Driving from Nevada

With only a half-day drive separating the unforgettable mountain vistas of Mammoth Lakes from the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas, and just a three-hour drive between Reno and Mammoth Lakes, it’s an easy escape to reach the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Sierra from Nevada.

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

Driving From Nevada To Mammoth Lakes

Whether you’re driving from Las Vegas to the south or Reno to the north, your drive will take you through scenic mountain or desert areas to meet up with Hwy. 395 to Mammoth Lakes.

Driving from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes

The 325-mile drive from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes takes about five hours, depending on travel conditions. From Las Vegas, take Hwy. 95 toward Beatty. When you get to Amargosa Valley, this is the first turn off to come through Death Valley National Park. This entrance to Death Valley will take you past Zabriskie Point, Furnace Creek and Bad Water Basin. You can also enter the park at Beatty via Hwy. 374. This route is more direct through the park, though if you want to see the lowest point in the continental U.S. (Bad Water Basin) you will need to take a short detour. If you are looking for the more direct route to Mammoth Lakes, keep on Hwy. 95 past Beatty. Then connect to Hwy. 266, which takes you toward Hwy. 168 to Big Pine or Hwy. 6 toward Benton and eventually to Hwy. 395. Local’s tip: Mammoth Lakes locals swear that the 266 is the fastest option to and from Las Vegas. No matter which route you choose, scenery is abundant but the services are not. Make sure you have plenty of snacks, water and a full tank of gas before you leave Las Vegas, and take advantage of rest stops when you see them. They are few and far between on this route.

Driving from Reno to Mammoth Lakes

From Reno, drive approximately 160 miles along Hwy. 395 directly to Mammoth Lakes. The drive takes about three hours.

Scenic Areas On The Drive From Nevada To Mammoth Lakes

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

Scenic Areas North of Mammoth Lakes

Lake Tahoe
Bodie State Historic Park
Mono Lake

Scenic Areas South of Mammoth Lakes

Death Valley National Park
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Manzanar Historic Site

Traveling To Mammoth Lakes From Nevada By Bus

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. Available Monday-Friday, the Lone Pine to Reno ESTA route (with stops in Mammoth Lakes) runs once a day. 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.