Highway 395 Road Trip: 3 Days from San Diego to Lake Tahoe
Published July 9, 2023, updated December 1, 2024
On a Highway 395 road trip from San Diego to Lake Tahoe, you’ll experience some of the most stunning landscapes that California has to offer!
I took this iconic road trip one weekend in July and will never forget it! It’s an amazing little road trip, whether you’re dipping your toes in road-tripping or if you’re a world traveler.
Now I’d like to share my experience with you! Here’s my Highway 395 road trip guide, with all the stops I made, as well as a few places I plan to add to my itinerary for next time.
Because, yes, there will be a next time!
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About US Route 395
US 395 is a highway that runs from southern California to the Canadian border.
It doesn’t start in San Diego, but rather 2 hours away in the Mojave Desert just north of San Bernadino. Most routes will take you north on I-15 through Riverside and you’ll connect with Hwy 395 at that point.
Altogether, the drive from San Diego to Lake Tahoe along US Route 395 covers approximately 450-475 miles, depending on your exact route.
Technically, you could take the entire trip in about 7.5-9 hours if you didn’t stop. But if you’re enjoying all the Highway 395 attractions, you should plan for a 4-day trip!
Along the way, you’ll experience the stunning open spaces and rolling hills of the Southern California desert.
Further north, you’ll enter the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains, with its alpine top lakes and towering pines trees.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most iconic destinations in California, including wine country, national parks, and fascinating geological formations.
You’ll have the opportunity to go camping and enjoy the great outdoors. With deserts, mountains, lakes, and more before you, get ready for an unforgettable Highway 395 road trip!
Need accommodation along the way? Head here!
Highway 395 Road Trip: Day 1
San Diego to Alabama Hills
Drive time: 4-5 hours
If you wanted to, you could do what we did and take the long ride straight from San Diego to the town of Lone Pines.
Or you can take your time and make some fantastic stops! I highly recommend doing this, especially if you’re not from the area.
Option: Temecula
Drive time: 1-1.5 hours from San Diego
Temecula is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and wineries. Honestly, I would make Temecula a whole day if you can!
Some activities you can partake in include wine tastings, a stroll through Old Town Temecula, and savoring the cuisine at local eateries
Lastly, take advantage of the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the scenic landscape.
Option: Joshua Tree National Park
Drive time: 2-3 hours from Temecula
Continuing along Highway 395, venture east towards Joshua Tree National Park.
Here you can lose yourself in the unique desert ecosystem, marvel at the iconic Joshua Trees, and explore the park’s hiking trails and rock formations! You’ll witness unforgettable sunsets and stargazing under the vast open skies.
This was another place we didn’t have a chance visit to on this road trip. It adds some mileage to your road trip, but if you have the opportunity, it’s definitely worth the add to the list.
Lone Pines and Alabama Hills
Drive time: 4-4.5 hours from Joshua Tree
Our official first stop, Lone Pine, is nestled at the base of the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains. This was where we set up camp, but first, some adventuring!
Nearby are the Alabama Hills, famous for their stunning rock formations and scenic landscapes. Film enthusiasts may also recognize the area as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood movies.
What did we do? We did a little off-roading in the desert area, explored all the side roads, and eventually found an empty camping spot to set up camp for the night!
Dispersed camping is available and free! You just need to find a site with a sign that says it’s okay.
Another adventure we had (that we were unaware was even in the area) was taking the road up to the top of the mountain. You go from desert to wooded forest in an instant.
It simply feels unreal! Here you will find other camping options (not free) as well as a beautiful waterfall, and some areas to swim in.
And for the adventurous types, hike the 21 miles up and through Mount Whitney (don’t forget to pack your complementary WAG bag on the way in).
Book a vacation home rentals for your road trip here!
Highway 395 Road Trip: Day 2
Alabama Hills to Mammoth Lakes
Drive time: about 2 hours
After packing up camp the Alabama Hills the next morning, we were ready to make our way toward Mammoth Lakes. However, if you have the time in your Hwy 395 road trip, I recommend Bishop as a pit stop.
Option: Bishop
Drive time: 1 hour from Alabama Pines
Bishop offers access to outdoor adventures and breathtaking natural beauty.
Stop in town and grab a bite at Erick Schat’s Bakery before heading to Buttermilk Boulders for light rock scrambling.
Discover the ancient bristlecone pines in the White Mountains or enjoy fishing and hiking in the nearby Bishop Creek Canyon!
Then you’ll continue north to the majestic Mammoth Lakes.
Crowley Lake and Mammoth Lakes
Drive time: 45 minutes to 1 hour from Bishop
Before we fully headed into Mammoth, we made a pit stop at Crowley Lake to view the stone columns.
Once you park, lather on the sunscreen as you make the open 1.5-mile hike down to the lake.
If you are equipped with a set of wheels for off-roading, you can skip the hike and drive straight to the lake. Although I have a lot of confidence in my vehicle, I wasn’t confident it would be able to make it in some areas.
We got passed by a Jeep Gladiator and a truck with proper off-roading wheels, so it is feasible. Once you get down, take some time to enjoy this otherworldly site.
After we departed Crowley Lake, we headed into Mammoth for food and a small rest before heading to nearby Convict Lake.
This beautiful lake comes with a snowy mountain backdrop and water so cold it’s worthy of being called a cold plunge! This didn’t stop us as we took a quick dip (or 2) to wake us up before heading back to Mammoth Lakes to set up camp for the night.
Want to check out my camping must haves? Check out my travel shop here!
Highway 395 Road Trip: Day 3
Mammoth Lakes to Lake Tahoe
Drive time: 2.5-3 hours
The next morning, en route to your final destination, you could just head straight to Lake Tahoe for a day of hiking or exploring all the woodland attractions available to you.
However, I highly recommend making a short detour to both June Lake and Mono Lake!
Option: June Lake and Mono Lake
Drive time: 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes
June Lake had a similar feel to Convict Lake, so we only briefly stayed. However, once we arrived at Mono Lake, we were speechless with how beautiful it was!
Mono Lake is a saltwater lake with striking tufa formations. I’d recommend exploring the South Tufa Reserve, where you can learn about the lake’s ecological significance and capture stunning photographs of the surreal landscape.
Want to know more about the best day hikes and nature trails along 395? See where Mono Lake is on my list here!
Final Destination: Lake Tahoe
Drive time: 2-3 hours from Mono Lake
You’ve made it! Using my Route 395 road trip itinerary, you should have at least half a day to explore Lake Tahoe. But if you can spare it, take an extra day to enjoy this amazing destination before heading back to San Diego.
Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking alpine lake straddling the California-Nevada border. It’s one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S. and offers year-round activities, from hiking and kayaking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
The area is divided into North Lake Tahoe, known for its tranquil vibe, and South Lake Tahoe, which has a livelier atmosphere with casinos, shopping, and nightlife.
You can experience crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails, and thrilling water activities here. Simply relax on quiet lakefront beaches, try your luck at the casinos, or savor the tranquility and beauty of this alpine paradise; each experience will be amazing!
We spent half a day by the water swimming and paddle boarding. We also brought our pups and found a dog-friendly area to wear them out.
US 395 Road Trip Wrap Up
A Highway 395 road trip from San Diego to Lake Tahoe can be a memorable adventure, filled with natural wonders, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences!
With this easy-to-follow route, you have wiggle room to add stops, go off-trail, and even add an extra day at Lake Tahoe if you wish. In just 3 or 4 days, you’ll see some of the best of California and enjoy some remarkable scenery.
If you haven’t taken the drive to Lake Tahoe from San Diego yet, I hope I’ve inspired you to plan your own road trip along Highway 395!
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