Traveling from Reno to Mammoth Lakes

September 30, 2026

Located less than three hours from Reno, Nevada, Mammoth Lakes is the gateway to outdoor recreation and adventure in the heart of eastern California's legendary Sierra Nevada. The 160-mile drive follows U.S. Highway 395 south through the Carson Valley, Walker River Canyon, Bridgeport and past Mono Lake. If you'd rather not drive, an Eastern Sierra Transit Authority bus connects Reno and Reno-Tahoe International Airport with Mammoth Lakes.

Quick Facts

Distance: about 160 miles
Drive time: about three hours
Route: U.S. Highway 395 south to State Route 203
Top stops: Bridgeport, Bodie State Historic Park, Conway Summit, Mono Lake, June Lake Loop
By bus: ESTA's 395 route, with pickups in Reno and at the airport
Winter: carry chains and check road conditions before you go

Why Visit Mammoth Lakes from Reno

With such a short distance separating Mammoth Lakes from the Reno area, a visit is easy, and there are a handful of transportation options depending on your budget and schedule. Whether you travel by bus or car, the hardest part of reaching Mammoth Lakes from Reno is deciding how to get here.

From skiing to fishing and ATV riding, Mammoth Lakes makes a great weekend trip from Reno. When it heats up in Reno during the summer months, the high elevation of Mammoth Lakes guarantees natural air conditioning. With hundreds of miles of trails and thousands of acres of lake-studded wilderness to explore, Mammoth Lakes has boundless adventures when the snow is no longer on the ground. Start with our guide to hiking and backpacking in Mammoth Lakes.

During the winter months, Mammoth Mountain receives massive amounts of snow for skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers to enjoy. From the heights of California's highest ski resort at 11,053 feet to the area's vast network of groomed trails in the Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Lakes is a great place to vacation all winter long, with wide-open terrain and plenty of room to spread out. Plan your ski and snowboard trip to see for yourself.

Driving from Reno to Mammoth Lakes

The 160 miles of roadway separating Reno from Mammoth Lakes is known as one of North America's most beautiful stretches of highway. With its trademark views, diverse landscapes and massive snow-capped peaks, U.S. Highway 395 connects western Nevada with eastern California. From river gorges to historic towns brimming with Western culture, the drive is an adventure all its own.

The Route

To get to Mammoth Lakes, take U.S. Highway 395 south through the Carson Valley and into California at Topaz Lake. The highway winds along the rolling hills at the base of the steep eastern flanks of the Sierra Nevada and then emerges into the high desert of Walker River Canyon. After passing through Bridgeport, a small Western ranching community, Hwy. 395 reaches its highest point at Conway Summit. This is arguably the most scenic viewpoint of the trip, overlooking the vast Mono Lake Basin. Farther south, the highway passes the June Lake Loop, and within minutes you'll reach State Route 203, the short stretch into Mammoth Lakes and the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument and other sights.

Much of the drive runs on two-lane highway with regular passing lanes, so take your time and enjoy the views. Coming from farther away? See our overview of driving to Mammoth Lakes from Nevada, including the route from Las Vegas.

Stops Along the Way

Charming Bridgeport is the seat of Mono County and is well worth a pit stop.

From late spring to early fall, when the road is open, the preserved ghost town of Bodie southeast of Bridgeport is ready for exploration. Here you'll find dozens of homes and commercial buildings that remain as the only evidence of the once-thriving mining community that survived here until the mid-20th century. For more information on Bodie, stop by the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center in Lee Vining or the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.

Fuel and Services

Many of the small towns along the route between Minden, Nevada, and Mammoth Lakes offer seasonal services, so plan accordingly. The towns of Topaz, Walker, Bridgeport and Lee Vining all have year-round lodging and fuel.

Winter Driving on Hwy. 395

As a major commerce route, Hwy. 395 is well maintained throughout the year, but winter storms can bring chain controls with little notice, especially over Conway Summit. Carry chains from late fall through spring and know which chain restriction level applies to your vehicle.

For current highway conditions, check NDOT for the Nevada stretch and Caltrans QuickMap for California. Our Snow Smart Driving guide covers chaining up safely, and the Winter Ready Guide puts forecasts, webcams and road resources in one place.

Public Transportation from Reno

Reno is connected to Mammoth Lakes by year-round coach bus service operated by Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA). ESTA's 395 route leaves the Reno Greyhound station at 155 Stevenson Street at 1:10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Travelers flying into Reno can catch the bus at Reno-Tahoe International Airport at 1:30 p.m. on the same days. The bus is skier, snowboarder and biker friendly, so you can bring your gear.

The trip takes about four hours and stops in downtown Mammoth Lakes, where free public shuttles serve every area of town, easily connecting travelers with their accommodations. For schedules and fares, visit the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority website.

Plan Your Trip from Reno

At just three hours away, Mammoth Lakes is an easy weekend escape, but you'll want more than two days to take it all in. Browse hotels, motels and resorts in Mammoth Lakes to plan your stay, and check current Mammoth Lakes road conditions before you head south.

FAQ

How far is Mammoth Lakes from Reno?

Mammoth Lakes is about 160 miles south of Reno on U.S. Highway 395. The drive takes about three hours.

What's the best route from Reno to Mammoth Lakes?

Take U.S. Highway 395 south through the Carson Valley, Walker River Canyon, Bridgeport and Lee Vining, then turn onto State Route 203 into Mammoth Lakes.

Is there a bus from Reno to Mammoth Lakes?

Yes. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority's 395 route runs between Reno and Mammoth Lakes, with pickups at the Reno Greyhound station and Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The trip takes about four hours.

Can I get from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Mammoth Lakes without a car?

Yes. ESTA's 395 bus stops at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and free shuttles in Mammoth Lakes connect you to your lodging.

Do I need chains to drive from Reno to Mammoth Lakes in winter?

Carry chains from late fall through spring. Storms can bring chain controls to Hwy. 395, especially over Conway Summit.

Author

Jason Abplanalp

Jason Abplanalp first discovered the Eastern Sierra lifestyle six years ago and after brief tenures in Colorado and Idaho, Jason returned to the mountain town he truly loves, Mammoth Lakes, CA. As an avid skier, mountain biker, hiker, and fisherman, Jason believes there is no better place for his family to call home. Jason has a PhD in the geological sciences and when he is not outside playing in the mountains or writing about his adventures, he is designing field studies and data generative programs for clients employed by the mineral extraction industry.