L.A. To San Francisco: Off The Beaten Track · Leg 4 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to Lake...
Transcript of L.A. To San Francisco: Off The Beaten Track · Leg 4 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to Lake...
L.A. To San Francisco: Off The Beaten Track
17 hrsEst Driving Time
1281 kmTotal Distance
http://www.motorhomerepublic.com/itineraries/united-states/l-a-to-san-francisco
Overview
This epic west coast journey
takes you from one major
United States city to another.
The special thing about this
itinerary is that you'll
discover attractions along the
underrated Route 395 route.
Explore a ghost town,
intriguing rock structures,
bask in mountain scenery and
see the oldest tree in
existence. That's just the
beginning of what US Route
395 can offer the motorhome
traveller.
Leg 1 Los Angeles to Trona Pinnacles
04:00:00Est Driving Time
282 kmTotal Distance
Depart the City of Angels and
follow Route 395 towards
your first major attraction,
the spectacular Trona
Pinnacles.
LA River Expeditions
Did you know there is a
navigable river in Los
Angeles? The LA River is
perfect for a city escape
where you can take a scenic
kayaking tour down the river.
Even if you’re not ready to
brave the river, you could rent a bike or take a relaxing picnic along the river banks. LA River
Expeditions offer kayaking trips along both stretches of the river, which take a couple of hours to
complete each. We love the idea of leaving the freeways and concrete jungle of the city for a day at
the river.
California Route 66 Museum
You'll need to stretch your legs. Park up at Victorville, just over two hours from Los Angeles. The
Route 66 Museum has no admission fee, and it's worth a stop if you want to learn a little more
about this famous highway. You'll find all sorts of exciting things to look at including artifacts, road
signs, art, a 50's diner and a 1917 Ford T Bird for photo opportunities. Just note that it's closed
Tuesdays and Wednesdays. What's a road trip without stopping to look at quirky museums along
the way?
Trona Pinnacles
Imagine larger-than-life rock formations (called tufas) that look like something from another planet
and you’ll begin to get an idea of what the Trona Pinnacles look like. It's easy to see why they
feature in movie franchises like Star Trek and Planet of The Apes. You'll find over 500 unique tufas
made of calcium carbonate at the Trona Pinnacles. Said to have formed underwater around
100,000 years ago in Searles Lake, as time went by the lake dried up and the pinnacles emerged.
Park up and go for a hike around these incredible features. You'll find various shapes and sizes
from short to tall and thin. They located a short drive from the main highway, but are indeed
something to behold. It's best to not go past the parking area if you have a motorhome. The road
LA River Expeditions California Route 66 Museum Trona Pinnacles
can be slow and dusty, so take it easy and remember to take plenty of supplies and water with you.
Overnight freedom camping is possible in designated areas at the Pinnacles site. There is a pit
toilet available, but no dumping areas so you must remember ‘leave no trace’ rules.
Leg 1 Highlights
Leg 2 Trona Pinnacles to Alabama Hills
02:10:00Est Driving Time
168 kmTotal Distance
It’s time for a little western
film history. This leg of the
trip will take you from the
Trona Pinnacles right through
to the famous Alabama Hills.
Alabama Hills
You'll head into the Alabama
Hills (just off Whitney Portal
Road) which is a series of hills
and rock formations but most
importantly, the gateway to
Mt Whitney. Get ready for
extreme mountain views of
the Sierra Nevada range towering above you. You'll see precisely why the Alabama Hills are such a
highly sought after filming location, especially in western movies. There have been over 300
movies filmed here since the 1920s, and this area is a big drawcard if you're a film buff.
Mobius Arch
While you're in Alabama Hills, make sure you view Mt. Whitney through Mobius Arch. A short hike
along the Arch Loop Trail takes you to this surreal natural rocky window where you can look out to
the mountain scenery around you. We recommend getting to the arch to experience the views at
sunset. There's a parking lot near the trail, it's an easy walk, and you don't need a permit. Just
remember to take your camera.
Lone Pine Film History Museum
The Alabama Hills have featured in countless Hollywood westerns, and in town, you'll find the Lone
Pine Film History Museum. This charming museum showcases everything you ever needed to know
about the surrounding area as well as movie props. If you're craving more history, you could take a
movie tour and see the film locations for yourself. Plus, admission to the museum is free.
Great news! You can camp within the Alabama Hills for free. Just park up in off-shoots of the road,
and don't go off-roading. You'll find plenty of spaces with campfire pits set up - remember to
practice 'leave no trace' rules. Another option is Lone Pine Campground for RV campers, perfect
for basing yourself near picturesque Mt Whitney.
Alabama Hills Mobius Arch Lone Pine Film HistoryMuseum
Leg 3 Alabama Hills to Ancient Bristlecone PineForest
01:30:00Est Driving Time
112 kmTotal Distance
Leg 2 Highlights
Now it’s time for a walk in the
woods. Head towards ancient
forests and canyons on your
next leg of the journey.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Are you ready to witness
some of the world's oldest
known living trees? Make
your way over to the Ancient
Bristlecone Pine Forest
within the Inyo National
Forest. The Visitor Center is a
great place to start; check
that it's open because wild weather can affect opening times. The Center is up high; we're talking
about an elevation of 10,000 feet. Pack for changing weather conditions and be aware of the risks
of altitude sickness. We recommend heading to Patriarch Grove contains the huge Patriarch Tree,
a bristlecone with a 39-foot diameter base. Be sure to visit this beautiful protected area in the
White Mountains.
Bishop Creek Canyon
Bishop Creek Canyon spoils its visitors with fresh air, granite peaks, pristine lakes and summer
wildflowers. You could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the various short and longer hikes
in this area. Why not take a drive to nearby South Lake and choose one of the many walks from
Bishop Pass. We recommend the six-kilometre roundtrip from Trailhead to Long Lake. You'll get
beautiful views of the mountain peaks as well as visiting a few lakes along the way.
Ancient Bristlecone PineForest
Bishop Creek Canyon Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes
If you fancy driving a bit further out, Mammoth Lakes is worth adding to your trip. There's plenty of
fantastic attractions to keep you busy sightseeing while you're there including Mammoth
Mountain, June Mountain Ski Areas, Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. You'll
find plenty to keep you occupied in this picturesque mountain town.
Grandview Campground is the nearest campground to Bristlecone Pine Forest, so we recommend
this spot for a good base. It's remote, and you need to be prepared to be self-sufficient with limited
mobile coverage, but if you want to unwind and relax with incredible stargazing opportunities,
you've hit a gold mine.
Leg 3 Highlights
Leg 4 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to Lake Sabrina
01:30:00Est Driving Time
92 kmTotal Distance
Nature, you're so pretty! This
next part of the itinerary is
exceptionally scenic. You'll
find yourself exploring
picturesque lakes, geothermal
hot springs, and more jaw-
dropping rock formations.
Lake Sabrina
Trout fishing and
photography are everyday
activities at Lake Sabrina.
From the South shore, those
looking for adventure can
head out on a hike in the countryside. Those wanting a relaxing stroll can wander over to the Lake
Sabrina Inlet Trail and walk along the scenic North Shore. The Sabrina Lake Trail is waiting for
those wanting a more rugged hike through the classic eastern Sierra scenery. It's crammed with
jaw-dropping views of high alpine lakes and jagged snow-capped peaks. Just make sure you get
your permits beforehand.
Keough Hot Springs
Soak those tired muscles after a long hike at Keough Hot Springs. While the surroundings may
seem a little less fancy, the feeling of immersing yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters will be
worth it. Relax on a poolside lounger and grab refreshments from the snack bar.
Buttermilk Country Loop
Check out the Buttermilk Country Loop drive and see massive boulders which attract rock
climbers and hikers from all over the world. Take a mountain bike or hire one for the thrilling dirt
tracks and single-track trails in and around the Tungsten Hills. The boulders provide some of the
most accessible and diverse bouldering in the country with different routes that offer everything
from fun, easy climbing to rock faces for the highly skilled. Remember to stop in at the local ranger
station for a map of the Buttermilks!
Check out the Sabrina Campground an easy 45-minute drive from the Buttermilk Loop. It's a
peaceful place to stay and park up your RV. While it's further out, it does provide an excellent base
for seeing nearby attractions.
Lake Sabrina Sabrina Lake Trail Buttermilk Country Loop
Leg 5 Lake Sabrina to Convict Lake
01:00:00Est Driving Time
79 kmTotal Distance
Leg 4 Highlights
Drive from one picturesque
mountain lake straight
towards another, with some
exciting attractions peppered
in between of course.
Geothermal hot springs and
locally distilled spirits are
awaiting.
Convict Lake
Convict Lake is one of those
places that has picture-
perfect postcard views, with
its dramatic mountainous
landscape reflecting in the turquoise waters. It's just south of Mammoth Lakes, and a short drive
from Highway 395. This spot is famous for trout fishing, photography and hiking. The water is clear
and cold, which makes it perfect for trout to live long, happy lives. There's even a local legend that
Convict Lake is home to a large trout named 'Horgon' that few have seen and no one has ever
managed to catch.
Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Open year-round, the short hike from the parking lot to this relaxing tub of hot mineral water is
worth it to be surrounded by the mountain views. The Crab Cooker tub isn't nearly as popular as
some of the other nearby hot springs, so you'll potentially have the area to yourself. It's warm, but
the temperature can be topped up with cold water for a comfortable soak. There aren't any
bathrooms, rubbish bins, or facilities near the spring, so make sure you come prepared, and take
any waste or belongings with you once you leave.
Convict Lake Crab Cooker Hot Springs Devils Creek Distillery
Leg 6 Convict Lake to Tioga Pass
00:50:00Est Driving Time
60 kmTotal Distance
Devils Creek Distillery
Located a short 15-minute drive from Convict Lake is the Devils Creek Distillery which is well
worth a visit while you're in the area. Visit the tasting room (open Fridays and Saturdays from 3 till
6) and sample these barrel-aged, small-batch spirits while learning about the process from start to
finish. Before you head off, grab yourself a couple of bottles of whisky or rum to take with you.
Check out the Convict Lake Campground for a beautiful spot amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Reserve your campsite before you arrive or try your luck and roll up on the day. You'll find
everything you need, including toilets, showers and dump stations.
Leg 5 Highlights
Are you ready? This part of
your road trip will take you
deep into Yosemite National
Park, famed for its ancient
trees and towering waterfalls.
Make sure you have your
camera ready!
Tioga Pass
Tioga Pass is the famous road
leading into Yosemite
National Park and one of the
most beautiful drives you’ll
ever experience. There are
plenty of places to pull over and check out the scenery as you wind your way up to the entrance of
Yosemite National Park. Don’t be surprised if you have to stop around every bend as another
amazing view approaches. We recommend parking up at Tenaya Lake on your way: it’s only a few
Tioga Pass Yosemite National Park Bridalveil Falls
steps from the road and provides majestic views.
Yosemite National Park
As you enter Yosemite National Park, you'll immediately notice gorgeous views of Tuolumne
Meadows as you drive to Olmsted Point for views of Half Dome. There are popular hikes along the
route including Cathedral Lakes and to the top of Yosemite Falls. It's about 54 kilometres from the
turnoff to Olmsted Point. From there, it's another 72 kilometres to the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center. Entrance fees per vehicle into YSP are $30, which is valid for seven days. Lower Yosemite
Fall Trail, Cook's Meadow Loop, and Mirror Lake Loop are all recommended short and easy trails to
see more of this fabulous area.
Bridalveil Falls
While there are too many highlights to mention in Yosemite National Park, Bridalveil Falls is a
natural attraction you can't miss. Park your motorhome in the parking lot and head up the paved
trail leading to the base of the falls. You’ll be rewarded with thundering water falling from 188
metres, stunning views of nearby El Capitan and potentially a little mist from Bridalveil!
There’s a bunch of stunning campgrounds to choose from during your visit to Yosemite National
Park. Choose before you go and reserve your spot early. As you can imagine, camping grounds fill
up fast. Book yourself a self-contained motorhome, so you have the essential facilities during your
stay.
Leg 6 Highlights
Leg 7 Tioga Pass to Bodie State Historic Park
01:00:00Est Driving Time
60 kmTotal Distance
It’s time to get a little spooky,
and by that we mean it’s time
to visit an abandoned ghost
town and gold mine before
making your way to more
natural hot springs.
Bodie State Historic Park
You'll have the chance to
wander around 110
abandoned structures
suspended in a state of
arrested decay. Bodie was a
booming gold mining town in
the late 1800s and was later abandoned in during the 1940s. No attempt to restore the site has
ever happened, and the result is an eerie yet fascinating time capsule that visitors can stroll
through for glimpses of past everyday life. Buildings include a school, hotel, gym, jail, cemetery, and
countless homes.
Travertine Hot Springs
With all the hiking and sightseeing on this adventure-filled itinerary, we had to add another
mineral spring surrounded by gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains. These springs are on California
State Park land just south of the town of Bridgeport. They're easy to get to and free, therefore one
of the most popular spots. The naturally hot water is boiling at its source but flows down rock
formations till it reaches the pools below at a comfortable 39 degrees celsius. Though it is
designated as 'clothing optional' many bathers these days prefer to soak in swimsuits.
Paramount Mine
If exploring the ghost town of Bodie wasn’t enough, then check out the deserted Paramount Mine
in the wild Bodie Hills. It’s an often-overlooked gem, which means you’ll probably have the area to
yourself. The mine yielded mercury for about two decades, and left behind are rusted oil drums
and pipes, piles of wood and a spooky open pit which makes for a creepy visit.
An excellent option for camping is the Paradise Shores RV Camp, only 35 minutes from Bodie State
National Park. You’ll have the chance to relax by an open campfire while gazing up at the starry
heavens.
Bodie State Historic Park Travertine Hot Spring Paramount Mine
Leg 8 Bodie State National Park to San Francisco
05:00:00Est Driving Time
396 kmTotal Distance
Leg 7 Highlights
The last leg of this journey
takes you along the CA-108
through Stanislaus National
Forest. The longest part of the
trip, but with plenty of cool
places to stop along the way.
Break up the drive with stops
in national forests and artsy
beachside cities.
Stanislaus National Forest
On your way to San
Francisco, you'll have the
chance to roam through this
virtually untouched wilderness. Pick one or more of the endless hiking trails on offer or go rafting
along the Tuolumne River. We recommend the Trail of the Gargoyles and Column of the Giants to
experience unusual geological formations. Stop by one of the forest's ranger stations to get maps
and double-check which roads are safe for driving a campervan.
Carmel by the Sea
“Carmel by the Sea” - it’s got a beautiful name don't you think? Carmel is a popular day trip from
San Francisco for those wanting a relaxing beachside escape. You’ll get to explore a small, artsy
beach city which is famous for its fairytale cottages and numerous galleries in the city centre. Take
your swimming gear if the weather is hot! You’ll want to cool off at the famous Carmel beach then
grab an ice cream before heading north to San Fran.
San Francisco
Once you reach the iconic golden gates of San Francisco, you've entered an exciting wonderland.
Stanislaus National Forest Carmel by the Sea San Francisco
We recommend visiting a few top attractions like taking a cable car to Russian and Nob Hills, or
visiting the historic prison in the bay, Alcatraz. Wander through one of the museums or take a stroll
down memory lane on Haight Street. Whatever you do, you can be sure you'll need more time. San
Francisco is a city of opportunity, and you may not want to leave!
What a journey! We love this unique Californian itinerary which takes you to rocky pinnacles,
mountain ranges, ancient forests, serene lakes, ghost towns, national geothermal parks, beachside
cities and urban jungles. Pack your hiking boots and your bathing suit. It's time to leave Los Angeles
on an epic adventure. You'll quickly realise that this road trip has something to offer pretty much
everyone.
Leg 8 Highlights