A well-researched road trip can bring a boring drive to life with excitement and discovery. Highway 395 in California is full of wonders right off the side of the road. Next time you drive it, look out for the sights below and stop to do some exploration. In this post, I’ll focus on the section from Indian Wells and heading north to Lone Pine, or of course you can reverse it. If you’re heading from L.A. to Mammoth, this is the path you would take.
Grab some unique beers or soda at Indian Wells Brewery
This brewery is on the 14 just before the 395. The brewery uses water from Indian Wells spring to brew their beer. The location also has hundreds of soda flavors and candy to choose from, and a random array of decorations from aliens to skeletons. Stop in to beer taste or to grab some brews for your final destination. My personal fave was the Oktoberfest lager.
Location: 2565 CA-14, Inyokern, CA 93527
Explore the ghost town Robber’s Roost
Robber’s Roost is a small “ghost town” that was once a hotel for passing travelers. Then owners made it kitchy by adding some things like a jailhouse and a saloon. The saloon was my favorite, with an old piano and a bar that looks like it got abandoned mid party. Be warned, this is a very unkept ghost town so who knows what garbage and creatures are lying around. I read that you can buy their famous “frog balls” inside the store, which are pickled brussel sprouts. We would’ve loved to try them, but the store was closed, so we just wandered and took photos.
Location: 49901 Hwy 14, Inyokern, CA 93527
Hike to Fossil Falls
Fossil Falls is a unique geological feature that was formed when a river was forced to divert its course over a lava flow, polishing and reshaping the rock into unique shapes and forms. Learn more.
Grab some snacks from Gus’s Fresh Jerky
Gus’s Jerky is a small red & white shop off the 395 covered in stickers like the backside of a skateboard. Gus started selling his jerky in 1996 and is dedicated to making the best jerky in the world. No preservatives are used, and he uses the best cuts of meat. We stopped in for a peek and I purchased some delicious jerky as well as some sage honey. Gus has expanded his business and now sells honey, dried fruit, nuts, and olives. Stop in to stretch your feet, say hi to Gus himself, and try some of his delicious products.
Location: 580 US-395, Olancha, CA 93549
Visit the Olancha Sculptures
Along the 395 between Grant and Olancha there is an array of sculptures on the west side of the highway. You can see them from the road and turn off to explore.
Location: 1856 US-395 Olancha, CA 93549
Stop at the “Lemon House”
We almost passed this one up, but since it’s so bold and bright we saw it from a distance right off the road so stopped for some quick snaps.
Location: near 145 US-395 Cartago, California
Explore Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills is right off Highway 395 near the city of Lone Pine. It’s a gorgeous stark contrast to the Sierras just beyond it in the landscape. We debated stopping by on our road trip from Mammoth Lakes since it was a scorching 103 degrees outside in June. It’s only 3 miles from the highway, so we decided to at least check it out even if it only meant taking a few photos and moving on. We mapped ourselves to Mobius Arch trailhead in hopes we’d be able to hike to it’s vista. The Alabama Hills have over a dozen naturally formed rock arches, and are also famous for being a popular set for old western movies.
Driving along Highway 395 is more than just a road trip—it’s a journey through California’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and natural wonders. From the towering peaks of the Eastern Sierra to the otherworldly formations like Alabama Hills, this route offers countless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Have you road-tripped along Highway 395? I’d love to hear your favorite stops or hidden gems in the comments below! If you’re planning your own trip, be sure to check out my other posts for more inspiration and travel tips. Happy adventuring!
Like this post? Pin it.
