Thatch X Luno: Route 395 Roadtrip

Don’t let Hwy 1 have all the fun. This route has great camping, mountain views, hot springs, and eclectic roadside stops. Make a plan to check it out on your next CA trip or long weekend. This List was made in partnership with Luno. Check out their car camping gear for your trip! You can shop their gear at https://lunolife.com or check out their Thatch profile at @luno.life

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Travertine Hot Springs

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Known for its unique limestone rock formations, this hot spring is worth a stop. The pools can get pretty hot, so make sure you test the waters before you get in. You’ll follow a dirt road to the parking area, and from there you can walk to the pools. There are also a set of pools lower on the hill past the main ones that don’t have the limestone formations, but are beautiful all the same.

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Stop 1: Walker Coffee Company

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If you’re looking to grab a quick breakfast on your way down going north to south, stop at Walker Coffee Co. They have great coffee, breakfast burritos, and outdoor seating.

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Mono Lake

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Known for its famous limestone tufa formations, Mono Lake is like no other landscape you’ll see in the area. There is a small fee to get into the area, but if you have a National Parks Pass, that’ll cover it. You can walk up to the lake, or hike around it. Camping is also available.

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Stop 6: Whitmore Hot Springs

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There are a number of different hot springs in this area. The main ones, known as Wild Willy’s Hot Springs are easiest to get to, but can also be the most crowded. The other ones are Crab Cooker Hot Springs, and Rock Tub Hot Springs. You can find them on Google Maps. If you want to avoid the crowds, schedule your soaking for sunrise. There really isn’t any better way to start the day.

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Stop 7: Amigos Mexican Restaurant

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If you’re looking for a good tacos restaurant in Bishop, Amigos is the way to go. Their shrimp tacos are the perfect post-hike meal, or post sitting in the car meal...whatever works best for you!

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Tacos Los Hermanos Food Truck

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This spot has the best tacos on the 395, but sometimes it’s closed, so check their times before going. The salsas are super spicy, but yummm our mouths are watering just thinking of these.

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Lone Pine Lake

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This lake is located 2 miles up the Mt. Whitney Trail, starting at Whitney Portal. The trail is mostly uphill, but not terribly hard except for the elevation (the lake is at 10,000ft.) It’s a great hike if you’re looking for something that’ll take a couple of hours. Make sure you leave time to enjoy the lake, it’s breathtaking. This hike is a great way to escape the heat of Alabama Hills if you’re camping there in the summer, or an excellent way to stretch your legs if you’re on a long drive day.

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Alabama Hills

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This gorgeous area has been used in many a movie, and is home to some of the coolest rock formations you’ll see in California. The whole area is BLM land, so you can camp anywhere you’d like (as long as you’re off the road). Just make sure you leave it better than you found it! Some high points in the area include the Mobius Arch, Movie Road, and Miss Alabama, but the best thing to do in the area is to just explore on your own.

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Red Rock Canyon State Park

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This isn’t technically on Hwy 395, but if you’re coming down toward LA, it’s worth a stop. The rock formations are awesome, and the campsites are beautiful if you’re looking for a place to spend the night. They’re all first-come-first-serve, so it’s best to come early, or visit on a weekday.

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Stop 5: June Lake

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Just north of Mammoth, this beautiful lake offers great camping, hiking, and driving. The June Lake Scenic Loop is worth a drive any time of the year. You can get out at multiple different viewpoints to take in the beauty of the area. There are lots of great hiking trails nearby as well. Our favorite is the Parker Lake Trail.

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Bodie

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Located a little ways off the highway, this historic ghost town is a great little side trip if you’re interested in the history of the area. Bodie was in its peak as a mining town in the late 1800’s when the population was about 10,000 people. It was known for it’s “Wild West” craziness, Reverend F.M. Washington described it as “a sea of sin, lashed by the tempests of lust and passion.” The town isn’t large, but it’s a good idea to carry a physical map while visiting, as you probably won’t have cell service. Tours are offered, or you can feel free to explore on your own.

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Thatch

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