Hwy 395 in mid-late May - What’s available

Question

Hello all,

Planning a trip with my parents in NV, AZ and CA. We’ve been in the area before, a decade ago visiting all major parks like Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Antelope, Arches.

This time around we’ll be coming from seeing Death Valley (May 19th) and were thinking of doing Sequoia and Yosemite.

While doing research I noticed the 395 which looks like it’s got beautiful scenic views. So, was thinking that from Death Valley is quite close to get to Lone Pine, then we could go all the way north and cut across the Sierras on hwy 88 and come back down towards Yosemite and do Mariposa Grove instead of going to Sequoia (as I’m aware the Tioga pass, Sonora Pass will likely still be closed and the 88 is the only one which is kept open all year round save snowstorms).

The question is, is it worth going up the 395 stopping along the way at places like Albama hills, Mammoth lakes, Hot Creek, June, Bodie and such?

I understand Whitney Portal requires a permit even if you just go for a day as a normal tourist who doesn’t want to hike.

Also the state of the roads is a bit of an unknown so… yeah. It looks beautiful but is it worth it at this time of the year?

Or is it better just to head south from death valley, towards Bakersfield and Sequoia.

Thanks :)

Answer

Driving up Highway 395 in mid-late May can be a spectacular experience. The scenery along the Eastern Sierra is some of the most dramatic in California, with the high desert, towering peaks, and unique geological formations. Stopping at key points along the way can turn the drive into a scenic road trip rather than just a transfer between parks.

Here are some highlights and considerations for a May trip:

Lone Pine and Alabama Hills: The Alabama Hills are a fantastic place to stretch your legs, enjoy the iconic rock formations, and take photos with Mount Whitney in the background. Trails are short and accessible, so even a brief stop is rewarding.
Whitney Portal: For non-hikers, you can view the portal area without a permit, but full hiking requires a permit. You can still enjoy the scenery around the trailhead and picnic areas.
Hot Creek Geological Site: Near Mammoth Lakes, this is a short and easy stop to see hot springs and interesting geothermal features. It's a safe and quick detour, perfect for a brief visit.
Mammoth Lakes: Offers opportunities for short walks, lakeside views, and dining. In mid-May, snow may still be on higher trails, so hiking options are limited but scenery is excellent.
Bodie State Historic Park: A fascinating ghost town preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” Roads may be a bit rough, and Bodie itself opens seasonally (generally starting in May), so confirm ahead of time. A visit can take 1–2 hours and is very photogenic.

Regarding road conditions, most of Highway 395 is well-maintained, but higher elevation passes like Tioga and Sonora are generally still closed in May due to snow, so your plan to use Highway 88 is sound. Highway 88 can be winding in places but is generally kept open and scenic.

Comparing the two options:

Via 395 and 88: Offers extraordinary scenery, stops like Alabama Hills, Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek, and Bodie, and a more relaxed, sightseeing-focused journey. Mid-May may limit some hiking, but photo opportunities are outstanding. Mariposa Grove can be visited without needing higher passes.
Via Bakersfield to Sequoia: Shorter and more direct. You can access Sequoia and Kings Canyon, which is excellent for giant trees, but the drive is less scenic compared to the Eastern Sierra. You will miss the high desert landscapes, ghost towns, and volcanic areas along 395.

Recommendation:

If your goal is scenery, unique stops, and a leisurely drive, the 395 route is worth it even in mid-May. Expect some snow at higher elevations and limited hiking in the Mammoth area, but the drive itself and stops like Alabama Hills, Hot Creek, and Bodie are excellent for sightseeing and photography. The 395/88 option will also set you up nicely to access Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove without needing to deal with Tioga Pass.

If you prefer a shorter, more direct route with fewer uncertainties, especially regarding snow and road closures, heading south to Sequoia via Bakersfield is simpler and still offers impressive giant sequoias, but the scenery along the way is less dramatic and fewer unique stops are available.

In summary, for a scenic, adventure-focused route, go up 395. For a time-efficient, straightforward route with guaranteed access to giant trees, go south to Sequoia.

Hwy 395 in mid-late May - What’s available

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