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.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada, Convict Lake, with its turquoise-blue waters and dramatic mountain scenery, is a remarkable destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Its name, steeped in an intriguing history of convicts and shootouts, adds an element of mystery to its natural beauty. Carved out by glaciers, the lake is among the deepest in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is enveloped by a box canyon set in the mountains. The landscape is dominated by light-colored granite, the result of a deep geological history involving magma, sedimentary rocks, and extreme heat and pressure. Moreover, the lake holds cultural significance as well, being known as Wit-sa-nap to the Paiute Indians, whose legends fill the place with a spiritual ambiance.

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and small-town charm? Look no further than Highway 395, a scenic byway that stretches along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada range in California. This road trip is an epic journey through a landscape of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and wide-open deserts. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, Highway 395 is a must-see destination that should be on everyone's bucket list.

Sitting at 7,800 feet, Mammoth Lakes is a grouping of five high altitude lakes fed by snow melt in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Close to Yosemite National Park, Mammoth is known for year round outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, skiing, rock climbing, and, of course, kayaking. These large alpine lakes are a stellar summer destination for flat water kayakers and fisherman who are looking to immerse themselves in a landscape that Bob Ross would paint.

Well, it is day three of this journey to climb-bike-climb from Freel Peak in Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney. To be honest, I woke up feeling pretty good! My butt was a little bit sore from yesterday’s, but that is to be expected. Thankfully, I was able to soak in a hot spring last night at Travertine Hot Spring in Bridgeport, CA and get a good rest in the van.

Now that you have discover where these flat water locations are, what makes them special, and additional activities in the area, it is time for you to explore the best flat water kayaking in Northern California for yourself.

Travertine Hot Springs is a wonderful stop for all those traveling along Highway 395. If you finished with a long hike, come pamper yourself. If you need time to reflect, bring a journal and enjoy a silent morning before the crowds arrive. If you need a place to sleep, there is dispersed camping around the area, so go for a soak and post up for the night, on forest service land, for a free night of camping. Be a kind human while at the hot springs and enjoy your warm soaks.

Highway 395, the scenic road which gives you access to the Eastern Sierra, stretches from Palm Springs to Mount Shasta. This old trade route has now become the land of adventure for many reasons. The famous black and white photographer, Ansel Adams, main body of work is based throughout the Eastern Sierra. Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental US can be gawked at from the highway.