up and down 395. Good road. Two lane from Bridgeport to Walker. The road winds to follow the canyons and then the river.

Either way is fine. Grades aren't that bad. More ups south to north and more downs north to south. You will enjoy the drive either way you go.

US 395 in California | Good Sam Community

2g_s
Explorer
Apr 09, 2021
It's an excellent, beautiful drive either way. Enjoy!
lbrjet
Explorer
Apr 09, 2021
Either way is fine. Grades aren't that bad. More ups south to north and more downs north to south. You will enjoy the drive either way you go.
KCFDCapt
Explorer
Apr 09, 2021
395 in the summer can present challenges. If you travel south to north, consider the grades and outside temperatures. North to south means long grades and braking. Winds can be a problem too. Sometimes the CHP will restrict traffic because of the high cross winds. Be prepared to wait out the wind.

We have made many trips up and down 395. Good road. Two lane from Bridgeport to Walker. The road winds to follow the canyons and then the river.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2021
The Shell station in Bridgeport isn’t that bad, flyboy. And they have a dump + fresh water.
_1Flyboy
Explorer
Apr 08, 2021
U might consider Hwy 88 from Modesto to Gardnerville; scenic, lots of camping options, get gas in Gardnerville ( 70 cents less than CA )... Then down 395...Some great county & BLM camping & you could even enter Yosemite from the east for a day or so... Don’t plan on getting fuel in Bridgeport or Lee Vining unless U own a gold mine... Have been down that route 10 times in last few months....
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2021
A stunning highway! The Eastern Sierra. I like going south to north as the elevation increases, but no compelling reason. Take your time. See as much as you can.

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