Calif Hwy 395

[Keithk3628]

Can anyone give me an idea of conditions of 395 north from San Bernardino to Tahoe in the winter , specifically in March or April.

Will be pulling a 34 foot 5ver with my 2016 F350 psd, I don't remember any significant climbs but was thinking more snow or ice.

Appreciate any thoughts as i Plan next years long trip.

[gswcgi]

We live in Reno and take 395 frequently to SO CA. desert. In the winter I take do not take 395 to and from Bishop with my RV and toad. Going north take 395 to Bishop. Out of Bishop take Ca 6 to Ca 360 to I-95 N into I-80 west to Reno. This route has excellent 2 lane hyways and not as high as 395. Rarely any snow all the way. If you take 395 N out of Bishop you will have to climb the pass at Mono Lake at 8,000 + ft. Always snow there in the winter. In Bishop you can pull into the very large parking lot at Von's. They welcome overnighters and it is safe. There is a very large fuel station on the lot (Safeway, carries Diesel). We have dry camped there many, many times. There is an excellent RV park south of Lone Pine named Boulder Creek on the east side of 395 going north. In Hawthorne, CA you can park in the Casino's lot or there is a good RV park on the north side of town near the Safeway store. During the winter I always carry full propane and never let my fuel tank go below 2/3. Have fun.

[Keithk3628]

MarkTwain

I am taking 50, just using 395 to get to 50 from southern california Joshua Tree national park, then by death valley on the way north.

[MarkTwain]

Keithk3628 wrote:
Not Tahoe, actually Placerville is the destination, I was just trying to miss LA and all the traffic and big cities.

And last time the wife and I were on 395 we were screaming south about 100 mph in my Ranchero from camping trying to get her home before curfew time. We were young and pretty dumb, you remember I bet.

Were not going to be in any big hurry so I can wait out any storms for a day or few.

Why take 395? Placerville is off Hyw. 50?

[donkeydew]

if you can predict the weather i can predict the road.
it is on the edge of the mtn range and the weather that time of year can change quickly. check both road and weather conditions before you leave.

[Keithk3628]

Not Tahoe, actually Placerville is the destination, I was just trying to miss LA and all the traffic and big cities.

And last time the wife and I were on 395 we were screaming south about 100 mph in my Ranchero from camping trying to get her home before curfew time. We were young and pretty dumb, you remember I bet.

Were not going to be in any big hurry so I can wait out any storms for a day or few.

[MarkTwain]

Keithk3628 wrote:
Appreciate all the replies, I did not plan on snow chains, I usually just wait it out, I haven't driven in any snow with chains in a very long time, and never on the trailer.

Last time I drove 395 I was 21 and I loved it, but 40 some years is a long time but it is sure better than I-5, Thanks again, I'm looking forward to it.

If Tahoe is your destination, you could take Hwy 58 to Hwy. 99 then north to Hwy. 50 which drops you right into South Lake Tahoe.

[Keithk3628]

Appreciate all the replies, I did not plan on snow chains, I usually just wait it out, I haven't driven in any snow with chains in a very long time, and never on the trailer.

Last time I drove 395 I was 21 and I loved it, but 40 some years is a long time but it is sure better than I-5, Thanks again, I'm looking forward to it.

[profdant139]

If it is blizzarding, don't do it. Otherwise, it is one of the greatest drives in the Western US. This is what it looked like at sunset near Bishop in October of 2010 -- and in March and April, there is often more snow than this on the mountainsides:


Click For Full-Size Image.

[dedmiston]

There are some big hills before Ridgecrest. Sherwin Grade out of Bishop is a long climb. And then some good grades around Mono.

If the weather is good, then it's an easy enough drive. If the weather is bad, don't go. Wait it out someplace lower like Bishop and continue when the chain requirements are lifted.

[paulj]

On both sides of Mono Lake 395 gets up to 8000 ft (and you can get higher if you turn off to the ski area). The approach to Lake Tahoe is nearly as high.

[old_guy]

make sure the furnace runs and the tanks are full of propane

[time2roll]

Good road and well plowed. Unless you get stuck in a snow storm it will be an easy and beautiful drive. Check the road conditions report as needed.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=us395

No shortcuts on Ebbett's or Sonora pass with an RV.

[2gypsies1]

You will have some 6% climbs. Chains will be required if you encounter bad weather.

[MarkTwain]

Keithk3628 wrote:
Can anyone give me an idea of conditions of 395 north from San Bernardino to Tahoe in the winter , specifically in March or April.

Will be pulling a 34 foot 5ver with my 2016 F350 psd, I don't remember any significant climbs but was thinking more snow or ice.

Appreciate any thoughts as i Plan next years long trip.

Bring chains for both your truck and trailer,, just in case!!! Also make sure your Good Sam Emergency Road Side policy is current. If you are going to South Lake Tahoe out of Carson City, you will about a 5 mile fairly steep climb bout just gear down and take easy. the road is good and lines on both sides