Driving from Los Angeles

Located in the heart of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains, scenic Mammoth Lakes is only a drive away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and Southern California.

When driving to Mammoth Lakes from Los Angeles, the scenic drive through the desert and up Hwy. 395 is part of the experience.

Scroll down for detailed directions for your next trip and points of interest along the way.

Driving From Los Angeles To Mammoth Lakes

Nothing beats the freedom of the open highway, and a road trip to Mammoth Lakes from Los Angeles takes travelers from the cactus-studded landscape of the Mojave Desert into the broad Owens Valley. Flanked by some of North America’s most impressive mountains and lined with ancient glacial lake beds, it’s easy to see why Hwy. 395 to Mammoth Lakes is considered a Scenic Byway. Once out of the city, the traffic density dwindles and you’re able to revel in the region’s impressive natural beauty.

Along the way, several quaint high-desert towns remind visitors of the rural Old West while providing full services to travelers. From chain restaurants to locally-famous eateries and charming hotels, visitors are able to find suitable meals and rest areas along the drive.

Driving from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes

The 325-mile drive from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes takes five to six hours, depending on travel conditions. From Los Angeles, take California Hwy. 14 toward Lancaster or Hwy. 15 toward San Bernardino to Hwy. 395, which will take you all the way to Mammoth Lakes.

There are other options for airports to fly into in Southern California, to make your California road trip complete and get you to Mammoth Lakes. For more information, check out our Travel page.

Scenic Areas On The Drive From Southern California To Mammoth Lakes

On the way to Mammoth Lakes, you’ll pass these iconic Eastern Sierra landmarks and scenic areas.

Mt. Whitney
Death Valley National Park
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Manzanar Historic Site

Traveling From Los Angeles To Mammoth Lakes By Bus And Train

For those who don’t have access to a vehicle or prefer to skip driving, year-round train and bus service is available to Mammoth Lakes. This convenient and budget-friendly option costs travelers around $50 in combined ticket costs each way.

To get to Mammoth Lakes by train and bus, first take the Metrolink Antelope Valley train from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station to Lancaster, California. Then catch Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) Lancaster to Mammoth Lakes route, which runs once a day Monday-Friday.

Check the ESTA website for the most up-to-date schedule. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. Plan to have exact change if you’re paying in cash. Credit cards are accepted for this bus route.