After our traverse across the Sonora Pass we drove down the 395 to Mammoth Lakes for the night. We stayed at one of our favorite little hotels, the Cinnamon Bear Inn. It’s a quirky little place located right in the heart of Mammoth and across the street from a wonderful bakery, Schat’s Bakery (their website is mostly non-functional).
The view from our room at the Cinnamon Bear.
Driving around Mammoth Lakes the next morning. Some shots of Lake Mary above Mammoth Lakes city.
Then we drove south down the 395 towards our next destination, Alabama Hills. This is one of the prettiest parts of the 395. Easily, our favorite scenic drive.
Alabama Hills is one of those amazing places that dot the 395. It’s incredible how much is around this road that is often characterized as out in the middle of nowhere.
Back to the hills. They are the base of Mt. Whitney, just outside of Lone Pine. It’s gorgeous scenery that you have seen before in dozens of movies, not the least of which might be…
And yes, there are signs leading to this exact spot.
The Hills are wonderful but you need at least light off raoding capability to explore. It’s dirt roads which can get exciting. There are safe paths however for those of you with basic sdan capabilities to see it some of it.
Then, onto the Mt. Whitney portal. The portal is on a paved road, which will test your fear of heights but is safe. The portal itself is the highest you drive up the mountain. It takes you to the 8,360 above seal level. Of course, if you want to climb Whitney, you can. It’s another six thousand feet or on a twenty-one mile trail. We opted not to. We explored the headwaters of Lone Pine Creek at the portal and then drove down.
The view driving through Alabama Hills to the Mt. Whitney portal road.
Views during the drive back down to Lone Pine and the 395.
Finally, almost home. Cows enjoying the Kern river as we approach Bakersfield on the 178 (another wonderful drive).
