I'm planning to take the 14 to 395 next week for a trip to Tahoe. Any recommendations for places to spend the night on the way? I plan to leave LA mid-afternoon. How is Bishop? Specific hotels?

Also, I'm always ready to pull over for a good view or an interesting stop. If you have any recommendations, thank you!

Either Bishop or Lone Pine would be a good stop for the night. While in Bishop, make sure to make a stop at the Schat's bakery. I've never stayed in the motels in these areas (we're usually rushing through to Mammoth/June).

You could also continue on to Mammoth, but the lodging would probably be more expensive.

I'm not sure if you have seen this previous thread about the 395 drive. It has some useful info.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34588742

I'm sure you'll have no problems getting lodging in Bishop next week. There are some nice hotels right on the main street (395). They get better as you get further north. Actually there is a nice hotel right near Schatts Bakery. If you wait to stay in Mammoth it will be wayyyyy more expensive as they are still skiing there and lodging is high during ski season.

If I remember correctly there is a view point north of Bishop that looks down on Round Valley and Owens Valley which is expansive and beautiful. You may be able to stop at Mono Lake Visitors Center. Great time of year for this as it is cooler. During the summer it's pretty opressively hot during the day there. There is a great rest area along the Walker River north of Bridgeport.

Driving up to the ski area at Mammoth is a beautiful sight, and I find it interesting to watch the skiers and those snowboarders! Also, turning off at June Lake junction and driving a short distance, maybe a mile, to Oh! Ridge is another great view.

The Mono Lake vista is another good stop, but on the way south. Otherwise, it involves a left turn, both in and out and it's on a curve.

Thank you for all the replies. I think I'll go with Bishop over Mammoth for cost reasons. I'm looking forward to the road trip and breaking free from my desk!

We did that drive direct for many years on the way to Tahoe in the summer, now we fly. However, my son & wife, drive up to meet us, and have stayed the last couple years at the new Holiday Inn on Main St in Bishop. It's nice, clean and has internet specials. The next days drive is a piece of cake.
8-)