Forum Discussion

Terry_25's avatar
Terry_25
Explorer
Apr 08, 2021

US 395 in California

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
Roads and Routes
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    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.
  • _1Flyboy's avatar
    _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's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2021
    The Shell station in Bridgeport isn’t that bad, flyboy. And they have a dump + fresh water.
  • KCFDCapt's avatar
    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.
  • lbrjet's avatar
    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.
  • 2g_s's avatar
    2g_s
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    It's an excellent, beautiful drive either way. Enjoy!
  • _1Flyboy's avatar
    _1Flyboy
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    Bridgeport diesel is currently $5.49, I’d say that is not a place for fuel if one can easily avoid it....the dump station is $20.... Have camphosted in the area and all the locals go up to Gardnerville for food & fuel on a regular basis....
  • Yosemite_Sam1's avatar
    Yosemite_Sam1
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    395 past Bishop is little Alps if you catch the last of mountain snow.

    But be prepared for humping the pass at 9,000+ fleet above sea level.

    And if that's not challenging enough, take the 120 from Lee Vining to Modesto crossing the beautiful and awesome Yosemite National Park.

    Worth the huffing and puffing.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2021
    If you have kids with you, be sure to stop at Manzanar, Lava Tubes, Bodie, and Mono lake. You'll be surprised at their reactions. You will have to add a couple days to the trip because they won't want to leave as fast as you might think.
  • Yosemite_Sam1's avatar
    Yosemite_Sam1
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    Can't recall the city and I was in hurry to make a stop, but there is a place I want to go back to where famous Western movies had their shooting locations.

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