US 395 in California

[Terry_25]

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

[mileshuff]

KCFDCapt wrote:
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 often traveled this road in the Winter to ski at Mammoth and June (not towing). We did have one trip with very high winds and CHP was stopping all high profile vehicles at the south end of the sierras. Since we were not towing we were allowed thru. On the way from there to Mammoth we passed over a dozen flipped semi rigs and RV's. It was a mess. Most times winds were light and no issues. Highway is generally an easy very scenic drive. Your warning to check winds is spot on!

[Terry_25]

OP here. Thanks everyone. Good info. Will plan on north to south.

[toedtoes]

They grade the Bodie road fairly regularly, but rains and snow can mess it up pretty quickly. The last 3 miles is the roughest as it is unsurfaced. Before driving up, give the park a call at 760-616-5040 and ask about recent or planned grading.

It is doable with RVs but you may choose to go slow. It is definitely worth visiting. As is Mono Lake.

Also, unusual for both California State Parks and National Parks, dogs are allowed. They can be walked around the Bodie town (but not in buildings) and they can take the path to the water at Mono Lake as long as they are on proper leashes.

Here are Moose-dog and Bat-dog during their visit:

[dtombaugh]

jdc1 wrote:
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.

The road to Bodie is NOT RV friendly. It is a dirt road that is not maintained much. I was just there a few months ago and it was almost 4wd only.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

And along 395 are several campgrounds that never get congested (except when you get close to Lee Vining entrance to Yosemite).

Ditto on gas prices. Load up plus extra tanks when you hit Bishop plus pastries for DW.

[Tiger4x4RV]

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
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.

Lone Pine

[Yosemite_Sam1]

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.

[jdc1]

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]

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.

[_1Flyboy]

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....

[2g_s]

It's an excellent, beautiful drive either way. Enjoy!

[lbrjet]

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]

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]

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