The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

We hit the trails. Did Mazourka canyon, Reward Mine and the trail around the backside of Mono lake. A couple of other short trail also. There’s never enough time exploring the area.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBRyIwhSMQG/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

Northbound Traffic to Switch to New Lanes on U.S. 395 Near Olancha

INYO COUNTY – Northbound U.S. 395 traffic will switch onto the new northbound lanes of the Olancha Cartago 4-Lane Expressway Project on Tuesday, November 19.

 

I noticed this change in progress when I was up there a couple weeks ago. I just about did a double take when I saw a southbound freeway with cars on it on the WEST side of Olancha.

 

What is the purpose of the re-alignment?

Is it permanent?

 

A 4 lane conversion. It's permanent.

 

They widened the northbound side, so now they're flipping all traffic onto the future northbound lanes so that they can do the southbound widening.

 

I don't know about you guys, but I thoroughly enjoyed being in a mile long group of cars because an old RV can't get over 37mph.

It was like our own convoy

 

That's the only time I get decent gas mileage.

 

I could also help your MPGs, apparently.

 

I had forgotten how awful that mustard and ketchup outfit is.

 

Quick question for the locals or anyone else who may be able to confirm...

I'm sure private fireworks are not allowed in the Inyo/Mono county areas but I'm unsure about any municipal fireworks shows. I know when I was a kid we always used to watch the 4th of July fireworks over Crowley but I haven't been up there for the 4th in probably 20yrs. The reason I ask is that our dog is terrified of fireworks and our city turns into a warzone. This year the wife and I are thinking about trying to find somewhere we can go camp for a few days while staying out of earshot of fireworks.

 

The city's in Inyo county sell fireworks. They are not allowed on forest service land or BLM. Only in the City limits so Bishop etc.. You should be ok at any Forest service camp ground or in town in Mammoth Lakes.

 

Wow, that surprises me with all the wildfire concerns, thanks for letting me know. So the Crowley fireworks show doesn't happen anymore?

I usually camp on the BLM land near Hot Creek & Upper Owens but for this trip it might be nice to get a bit more off the beaten path (regardless, we'd be looking to dispersed camp rather than stay at a camp ground).

 

Two ideas:

1. Head up toward Mazourka Peak from the south (more in the area). There are many dispersed sites up that direction.
2. Head up into the White Mountains, in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest area (more in the area). Again, plenty of dispersed up that way. Some of these even have views of Bishop, so you might be able to watch a display, without the pup hearing it.

 

Bishop and Crowley both have fireworks on the 4th. That said, there's plenty of places to get away around here.

 

Lake Crowley last Fourth

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I've only been up into the Ancient Bristlecones once and have been meaning to explore Mazourka.

Thank you for confirming! Looks like we'd want to make sure give ourselves some distance from those.

Man, I used to LOVE this when I was a kid. We'd always stay at Arcularius Ranch for a week around 4th of July, which was also my grandfather's birthday. On the 4th we'd take the back roads over towards Crowley and find a spot to pull over and watch. Such good memories.

 

Im thinking of taking a drive through 395 to Lone Pine with the wife. Ive never been up that way. We wanted to check it out this upcoming weekend maybe stay at a hotel. Hows the weather this time a year up there? Is there snow? Any tips?

 

Shouldn't be any snow in Lone Pine, although you should see some in the Sierras. Temps will probably range from the 20s to the 40s.