How to Make the Drive on the 395 to Lake Tahoe Enjoyable

The eight-plus-hour drive from Southern California to Lake Tahoe is at times desolate and at others gorgeous. So take a few pit stops along the way. And, enjoy the drive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Car
• Plenty of gas
• Camera
• Backpack
• Comfortable shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothes
• Map
• Guidebook

1. Start your drive early in the morning, at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Drive through the Mojave Desert.
2. Stop by Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ in Bishop for coffee and to pick up a variety of pastries and breads. Their cheese loafs are particularly good, with jalapeño cheese and chili cheese being two favorites.
3. Stop by one of the local fast food places in town for a quick breakfast if you're not one for pastries or donuts in the morning. Take your breakfast to Bishop City Park, across the street from Schat's, where you can take in the morning sun, feed the ducks and eat your breakfast on a picnic bench near a peaceful pond.
4. Continue down route 395 and explore the Hot Creek Geological site near Mammoth Lakes. There are numerous hot springs here and, if you're daring and the weather's permitting, feel free to sun bathe - though rangers have posted signs to stay out of the hot springs in case of an earthquake, which can cause the hottest water to emerge and scald people to death.
5. Continue on 395 to the June Lake Loop. Take the 15-mile loop around the mountain lakes. Stop and take pictures or go on a walk wherever you like.
6. Visit the ghost town of Bodie and explore a few of the 150-plus abandoned structures. Though you can spend an entire day in Bodie, it's best just to take in a few sites, get a general feel for the town and move on.
7. Stop at the West Walker River, an often fast-flowing body of water that draws in campers and day trippers alike. Take a break, a few photos, and try some of the bread you purchased at Schat's.
8. Continue on to Topaz Lake on the California-Nevada border. Visit the Topaz Casino for a little pre-Tahoe gambling and, if you're hungry, grab a bite to eat at one of the city's four restaurants.
9. Continue on th 395 until you hit Highway 88 in Gardnerville, NV. Take Highway 88 for a mile or so until you see the "Lake Tahoe" sign that points you toward Kingsbury Grade, a steep road that leads you up one side of the mountain and down the other into beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many, many places and activities that you can engage in along 395. However, considering that Tahoe is at least an eight-hour drive, if not more, from most of Southern California, it may be wise to pick just a few spots to stop and visit. And remember, you can always visit the spots you missed on your way home
• The weather along the 395, especially as you get closer to Tahoe, can be unpredictable. So make sure to check the weather forecast, road reports and radio, and bring tire chains if necessary. Also, obviously some of these activities cannot be engaged in if the weather is too treacherous