This Eastern Sierra itinerary follows Highway 395 from Lone Pine toward Lee Vining, with mountain detours chosen around the season. It assumes you have a vehicle and treats arrival travel separately, since no starting airport or drive distance has been specified. Use all four days for a varied road trip, or shorten the route by choosing either the southern valleys or the Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake area.
Day 1: Lone Pine, Alabama Hills, and Independence
Begin in Lone Pine with supplies, water, and a check of local conditions. Spend the cooler part of the day exploring the Alabama Hills on established roads and walking routes. A short walk near Mobius Arch can introduce the area's rounded rock formations and mountain backdrop without turning arrival day into a strenuous hike. Choose stops that suit your vehicle, especially on unpaved roads.
Continue north toward Independence for Manzanar National Historic Site, allowing time to engage thoughtfully with the exhibits rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. Check the official NPS site for current access and visitor information. Overnight in Independence or Bishop depending on your arrival time and the next day's plans. If you reach the region late, skip one major stop instead of squeezing both into the final daylight hours.
Where to sleep
RV parks near Eastern Sierra on RoverPass
Partner link · RoverPass
Day 2: Bishop and a Mountain Basin
Use Bishop as your supply base before heading into the mountains. In the snow-free season, choose the Bishop Creek area for a scenic drive toward South Lake or Lake Sabrina, followed by a walk matched to the day's conditions. Picking one lake area leaves time to enjoy the setting rather than spending the afternoon moving between parking lots.
If you want a more hiking-focused day, Rock Creek and the Little Lakes Valley area are alternatives farther north, not extra stops to stack onto the same schedule. High trailheads deserve a conservative start, particularly if you arrived from sea level yesterday. Check Inyo National Forest reports for road openings, snow, closures, and permit rules. Return to Bishop for another night, or move north to Mammoth Lakes if that better supports your next morning. Leave the transfer until after your main outing.
Where to sleep
Campsites near Eastern Sierra on Campspot
Partner link · Campspot
Day 3: Mammoth Lakes or June Lake Loop
Dedicate the third day to Mammoth Lakes rather than trying to see every nearby attraction. When access roads are open, the Mammoth Lakes Basin provides a good mix of scenery, shorter walks, and longer hiking choices. Select a route in advance, then scale it down if weather or elevation makes the original plan less appealing. Keep an afternoon thunderstorm forecast in mind before choosing exposed terrain.
For a less strenuous day, make June Lake Loop your main outing instead. Stop for a lakeside walk and picnic, using designated parking rather than improvising roadside spaces. Seasonal services and road access should be checked beforehand. Stay in Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, or Lee Vining according to your final day's direction. Adding Devils Postpile requires separate planning because access arrangements can change; check the official NPS site before including it.
Where to sleep
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Eastern Sierra
Partner link · Harvest Hosts
Day 4: Mono Lake and a Flexible Finish
Head toward Lee Vining for Mono Lake, where the landscape shifts from forested mountain basins to open water and volcanic terrain. Visit a designated shoreline access area such as South Tufa, walking established routes and leaving the fragile formations untouched. Binoculars add interest if birds are present, and morning can be a pleasant time for an exposed walk before the day warms or winds increase.
Keep the remainder of the day tied to your departure route. Do not assume Tioga Road provides an open connection through Yosemite; it closes seasonally, and park entry requirements can change. Check official Yosemite and Caltrans information before planning that crossing. If returning south on Highway 395, use extra time for a missed stop rather than adding another distant destination. If continuing north, account for the onward drive before scheduling a lengthy additional outing.
Get around
Car rentals at BIH
Partner link · RentCars
Arrival Logistics and Two- or Three-Day Versions
Because no airport, mileage, or drive-time facts were supplied, treat this as a regional route rather than a timed airport-to-airport package. Reno is a practical arrival option for travelers approaching the northern Eastern Sierra; Southern California airports can suit a southern approach. Compare actual flight schedules, rental availability, and navigation estimates for your dates before booking. Regional air service can change, so confirm it directly.
With two days, choose Lone Pine and Bishop or Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake, not the entire corridor. With three days, drop either the southern start or one alpine day. Overnight costs vary widely by season and lodging type, so budget with rough ranges rather than a fixed promise. Reserve stays early for popular weekends, download offline maps, and check Caltrans, official forest sites, and relevant park or NPS pages for conditions and reservations.
Get around
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
$245/day (estimate) · Direct link · RVshare
More ways to book Eastern Sierra
Sprinter Adventure Van
Small enough to park at the trailhead, comfy enough to sleep in.
$189/day (estimate)
Direct link · RVshare