🏞️ Exploring California: Jason’s Hwy 395 Adventure to Mammoth

theresadesignmuse
Jul 29
3 min read

Sometimes you just need to get out of the shop, hit the road, and breathe a little. For me, one of the best places to do that is along California’s Hwy 395. It’s a route that’s close enough to escape for the weekend, but far enough to feel like you’ve hit the reset button.

This time, I loaded up and took off for a solo adventure north—sharing some of my favorite places to stop, shoot, snack, and explore along the way.

📺 Watch the full video here:👉 Exploring California – Hwy 395 to Mammoth

🌄 Alabama Hills: One of My Favorite Places on Earth

I usually kick things off in Alabama Hills, just outside of Lone Pine. It’s where the Sierras meet the desert—and it’s one of the most scenic spots in California. I always feel like I’m driving through a movie set… because, well, most of them were filmed here.

It’s got everything I love—open skies, killer rock formations, and enough trails to spend the whole day exploring. We’ve done plenty of BAJA FORGED photo shoots here because the light is just chef’s kiss in the morning and evening.

🖤 Fossil Falls: Quick Detour, Big Payoff

Not far up the road, you’ll find Fossil Falls—a spot that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. But trust me, it’s worth pulling over.

This place is made of black volcanic rock that’s been shaped by ancient glacial flows. It looks like another planet out there—twists, curves, and smooth lava flows that photograph so well. We’ve used it for rig shoots and product photos, and I always stop just to walk around and soak it in. It’s quiet, it’s wild, and it reminds you how epic nature can be.

🧁 Mandatory Bishop Stops: Fuel for the Soul (and Stomach)

Next stop: Bishop. And let’s be real, if you don’t pull over here, you’re doing it wrong. No trip up Hwy 395 is complete without a stop, and we’ve got two must-hit spots every time:

🥖 Erick Schat’s Bakkery

A true roadside legend! Famous for their Sheepherder bread, this family-owned bakery has everything from fresh pastries to next-level sandwiches. Grab something sweet for the road or a loaf for camp—you won’t regret it.

🥓 Mahogany Smoked Meats

Right down the street, this is our go-to spot for trail snacks with flavor. Their smoked jerky is unreal, and they’ve got meats, cheeses, and treats that will upgrade your whole trip. Perfect for stuffing your fridge—or your glovebox.

These two stops are a BAJA FORGED tradition. Make the stop, you won't regret it!

🏔️ Mammoth Lakes: Cool Temps, Great Trails, Dog-Approved

Once you roll into Mammoth, everything changes. Trees get taller, temps drop, and you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. Whether it’s hiking, hitting dirt roads, or just sitting by the lake with a cold drink, this town never disappoints.

And the best part? Mammoth is super dog-friendly.We bring our pup up here and let him roam, sniff, splash, and nap while we hang by the lake. It’s the kind of place where everyone seems to slow down and smile a little more.

🔧 Final Thoughts (and a Few Tips)

If you’ve never taken the Hwy 395 route, I highly recommend it—especially in the summer. It’s a little bit off-grid, a little bit scenic, and full of history, dirt, and character.

Here are a few quick tips before you roll: