L.A. To San Francisco: Off The Beaten Track

17 hrsEst Driving Time

1281 kmTotal Distance

http://www.motorhomerepublic.com/itineraries/united-states/l-a-to-san-francisco

Overview

This epic west coast journey

takes you from one major

United States city to another.

The special thing about this

itinerary is that you'll

discover attractions along the

underrated Route 395 route.

Explore a ghost town,

intriguing rock structures,

bask in mountain scenery and

see the oldest tree in

existence. That's just the

beginning of what US Route

395 can offer the motorhome

traveller.

Leg 1 Los Angeles to Trona Pinnacles

04:00:00Est Driving Time

282 kmTotal Distance

Depart the City of Angels and

follow Route 395 towards

your first major attraction,

the spectacular Trona

Pinnacles.

LA River Expeditions

Did you know there is a

navigable river in Los

Angeles? The LA River is

perfect for a city escape

where you can take a scenic

kayaking tour down the river.

Even if you’re not ready to

brave the river, you could rent a bike or take a relaxing picnic along the river banks. LA River

Expeditions offer kayaking trips along both stretches of the river, which take a couple of hours to

complete each. We love the idea of leaving the freeways and concrete jungle of the city for a day at

the river.

California Route 66 Museum

You'll need to stretch your legs. Park up at Victorville, just over two hours from Los Angeles. The

Route 66 Museum has no admission fee, and it's worth a stop if you want to learn a little more

about this famous highway. You'll find all sorts of exciting things to look at including artifacts, road

signs, art, a 50's diner and a 1917 Ford T Bird for photo opportunities. Just note that it's closed

Tuesdays and Wednesdays. What's a road trip without stopping to look at quirky museums along

the way?

Trona Pinnacles

Imagine larger-than-life rock formations (called tufas) that look like something from another planet

and you’ll begin to get an idea of what the Trona Pinnacles look like. It's easy to see why they

feature in movie franchises like Star Trek and Planet of The Apes. You'll find over 500 unique tufas

made of calcium carbonate at the Trona Pinnacles. Said to have formed underwater around

100,000 years ago in Searles Lake, as time went by the lake dried up and the pinnacles emerged.

Park up and go for a hike around these incredible features. You'll find various shapes and sizes

from short to tall and thin. They located a short drive from the main highway, but are indeed

something to behold. It's best to not go past the parking area if you have a motorhome. The road

LA River Expeditions California Route 66 Museum Trona Pinnacles

can be slow and dusty, so take it easy and remember to take plenty of supplies and water with you.

Overnight freedom camping is possible in designated areas at the Pinnacles site. There is a pit

toilet available, but no dumping areas so you must remember ‘leave no trace’ rules.

Leg 1 Highlights

Leg 2 Trona Pinnacles to Alabama Hills

02:10:00Est Driving Time

168 kmTotal Distance

It’s time for a little western

film history. This leg of the

trip will take you from the

Trona Pinnacles right through

to the famous Alabama Hills.

Alabama Hills

You'll head into the Alabama

Hills (just off Whitney Portal

Road) which is a series of hills

and rock formations but most

importantly, the gateway to

Mt Whitney. Get ready for

extreme mountain views of

the Sierra Nevada range towering above you. You'll see precisely why the Alabama Hills are such a

highly sought after filming location, especially in western movies. There have been over 300

movies filmed here since the 1920s, and this area is a big drawcard if you're a film buff.

Mobius Arch

While you're in Alabama Hills, make sure you view Mt. Whitney through Mobius Arch. A short hike

along the Arch Loop Trail takes you to this surreal natural rocky window where you can look out to

the mountain scenery around you. We recommend getting to the arch to experience the views at

sunset. There's a parking lot near the trail, it's an easy walk, and you don't need a permit. Just

remember to take your camera.

Lone Pine Film History Museum

The Alabama Hills have featured in countless Hollywood westerns, and in town, you'll find the Lone

Pine Film History Museum. This charming museum showcases everything you ever needed to know

about the surrounding area as well as movie props. If you're craving more history, you could take a

movie tour and see the film locations for yourself. Plus, admission to the museum is free.

Great news! You can camp within the Alabama Hills for free. Just park up in off-shoots of the road,

and don't go off-roading. You'll find plenty of spaces with campfire pits set up - remember to

practice 'leave no trace' rules. Another option is Lone Pine Campground for RV campers, perfect

for basing yourself near picturesque Mt Whitney.

Alabama Hills Mobius Arch Lone Pine Film HistoryMuseum

Leg 3 Alabama Hills to Ancient Bristlecone PineForest

01:30:00Est Driving Time

112 kmTotal Distance

Leg 2 Highlights

Now it’s time for a walk in the

woods. Head towards ancient

forests and canyons on your

next leg of the journey.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Are you ready to witness

some of the world's oldest

known living trees? Make

your way over to the Ancient

Bristlecone Pine Forest

within the Inyo National

Forest. The Visitor Center is a

great place to start; check

that it's open because wild weather can affect opening times. The Center is up high; we're talking

about an elevation of 10,000 feet. Pack for changing weather conditions and be aware of the risks

of altitude sickness. We recommend heading to Patriarch Grove contains the huge Patriarch Tree,

a bristlecone with a 39-foot diameter base. Be sure to visit this beautiful protected area in the

White Mountains.

Bishop Creek Canyon

Bishop Creek Canyon spoils its visitors with fresh air, granite peaks, pristine lakes and summer

wildflowers. You could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the various short and longer hikes

in this area. Why not take a drive to nearby South Lake and choose one of the many walks from

Bishop Pass. We recommend the six-kilometre roundtrip from Trailhead to Long Lake. You'll get

beautiful views of the mountain peaks as well as visiting a few lakes along the way.

Ancient Bristlecone PineForest

Bishop Creek Canyon Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes

If you fancy driving a bit further out, Mammoth Lakes is worth adding to your trip. There's plenty of

fantastic attractions to keep you busy sightseeing while you're there including Mammoth

Mountain, June Mountain Ski Areas, Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. You'll

find plenty to keep you occupied in this picturesque mountain town.

Grandview Campground is the nearest campground to Bristlecone Pine Forest, so we recommend

this spot for a good base. It's remote, and you need to be prepared to be self-sufficient with limited

mobile coverage, but if you want to unwind and relax with incredible stargazing opportunities,

you've hit a gold mine.

Leg 3 Highlights

Leg 4 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to Lake Sabrina

01:30:00Est Driving Time

92 kmTotal Distance

Nature, you're so pretty! This

next part of the itinerary is

exceptionally scenic. You'll

find yourself exploring

picturesque lakes, geothermal

hot springs, and more jaw-

dropping rock formations.

Lake Sabrina

Trout fishing and

photography are everyday

activities at Lake Sabrina.

From the South shore, those

looking for adventure can

head out on a hike in the countryside. Those wanting a relaxing stroll can wander over to the Lake

Sabrina Inlet Trail and walk along the scenic North Shore. The Sabrina Lake Trail is waiting for

those wanting a more rugged hike through the classic eastern Sierra scenery. It's crammed with

jaw-dropping views of high alpine lakes and jagged snow-capped peaks. Just make sure you get

your permits beforehand.

Keough Hot Springs

Soak those tired muscles after a long hike at Keough Hot Springs. While the surroundings may

seem a little less fancy, the feeling of immersing yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters will be

worth it. Relax on a poolside lounger and grab refreshments from the snack bar.

Buttermilk Country Loop

Check out the Buttermilk Country Loop drive and see massive boulders which attract rock

climbers and hikers from all over the world. Take a mountain bike or hire one for the thrilling dirt

tracks and single-track trails in and around the Tungsten Hills. The boulders provide some of the

most accessible and diverse bouldering in the country with different routes that offer everything

from fun, easy climbing to rock faces for the highly skilled. Remember to stop in at the local ranger

station for a map of the Buttermilks!

Check out the Sabrina Campground an easy 45-minute drive from the Buttermilk Loop. It's a

peaceful place to stay and park up your RV. While it's further out, it does provide an excellent base

for seeing nearby attractions.

Lake Sabrina Sabrina Lake Trail Buttermilk Country Loop

Leg 5 Lake Sabrina to Convict Lake

01:00:00Est Driving Time

79 kmTotal Distance

Leg 4 Highlights

Drive from one picturesque

mountain lake straight

towards another, with some

exciting attractions peppered

in between of course.

Geothermal hot springs and

locally distilled spirits are

awaiting.

Convict Lake

Convict Lake is one of those

places that has picture-

perfect postcard views, with

its dramatic mountainous

landscape reflecting in the turquoise waters. It's just south of Mammoth Lakes, and a short drive

from Highway 395. This spot is famous for trout fishing, photography and hiking. The water is clear

and cold, which makes it perfect for trout to live long, happy lives. There's even a local legend that

Convict Lake is home to a large trout named 'Horgon' that few have seen and no one has ever

managed to catch.

Crab Cooker Hot Springs

Open year-round, the short hike from the parking lot to this relaxing tub of hot mineral water is

worth it to be surrounded by the mountain views. The Crab Cooker tub isn't nearly as popular as

some of the other nearby hot springs, so you'll potentially have the area to yourself. It's warm, but

the temperature can be topped up with cold water for a comfortable soak. There aren't any

bathrooms, rubbish bins, or facilities near the spring, so make sure you come prepared, and take

any waste or belongings with you once you leave.

Convict Lake Crab Cooker Hot Springs Devils Creek Distillery

Leg 6 Convict Lake to Tioga Pass

00:50:00Est Driving Time

60 kmTotal Distance

Devils Creek Distillery

Located a short 15-minute drive from Convict Lake is the Devils Creek Distillery which is well

worth a visit while you're in the area. Visit the tasting room (open Fridays and Saturdays from 3 till

6) and sample these barrel-aged, small-batch spirits while learning about the process from start to

finish. Before you head off, grab yourself a couple of bottles of whisky or rum to take with you.

Check out the Convict Lake Campground for a beautiful spot amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Reserve your campsite before you arrive or try your luck and roll up on the day. You'll find

everything you need, including toilets, showers and dump stations.

Leg 5 Highlights

Are you ready? This part of

your road trip will take you

deep into Yosemite National

Park, famed for its ancient

trees and towering waterfalls.

Make sure you have your

camera ready!

Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass is the famous road

leading into Yosemite

National Park and one of the

most beautiful drives you’ll

ever experience. There are

plenty of places to pull over and check out the scenery as you wind your way up to the entrance of

Yosemite National Park. Don’t be surprised if you have to stop around every bend as another

amazing view approaches. We recommend parking up at Tenaya Lake on your way: it’s only a few

Tioga Pass Yosemite National Park Bridalveil Falls

steps from the road and provides majestic views.

Yosemite National Park

As you enter Yosemite National Park, you'll immediately notice gorgeous views of Tuolumne

Meadows as you drive to Olmsted Point for views of Half Dome. There are popular hikes along the

route including Cathedral Lakes and to the top of Yosemite Falls. It's about 54 kilometres from the

turnoff to Olmsted Point. From there, it's another 72 kilometres to the Yosemite Valley Visitor

Center. Entrance fees per vehicle into YSP are $30, which is valid for seven days. Lower Yosemite

Fall Trail, Cook's Meadow Loop, and Mirror Lake Loop are all recommended short and easy trails to

see more of this fabulous area.

Bridalveil Falls

While there are too many highlights to mention in Yosemite National Park, Bridalveil Falls is a

natural attraction you can't miss. Park your motorhome in the parking lot and head up the paved

trail leading to the base of the falls. You’ll be rewarded with thundering water falling from 188

metres, stunning views of nearby El Capitan and potentially a little mist from Bridalveil!

There’s a bunch of stunning campgrounds to choose from during your visit to Yosemite National

Park. Choose before you go and reserve your spot early. As you can imagine, camping grounds fill

up fast. Book yourself a self-contained motorhome, so you have the essential facilities during your

stay.

Leg 6 Highlights

Leg 7 Tioga Pass to Bodie State Historic Park

01:00:00Est Driving Time

60 kmTotal Distance

It’s time to get a little spooky,

and by that we mean it’s time

to visit an abandoned ghost

town and gold mine before

making your way to more

natural hot springs.

Bodie State Historic Park

You'll have the chance to

wander around 110

abandoned structures

suspended in a state of

arrested decay. Bodie was a

booming gold mining town in

the late 1800s and was later abandoned in during the 1940s. No attempt to restore the site has

ever happened, and the result is an eerie yet fascinating time capsule that visitors can stroll

through for glimpses of past everyday life. Buildings include a school, hotel, gym, jail, cemetery, and

countless homes.

Travertine Hot Springs

With all the hiking and sightseeing on this adventure-filled itinerary, we had to add another

mineral spring surrounded by gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains. These springs are on California

State Park land just south of the town of Bridgeport. They're easy to get to and free, therefore one

of the most popular spots. The naturally hot water is boiling at its source but flows down rock

formations till it reaches the pools below at a comfortable 39 degrees celsius. Though it is

designated as 'clothing optional' many bathers these days prefer to soak in swimsuits.

Paramount Mine

If exploring the ghost town of Bodie wasn’t enough, then check out the deserted Paramount Mine

in the wild Bodie Hills. It’s an often-overlooked gem, which means you’ll probably have the area to

yourself. The mine yielded mercury for about two decades, and left behind are rusted oil drums

and pipes, piles of wood and a spooky open pit which makes for a creepy visit.

An excellent option for camping is the Paradise Shores RV Camp, only 35 minutes from Bodie State

National Park. You’ll have the chance to relax by an open campfire while gazing up at the starry

heavens.

Bodie State Historic Park Travertine Hot Spring Paramount Mine

Leg 8 Bodie State National Park to San Francisco

05:00:00Est Driving Time

396 kmTotal Distance

Leg 7 Highlights

The last leg of this journey

takes you along the CA-108

through Stanislaus National

Forest. The longest part of the

trip, but with plenty of cool

places to stop along the way.

Break up the drive with stops

in national forests and artsy

beachside cities.

Stanislaus National Forest

On your way to San

Francisco, you'll have the

chance to roam through this

virtually untouched wilderness. Pick one or more of the endless hiking trails on offer or go rafting

along the Tuolumne River. We recommend the Trail of the Gargoyles and Column of the Giants to

experience unusual geological formations. Stop by one of the forest's ranger stations to get maps

and double-check which roads are safe for driving a campervan.

Carmel by the Sea

“Carmel by the Sea” - it’s got a beautiful name don't you think? Carmel is a popular day trip from

San Francisco for those wanting a relaxing beachside escape. You’ll get to explore a small, artsy

beach city which is famous for its fairytale cottages and numerous galleries in the city centre. Take

your swimming gear if the weather is hot! You’ll want to cool off at the famous Carmel beach then

grab an ice cream before heading north to San Fran.

San Francisco

Once you reach the iconic golden gates of San Francisco, you've entered an exciting wonderland.

Stanislaus National Forest Carmel by the Sea San Francisco

We recommend visiting a few top attractions like taking a cable car to Russian and Nob Hills, or

visiting the historic prison in the bay, Alcatraz. Wander through one of the museums or take a stroll

down memory lane on Haight Street. Whatever you do, you can be sure you'll need more time. San

Francisco is a city of opportunity, and you may not want to leave!

What a journey! We love this unique Californian itinerary which takes you to rocky pinnacles,

mountain ranges, ancient forests, serene lakes, ghost towns, national geothermal parks, beachside

cities and urban jungles. Pack your hiking boots and your bathing suit. It's time to leave Los Angeles

on an epic adventure. You'll quickly realise that this road trip has something to offer pretty much

everyone.

Leg 8 Highlights