Highway 395 Hikes: A Trail Guide from Bishop to Reno

Quick answer: The Highway 395 corridor between Bishop and Reno offers everything from a one-mile tufa walk to steep alpine day hikes. A practical northbound shortlist is Tyee Lakes, Convict Lake Loop, Hot Creek, Rainbow Falls, Parker Lake, South Tufa, Virginia Lakes, Barney Lake, and Washoe Lake State Park. Do not treat them as interchangeable: trailheads range from high desert to nearly 10,000 feet, seasonal roads can close, and rules change between national forest, national monument, wilderness, and state-park land.

California's US Highway 395 follows the eastern wall of the Sierra Nevada through a landscape that changes quickly. Bishop can be hot and dry while a trail above town still holds snow. Mammoth and June Lake add high-elevation access. Mono Lake opens into exposed basin country, Bridgeport leads toward Hoover Wilderness, and Washoe Valley marks the transition toward Reno.

This guide was inspired by outdoor photographer Gabriella Viola's video “California's Highway 395: 12 MUST-SEE Stops (Easily Accessible!)” and her companion Highway 395 route guide. Atlas Outfitters independently selected and checked the hiking options below against public land-manager information. Gabriella Viola is not affiliated with or endorsing Atlas Outfitters.

Distances and access details are planning estimates, not live conditions. Always open the linked official page, check alerts and fire restrictions, download the current map, and confirm road and trail status shortly before departure.

Highway 395 hiking itinerary at a glance

• Tyee Lakes: approximately 6–7 miles round trip to the lower lakes; strenuous; high-elevation Bishop Creek option.
• Convict Lake Loop: 3 miles; easy; scenic lake circuit south of Mammoth Lakes.
• Hot Creek Geologic Site: less than 1 mile for the overlook and interpretive walk; easy but exposed.
• Rainbow Falls: approximately 2.5–5 miles round trip depending on the open trailhead or shuttle stop; moderate.
• Parker Lake: approximately 4 miles round trip; moderate; a compact June Lake-area alpine hike.
• South Tufa: 1-mile self-guided trail; easy; exposed Mono Lake basin walk.
• Virginia Lakes: flexible 2–4 mile out-and-back options; moderate; very high trailhead near Bridgeport.
• Barney Lake: approximately 7.8 miles round trip; moderately strenuous; longer Twin Lakes-area day hike.
• Washoe Lake State Park: roughly 1–4 miles depending on the linked trail segments; easy to moderate.

1. Tyee Lakes: a steep Bishop Creek introduction

Turnoff: From Bishop, leave Highway 395 on State Route 168 toward South Lake and Bishop Creek. The Tyee Lakes trail begins near Willow Campground, across a footbridge over Bishop Creek.

Plan: Allow roughly 6–7 miles round trip if your turnaround is the lower Tyee Lakes. This is a strenuous climb with repeated switchbacks and roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail begins around 9,000 feet and climbs above 10,000 feet, so the altitude is part of the difficulty—not a footnote.

The Inyo National Forest Tyee Lakes page describes a steep route with views of the Inconsolable Range and South Lake peaks. It also warns that this is not the trail for Bishop Pass or the North Lake–South Lake loop. Carry the official area map so a similarly named destination does not send you toward the wrong drainage.

Best fit: Experienced day hikers who are already acclimatized and comfortable climbing at altitude. Snow can linger into summer, afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, and shaded switchbacks may ice early in autumn. Day hiking does not normally require an overnight wilderness permit, but overnight travel does. Confirm current permit and food-storage rules with Inyo National Forest. Check the current forest order for dog and leash requirements rather than assuming a wilderness-wide rule.

2. Convict Lake Loop: the most approachable full loop

Turnoff: Convict Lake Road leaves Highway 395 south of Mammoth Lakes and reaches the lake in about two miles.

Plan: The Forest Service lists the Convict Lake Loop as an easy 3-mile trail. A paved nature trail serves part of the east and south shore, while the hiking trail continues around the lake. Expect approximately 7,500 feet of elevation, limited shade in places, and mountain weather that can feel much colder than the highway.

This is a useful choice for mixed-ability groups because the lakeside segment can be shortened without losing the main view. It is not universally accessible around the entire loop, and the south side can be icy in winter. If snow or ice makes the far shore questionable, use the paved shore section as an out-and-back rather than forcing a loop.

Dog note: Dogs are commonly encountered in Inyo National Forest, but owners must follow posted leash controls, campground rules, wildlife protections, and waste requirements. Verify current restrictions on the official Convict Lake page.

3. Hot Creek: a short walk with serious geothermal boundaries

Turnoff: Take Hot Creek Hatchery Road from Highway 395 south of Mammoth Lakes. The Forest Service directions include roughly two paved miles followed by three gravel miles.

Plan: The overlook and interpretive route can be kept under a mile round trip. It is an easy walk by distance, but the final descent and return climb, loose surfaces, sun, and wind still matter. There is no potable water at the site.

Hot Creek is active geothermal terrain. Water temperatures can change without warning, and unstable ground can be hidden near the creek. Stay on the designated path, obey closure signs, keep children close, and do not enter the water. Winter access may require skis, snowshoes, or a snowmobile rather than a passenger vehicle. This is a geological stop with a short walk—not a swimming hole and not a substitute for a longer trail day.

4. Rainbow Falls: check Reds Meadow access before committing

Turnoff: Access is through the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile corridor west of Mammoth Lakes. Road reconstruction, shuttle operations, and seasonal opening dates can substantially change the approach.

Plan: Mileage varies by the open trailhead and shuttle stop. A Rainbow Falls-specific start can make the outing about 2.5–3 miles round trip; starting near the Devils Postpile ranger station can bring the day closer to 5 miles. Treat it as a moderate, sunny hike at roughly 7,500 feet, with a climb on the return.

Check both the Devils Postpile National Monument conditions page and the Inyo National Forest Rainbow Falls trailhead page. Limited access or construction can turn a simple plan into a much longer day. Carry water, expect exposed sections, and stay behind barriers near the 101-foot waterfall.

Dog note: Rules can differ between the shuttle, national monument, and surrounding national forest. The National Park Service may require leashes and impose shuttle-specific conditions, so confirm the current pet page before bringing a dog.

5. Parker Lake: a compact alpine hike near June Lake

Turnoff: From the June Lake area, follow the signed access toward Parker Lake Trailhead. The final road can be rough and seasonal; confirm whether it suits your vehicle.

Plan: Expect about 4 miles round trip and roughly 600 feet of climbing. The route is moderate rather than long, but it starts high, crosses exposed sagebrush terrain, and then enters a cooler canyon below 12,000-foot Sierra peaks. The lake is around 8,300 feet.

The official Parker Lake Trail page identifies the standard route along the south side of Parker Creek. Save the Forest Service map before leaving mobile coverage. Early-season runoff, lingering snow, and a hot exposed first mile can each change the effort required.

Best fit: Hikers who want an alpine destination without an all-day distance. Check Inyo National Forest's current rules for permits, food storage, and dogs; use a leash where posted and whenever needed to protect wildlife or other trail users.

6. South Tufa: Mono Lake's official one-mile nature trail

Turnoff: Near Lee Vining, take Highway 120 East from Highway 395 for about five miles, then follow signs to South Tufa.

Plan: California State Parks describes a one-mile self-guided nature trail at South Tufa. The trail begins around 6,410 feet and is easy by distance, but the basin is exposed to sun and wind. Carry water and use sun protection even for a short visit.

Tufa towers are fragile calcium-carbonate formations, not climbing structures. Stay on established paths and respect shoreline protections. Water levels and seasonal bird activity can affect what you see. Dogs must follow the reserve's current rules; sensitive habitat and nesting areas may carry restrictions that differ from nearby national forest land.

7. Virginia Lakes: choose a conservative high-altitude turnaround

Turnoff: North of Lee Vining and south of Bridgeport, Virginia Lakes Road climbs west from Highway 395 to the trailhead beside Big and Little Virginia Lakes.

Plan: Build a 2–4 mile out-and-back by choosing one of the early alpine lakes as your turnaround. The trail continues much farther into Hoover Wilderness, so mileage depends on the destination saved on your map. The trailhead is close to 9,800 feet; a short route here can feel harder than a longer low-elevation walk.

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest trailhead page lists the usual season as June through October, weather permitting, and requires dogs to be leashed at the trailhead. Snow, hail, and thunderstorms can arrive outside a valley forecast. If anyone develops headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, or poor coordination, descend rather than pushing toward another lake.

8. Barney Lake: a longer Bridgeport-area day

Turnoff: From Bridgeport, take Twin Lakes Road approximately 12 miles toward the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Robinson Creek routes lead into Hoover Wilderness.

Plan: Barney Lake is approximately 7.8 miles round trip and moderately strenuous. This is a meaningful half- to full-day hike rather than a roadside stop. Expect steady climbing, creekside terrain, high-elevation weather, and limited cellular service.

Start with the Bridgeport Ranger District and current Twin Lakes/Robinson Creek information. Campfires are prohibited within one-half mile of Barney Lake. A day hike generally differs from an overnight wilderness trip, so confirm whether your exact plan requires a permit and review current food-storage orders.

Dog note: Hoover Wilderness and trailhead rules can change with wildlife, fire, and resource protections. Bring a leash even where voice control may otherwise be permitted, keep dogs away from stock animals, pack out waste, and turn around if heat or paw conditions become unsafe.

9. Washoe Lake State Park: a lower-elevation finish before Reno

Turnoff: Washoe Lake State Park lies east of Highway 395/I-580 in Washoe Valley, south of Reno.

Plan: Use the official Washoe Lake trail map to assemble an easy 1–4 mile outing from short park segments. The lake and wetland walks provide a lower-elevation alternative when Sierra trailheads remain snowy, but they can be hot, windy, and exposed.

The Wetlands Loop limits public access beyond the viewing tower from February 4 through July 15 to protect nesting habitat. Dogs must be leashed, and some trail segments restrict bicycles or horses. Check Nevada State Parks for current hours, fees, closures, water availability, and wildfire conditions.

How to prepare for a Highway 395 hiking day

Do not plan from highway weather alone

A Bishop or Bridgeport forecast does not describe a trailhead several thousand feet higher. Check the National Weather Service point forecast for the actual trail area, then account for wind, shade, and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Snow can block a trail after the highway is dry, and autumn ice can survive all day on north-facing sections.

Treat altitude as a route condition

Arriving from sea level and driving directly to a 9,800-foot trailhead is not the same as beginning an acclimatized hike. Start conservatively, drink regularly, avoid using pace as proof that everyone is fine, and recognize symptoms early. Severe or worsening altitude symptoms require descent and medical judgment—not another rest break higher on the trail.

Carry water instead of depending on creeks

Hot Creek has no potable water, South Tufa is exposed, and high-country water can carry pathogens. Carry enough for the planned hike plus delay, including water for dogs. If your plan depends on treating natural water, bring a reliable treatment method and confirm that the source is actually flowing.

Save maps and closure pages offline

Cell coverage is unreliable in canyons and near remote trailheads. Save the route, trailhead coordinates, official map, and return directions before leaving town. Tell someone where you are going and when to expect an update. Wildfire, road reconstruction, seasonal gates, and storm damage can invalidate an older trip report.

Make the vehicle part of the plan

Some access roads include gravel, washboard, potholes, snow, or mud. A road that is open may still be unsuitable for a low-clearance vehicle. Start with adequate fuel, check the spare tire, avoid parking over dry vegetation, and never drive around a closure gate. In summer, do not leave people or animals in a parked vehicle.

Hiking Highway 395 with a dog

There is no single “Highway 395 dog rule.” The route crosses different forests, wilderness areas, a national monument, reserves, and state parks. Confirm rules for the exact trail and every transportation link, especially the Reds Meadow shuttle. Carry a leash even when a trail allows dogs under another form of control.

• Bring more water than a neighborhood walk would require and offer it regularly.
• Use a secure harness or collar with current identification.
• Protect wildlife by preventing chasing and keeping dogs out of sensitive shoreline habitat.
• Pack out waste; burying or abandoning a bag is not acceptable.
• Check paws for hot grit, sharp volcanic rock, ice, and abrasive granite.
• Turn around for heat stress, limping, unusual fatigue, vomiting, or poor coordination.

Review Atlas's trail-readiness guide before finalizing clothing and equipment. Browse Trail & Field and K9 Adventure only after the route, current conditions, and dog rules are clear.

A practical two- or three-day split

Day one: Bishop to Mammoth. Choose one demanding outing such as Tyee Lakes or one easier combination such as Convict Lake and Hot Creek. Do not stack a high-altitude climb and multiple roadside stops simply because they appear close on a map.

Day two: Mammoth to Bridgeport. Confirm Reds Meadow access before choosing Rainbow Falls. Otherwise pair Parker Lake with South Tufa, or select Virginia Lakes as the day's main high-elevation hike.

Day three: Bridgeport to Reno. Hike Barney Lake only if the group has enough time, fitness, and stable weather. Washoe Lake offers a shorter finish before Reno and a safer fallback when higher trailheads are snowy or stormy.

The best Highway 395 itinerary is not the one with the most pins. It is the one that leaves enough daylight, water, attention, and flexibility for the trail you actually choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest hike off Highway 395 between Bishop and Reno?

South Tufa's one-mile nature trail and the partial paved shore route at Convict Lake are among the easiest options by distance. Hot Creek is also short, but its descent, exposure, gravel access road, and geothermal hazards still require care. Confirm current accessibility and closures before leaving the highway.

What is the best longer day hike near Highway 395?

Barney Lake offers a moderately strenuous outing of about 7.8 miles, while Tyee Lakes provides a shorter but steeper high-altitude climb. The better choice depends on acclimatization, snow, weather, road access, and the group's experience.

When is the best season for Highway 395 hiking?

Lower basin walks may be available in spring or late autumn, while high trailheads often have a practical summer-to-early-fall season. Virginia Lakes usually lists June through October as weather allows. Snowpack, wildfire, thunderstorms, and seasonal road operations matter more than the calendar.

Are dogs allowed on Highway 395 hiking trails?

Dogs are allowed on many national forest trails, but leash, shuttle, wilderness, reserve, and state-park rules vary. Virginia Lakes requires leashes at the trailhead, Washoe Lake requires dogs on leash, and Devils Postpile visitors must check current National Park Service and shuttle rules.

Do day hikes near Highway 395 require permits?

Many day hikes do not require the overnight wilderness permits used for backpacking, but parking, entry, shuttle, fire, and special-use requirements vary. Always check the official page for the exact trail and date rather than applying one rule to the entire corridor.