#171: An Epic Road Trip Along California’s Highway 395

#171: An Epic Road Trip Along California’s Highway 395

From Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast by Matt and Karen Smith

October 24, 2025 · 1h 5m · Episode 171

About this episode

The episode explores a scenic road trip along California's Highway 395, highlighting various landmarks and experiences along the route.

#171: An Epic Road Trip Along California’s Highway 395 The 150-mile stretch of Highway 395 from Bridgeport to Lone Pine takes travelers through a landscape of wide valleys, alpine lakes, volcanic wonders, and Old West history. Running along the eastern edge of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, this is one of the most scenic drives in the West. On our recent trip, we revisited some of our favorite places along the route, including towns and landmarks that feel like the land that time forgot. From the ghost town of Bodie to the alpine beauty of June Lake and the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, every stop had a story to tell. We explored hot springs, ancient forests, and film locations that have been featured in hundreds of Hollywood movies. In this episode, we share the highlights of this unforgettable road trip, including: · The eerie allure of Bodie Ghost Town, frozen in time, · Where to find the best fish tacos on the planet (hint: inside a gas station), · The alpine lakes, fall colors, and mountain views that make the June Lake Loop so special, · Hidden gems like Hot Creek and Convict Lake, · The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to trees nearly 5,000 years old, · The…

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt Smith, Karen Smith

Topics covered

  • scenic drives
  • California
  • ghost towns
  • mountain scenery
  • history
  • outdoor activities

Keywords

  • Highway 395
  • Bodie Ghost Town
  • June Lake Loop
  • Mammoth Lakes
  • ancient forests
  • Manzanar
  • fish tacos
  • road trip
  • California scenery

Mentioned in this episode

Places: California, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bodie Ghost Town, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek, Convict Lake, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Manzanar National Historic Site, Whitney Portal

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