How long is the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway: Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from South Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine in Eastern Sierra, California, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is Late May to October: fall colour peaks early Oct.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip, Culture.

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway: Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine

1

South Lake Tahoe

2 nights

The route's alpine launch point on the largest mountain lake in North America. Spend two nights before turning south: kayak or cycle the cobalt shoreline, drive up to Emerald Bay, and let your body adjust to altitude. Stock up well, as towns and services shrink steadily all the way to Lone Pine.The route's alpine launch point on the largest mountain lake in North America. Spend two nights before turning south: kayak or cycle the cobalt shoreline, drive up to Emerald Bay, and let your body adjust to altitude. Stock up well, as towns and services shrink steadily all the way to Lone Pine.

Recommendations

2

Bridgeport

1 night

A tiny ranching town in a wide green valley and the gateway to Bodie, California's best-preserved gold-rush ghost town. Spend an afternoon among Bodie's 200 weathered buildings, held in a state of arrested decay since the mines closed, then drive back for a sunset soak at the natural Travertine Hot Springs.A tiny ranching town in a wide green valley and the gateway to Bodie, California's best-preserved gold-rush ghost town. Spend an afternoon among Bodie's 200 weathered buildings, held in a state of arrested decay since the mines closed, then drive back for a sunset soak at the natural Travertine Hot Springs.

Recommendations

3

Lee Vining (Mono Lake)

1 night

A small highway town on the shore of Mono Lake, an ancient salt lake nearly three times saltier than the sea. Walk the South Tufa boardwalk among its limestone spires at golden hour, when the light and the birdlife are at their best. Above town climbs Tioga Pass, the high eastern gateway into Yosemite when it is open.A small highway town on the shore of Mono Lake, an ancient salt lake nearly three times saltier than the sea. Walk the South Tufa boardwalk among its limestone spires at golden hour, when the light and the birdlife are at their best. Above town climbs Tioga Pass, the high eastern gateway into Yosemite when it is open.

Recommendations

4

Mammoth Lakes

2 nights

The route's main mountain hub at 8,000 feet, ringed by alpine lakes and volcanic country. Use two nights for the Lakes Basin, the basalt columns of Devils Postpile, the drop of Rainbow Falls, and a soak in a wild hot spring out on the valley floor. In autumn the aspen canyons turn brilliant gold.The route's main mountain hub at 8,000 feet, ringed by alpine lakes and volcanic country. Use two nights for the Lakes Basin, the basalt columns of Devils Postpile, the drop of Rainbow Falls, and a soak in a wild hot spring out on the valley floor. In autumn the aspen canyons turn brilliant gold.

Recommendations

5

Bishop

1 night

The largest town in the Owens Valley and the fishing and climbing capital of the Eastern Sierra. Stop for the legendary Erick Schat's Bakkery, then detour up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to gnarled trees over 4,000 years old, among the oldest living things on Earth. Wild Willy's hot spring lies just south of town.The largest town in the Owens Valley and the fishing and climbing capital of the Eastern Sierra. Stop for the legendary Erick Schat's Bakkery, then detour up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to gnarled trees over 4,000 years old, among the oldest living things on Earth. Wild Willy's hot spring lies just south of town.

Recommendations

6

Lone Pine

2 nights

The dramatic southern finish, set right beneath Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48. Base two nights to drive the boulder maze of the Alabama Hills out to Mobius Arch, walk up to the Whitney Portal, and trace the area's film and wartime history at the Museum of Western Film History and nearby Manzanar.The dramatic southern finish, set right beneath Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48. Base two nights to drive the boulder maze of the Alabama Hills out to Mobius Arch, walk up to the Whitney Portal, and trace the area's film and wartime history at the Museum of Western Film History and nearby Manzanar.

Recommendations

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway: Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine