Craig, There is a long climb from Bishop, and that is where the sierra's start. I come down 395 from Reno and it is a beautiful drive in the summer. I did stop at several camp grounds on the way and done some fishing. I never had any problems climbing with my 330 HP Caterpillar engine. But I done it in reverse from what you want to do. I had some high climbs up around Donner Pass, but it was no problem climbing them. But like I said it was in July and August that I was in that area.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so before you get to Bishop you will be driving through some desert and hitting several small towns. I enjoy the desert just as well as I do driving any part of this country. It all has its own unique beauty. So just take it all in and enjoy it. That is why I take drives up to death valley in the winter months and enjoy the hot baths at Tecopa and Scottie Castle.
