The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

Haha true but a good camper and a good heater goes along way. I want to play in the snow and we love the 395 corridor We’re debating Bridgeport or Mammoth Lakes area. But we’re not free till mid November for a three day weekend.

 

Strictly speaking Bridgeport is accessible year-round. Highways 108 and 120 (and 4 and 89) may be seasonally closed, but not likely in November these days unless there are multiple storms. In 2011-12 we had a late winter and I rode my motorcycle from Santa Cruz, over Tioga on 120 (people were skating on Tenaya Lake, but the road was clear and dry), down to 395, out to Bodie, then up through Bridgeport and back over 108. Probably the best one day ride I’ve done. It was January 14, 2012!! Two days later it snowed and the passes were all closed. Always check the Caltrans highway website or app before heading out. If there is snow, the location of closures or chain controls is a pretty good proxy for snow levels.

 

Awesome thank you for the info. Ya Caltrans had been a trip saver a few times. I didn’t know they had an app though. Sounds like a hell of a ride!

 

I am taking a few days off next week, and we don't have specific plans yet. My wife mentioned wanting to see the fall colors up in the Eastern Sierras. Does anyone know good spots to see fall colors, if the fall colors are still visible and good dispersed camping sites/areas? We have been up to Coyote Flats earlier this year, but that's probably crossed the threshold of being too cold at this point. Not sure if we'll decide to head up there yet, but wanted to check out the feasibility.

 

Convict Lake was ripe this past weekend. June Lake Loop or Bishop Creek drainage should be colorful. That window is about to close, though…

Convict:

 

Bonus pic:

 

Glass!

 

Gonna be up at Hot Creek Ranch the last week of this month. Can't wait! I always love our annual October, end of season, fishing trip with family. Gotta get my fix of the High Sierras

 

Not in the valley, but certainly in the Sierras. Made a trip to a special place for my family, to see the aftermath of last fall's fires.

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If that dome, whose name I will not mention out of respect, was in Toulumne there would be 100 routes on it. As it stands there's only 3 that I'm aware of. Very little info and I think we'd both prefer it be kept that way. Sweet pics.

 

Early start in Mammoth

 

What's the snow level at? I'm hoping to head down that direction (though a bit east of Mono Lake) in the next few days.

 

About 7000'. Town only picked up a couple inches, and about 5" @ 9000'.

 

Looking like another storm rolling in Sun/Mon. I'll be driving up to Mammoth Mon and since this is my first trip with potential snow I figured I should ask a couple questions. Keep in mind I'm very familiar with the area in the winter and have done a lot of snow driving but this was all in my Subaru, I'm new to trucks still.

1. It won't be an issue this trip, but for future trips... do you guys carry chains? Not that you'd actually use them but I've been turned around on 395 before simply for not having chains in the vehicle. We drove down to KMart, got the cheapest chains we could and they sat in the car for every winter trip and we never put them on because the Subaru never needed them. We only used them to show CHP at the checkpoints.
2. If we get some snow Monday night I was thinking it could be fun to get up early, get some fresh tracks and test out my new tires in the snow. Any suggestions for some trails or backroads that would be good for this? I haven't really done any off-roading out there let alone in the snow. Not looking for some crazy backcountry trail, just somewhere above the snow level where I can romp around a bit. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Yes carry chains
And always a shovel
And a strap and shackles
I recommend recovery boards for solo travel
Quick off road fun that is not extreme- try past the geothermal plant- forest service roads parallel to 395
Or off deadman summit 395 head toward bald mountain
Both can dump you out on the Owens river
Not sure how big the storm is going to be, but still takes care
I’ve winched several unprepared trucks out of these areas after moderate storms
Sierra cement can be deceptive

 

If I think there will be snow where I'm going I do have four sets of RUD 4x4 chains that come on the trip. I haven't used mine but was with a friend who had to use his in the Panamints on one occasion.

If you're in Mammoth and just want something fairly mundane I think the Mammoth scenic loop would work out for you.

 

Chains like so many things are one of those little investments that is better to have and not need, vs needing them and not having them. Even if it is just to pass through the chain check areas. Sherwin Creek Road is only a couple miles and connects the 395 @ Mammoth Airport to the Old Mammoth Area. It is how I travel to and from town 90% of the time and does not require 4wd depending on the snow. There are some cool offshoots also that are a bit more changing like Laurel Lakes off of the road.

 

Do have any that you would recommend? I was reading a few thread on here but no one really says what they prefer?

 

RUD 4x4 chains

 

Thanks!