If you're planning a road trip along Highway 395, Convict Lake is a must-see destination. Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, this picturesque lake offers a serene escape with activities that make it worth visiting for at least an afternoon or even longer. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, or simply taking in stunning mountain views, Convict Lake has something for everyone. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities makes it a destination that should not be overlooked.

When planning a trip along California's iconic Highway 395, make sure to stop at Convict Lake. Just 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, this Eastern Sierra alpine lake is at its best during the summer months. With warm weather, clear blue skies, and endless activities to enjoy, summer is the ideal season to experience all that Convict Lake has to offer. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this destination offers something for everyone.

If you’re wondering, “Can you kayak at Convict Lake?” the answer is an enthusiastic yes! Nestled along the iconic Highway 395, Convict Lake offers an unforgettable sunrise kayaking experience that combines serenity, breathtaking views, and the perfect start to any outdoor adventure. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful escape, this lake offers something magical for everyone.

Just ten miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395, Convict Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks waiting to be kayaked on. This glacially carved gem in Inyo National Forest is a favorite for outdoorsy people, offering year-round kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the towering mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop as you glide across the calm waters.

Bridgeport, CA is a pass-through town along Highway 395 that’s filled with adventures, if you’re willing to stop. With one overpriced gas station, two coffee shops, a sandwich shop, and a general store that is rarely open, I didn’t think much of this town at first. But over time, a few of my favorite adventures led me to the outskirts of Bridgeport, CA, and I discovered it has much more to offer than meets the eye. This town is packed with activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hot spring soaking, backcountry skiing, camping, stargazing, and so much more. Below are just a handful of reasons to stop in Bridgeport, CA while road-tripping Highway 395.

Mammoth Lakes, California, is a destination I return to time and again. Tucked along Highway 395, it offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its natural hot springs scattered across the rugged landscape, Mammoth Lakes has become my favorite place to unwind after a day of exploring Yosemite, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, or adventuring through the Sierra wilderness.

Located in the Inyo National Forest, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a natural wonder that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. If you're planning a trip to this hot spring, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth.

Hidden in the plain sight in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes and its neighboring areas provide a perfect retreat for travelers craving tranquility, natural beauty, and rejuvenation. Among the area's most alluring features are the hot springs scattered along Highway 395, offering a serene and soothing escape amid stunning mountain views. Whether you're looking to soak in a natural mineral pool after a day of hiking or simply unwind surrounded by nature, these hot springs are an oasis worth exploring.

We had a crazy idea, let’s road trip down Highway 395 in our self-converted van (watch the video tour of our dodge promaster 2500) with kayaks and explore as many bodies of water as possible. We only had a week, so how much could we cram into a single outing? We were not sure, but we wanted to try. So, would five bodies of water be too many, ten? Now, I’ll admit neither of us are good at kayaking, heck we can barely get in the kayaks without flipping, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we committed to the idea and have loads of fun along the way.

Did we succeed? Kind of.

Northern California is a region known for its stunning natural beauty, offering everything from rugged coastlines and towering redwoods to serene lakes and scenic mountain trails. But while summer often steals the spotlight, fall is Northern California’s best-kept secret. In the autumn months, the landscape transforms, the crowds thin, and the weather strikes a perfect balance for outdoor adventures. In this guide, we’ll take you on a fall road trip through Northern California, showcasing the best places to visit, what to do, and why this season is a hidden gem.

Four Must-Do California Road Trips

The Eastern Sierra, a rugged and captivating region in California, offer a mesmerizing landscape that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Stretching along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this area is a haven for outdoor activities, stunning vistas, and significant landmarks. In this article, we'll delve into what is considered the Eastern Sierras, highlight must-visit locations along the iconic Eastern Sierra Byway (Highway 395), and explore important landmarks that make this mountainous region of California a unique destination.

Nestled in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in every season. Surrounded by towering peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests, this picturesque destination offers a plethora of activities that cater to nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. From hiking and skiing to soaking in natural hot springs, Mammoth Lakes is a year-round playground for those craving the great outdoors.

Hot springs, also known as onsen in Japan, have been a source of relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation for centuries. These natural geothermal wonders offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. However, to fully appreciate the experience and show respect to both the environment and fellow bathers, it's essential to understand and follow hot spring etiquette.

In this guide, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of soaking in hot springs.

When it comes to exploring the picturesque landscapes and charming small towns of California, Bridgeport often flies under the radar. Tucked away in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, this quaint little town is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich history, there's no shortage of things to do in Bridgeport, CA.

In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through Bridgeport and highlight some of the must-see attractions and activities that make this town a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

It’s easy to get stuck in a box, or mentally trapped when a routine goes on for too long. So, in an effort to rewire our brains and start thinking outside of the box, again, we went for a road trip.

For years, I had dreamed of exploring Highway 395, starting at Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay and making our way south to a little lake off the beaten path called Convict Lake.

With a perfect weather window and just enough time over a long weekend, we packed up the van, stock the fridge with all sorts of goodies, and loaded up our Oru Lake Kayaks.

The High Sierra, a majestic mountain range stretching along the eastern border of California, is a backpacker's paradise. Its rugged terrain, glacial lakes, and breathtaking vistas beckon adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Among the many iconic trails in the region, the North Lake to South Lake Loop stands out as a challenging yet rewarding journey that showcases the best of the Sierra Nevada.

Welcome to the pristine haven of Sabrina Lake, where adventure meets serenity and nature beckons you to unwind. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada, this stunning alpine lake offers a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of exhilarating activities and unparalleled tranquility.

The tallest mountain in the Lower 48, Mount Whitney is a heavily sought-after hike to the summit that often takes between 20 to 23 hours. While most would likely prefer to tackle this peak over several days, the difficulty with permitting, established for conservation purposes, prevents many from overnight trips.