Get your dog-friendly kicks on route 395 in the eastern sierra

2 mixed breed dogs standing on granite boulder

Frankie & Storm hiking in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Photo by Stephanie Clemens.

Looking for a road trip that will have your dog wagging her tail the whole way? Free up four or more days for a leisurely junket on the federally designated Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (Highway 395). It runs 150 miles between Topaz, just over the state line in Nevada, and Bishop in Southern California, skirting the Eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, including our friends at Mammoth Lakes.

To Bridgeport and beyond in the Eastern Sierra

red and white spaniel sits in front of tufas and Mono Lake

Bodie at Mono Lake. Photo by Cathy Crnkovich.

Oh, so many dog-friendly overnight choices! The town of Bridgeport, about 100 miles south of Carson City in Mono County, offers multiple options: The historic Bridgeport Inn (dog-friendly rooms are in a motel-style building out back, but you can both enjoy dinner on the porch); the Ruby Inn, Big Meadow Lodge and Walker River Lodge.

When and where to go in the Eastern Sierra

View of mountain lake surrounded by trees with vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves

Fall color in the the Eastern Sierra. Photo by Jennifer Chen.

Summers are glorious for dogs in the Eastern Sierra while winters are devoted to snow sports,but the best time of year, especially if you’re into photography, is late September into mid-October.

Fourth stop: Tuckee to Mammoth Lakes

Bodie State Historic Park. Photo by Pawan Thapa.

You have a couple of options here, but the most direct route sends you back to Lake Tahoe and around the North Shore via Highway 267 to its intersection with Highway 50. Read more.

Exceptions to California State Parks rules

coastal view of ocean and boulders at MacKerricher State Park

MacKerricher State Park. Photo by Don Kawahigashi.

Most California State Parks restrict canine companions to campgrounds, day-use picnic areas and paved roads, but we’ve found a trio that allow four-paw venturing on dirt trails.