Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EASTERN SIERRA
Cloud-dappled hills and sun-streaked mountaintops dabbed with snow typify the landscape
of the Eastern Sierra, where slashing peaks - many over 14,000ft - rush abruptly upward
from the arid expanses of the Great Basin and Mojave deserts. It's a dramatic juxtaposition
that makes for a potent cocktail of scenery. Pine forests, lush meadows, ice-blue lakes,
simmering hot springs and glacier-gouged canyons are only some of the beautiful sights
you'll find in this region.
The Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, officially known as Hwy 395, runs the entire length
of the range. Turnoffs dead-ending at the foot of the mountains deliver you to pristine wil-
derness and countless trails, including the famous Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail and
main Mt Whitney Trail. The most important portals are the towns of Bridgeport, Mam-
moth Lakes, Bishop and Lone Pine. Note that in winter, when traffic thins, many facilities
are closed.
Information
Locally produced and available throughout the region, Sierra Maps'
Eastern Sierra:
Bridgeport to Lone Pine
recreation and road map shows hot springs, ghost towns, hiking
trails and climbing areas. Check out
www.thesierraweb.com
for area events and links to
local visitor information, and
Sierra Wave
(
www.sierrawave.net
)
for regional news.
Getting There & Around
The Eastern Sierra is easiest to explore under your own steam, although it's possible to ac-
cess the area by public transportation. Buses operated by
Eastern Sierra Transit Author-
and Reno ($59, six hours) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, stopping at all Hwy
395 towns in between. Fares depend on distance, and reservations are recommended.
There's also an express bus between Mammoth and Bishop ($7, one hour, three times
daily) that operates Monday through Friday.
In the summer, connect to Yosemite via YARTS bus in Mammoth Lakes or Lee Vining.
