29 Activities
Journey Along the Majestic Side of California's Sierra
Starts from
South Lake Tahoe
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
29
Duration
4 days
Length
650 mi
In partnership with
Guide details
Starts from
South Lake Tahoe
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
4 days
Length
650 mi
Frommer's Travel Guides
- Explore the otherworldly beauty of Mono Lake's tufa towers.
- Walk among the ghosts of early gold miners.
- Snap photos where scores of Western movies were filmed.
The eastern side of California's Sierra Nevada is a fantastic destination to enjoy the great outdoors. From the mountainous scenery of Mammoth Lakes to the ancient volcanic craters of June Lake and the haunting history of mining boomtown Bodie, there are a variety of environments to appreciate. Spend a full four days exploring the region while experiencing food, geology, and culture. The journey is best enjoyed between spring and fall when parks and attractions are fully operational.
Photo: Rennett Stowe
Photo: Rennett Stowe
The eastern side of California's Sierra Nevada is a fantastic destination to enjoy the great outdoors. From the mountainous scenery of Mammoth Lakes to the ancient volcanic craters of June Lake and the haunting history of mining boomtown Bodie, there are a variety of environments to appreciate. Spend a full four days exploring the region while experiencing food, geology, and culture. The journey is best enjoyed between spring and fall when parks and attractions are fully operational.
Photo: Rennett Stowe
Photo: Rennett Stowe
In partnership with
Frommer's Travel Guides
- Explore the otherworldly beauty of Mono Lake's tufa towers.
- Walk among the ghosts of early gold miners.
- Snap photos where scores of Western movies were filmed.
Travel itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
195 mi
Experiencing History and Mystery in Mono County
Heading south from South Lake Tahoe, Highway 395 becomes your guide to the Eastern Sierra, including the remnants of California's Gold Rush history, the dramatic, craggy Eastern Siera scenery and the magical tufa towers of ancient Mono Lake.
Photo: Courtesy of Mono County Tourism / Jeff Simpson
7 Activities
Day 2
101 mi
Enjoy Mono County's Landscape From Above and Below
Today's activities will explore local history and landscapes that range from spectacular to head scratching. Catch the gondola up Mammoth Mountain with for amazing valley views, hike to the improbably shaped Devil's Postpile and around Convict Lake, then get steamy at the railroad museum. Plenty of places to stop for good bites throughout the day.
Photo: Courtesy of Mammoth Resort
7 Activities
Day 3
98 mi
Exploring Landscapes, Legends, and Loss in the Owens Valley
The first half of your day is witnessing the heartbreak of the historic World War II internment camp, Manzanar, followed by learning the stories of Westerns filmed here. Then, walking in the footsteps of Hollywood giants. After lunch, experience the remnants of this lava-shaped landscape.
Photo: Justin Meissen
7 Activities
Day 4
208 mi
Explore the Mojave and Its History on the Way Back to Los Angeles
The fourth and final day of your journey offers insight into the life of the desert and the people who lived here, a view into a geological layer cake, and a chance to pay respects at an airplane graveyard.
Photo: Spud Hilton