1. Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest in the White Mountains. Beautiful drive to the oldest trees in the world. Take Hwy 395 north from Lone Pine to the town of Big Pine. At the north end of Big PineTurn right on Hwy 168, you'll see the sign. You'll love the drive.
Haven't been there, most likely on our list.
2. Alabama Hills/Movie Road--Whitney Portal Rd west from Lone Pine approximately 3 miles to Movie Rd in the Alabama Hills. Hundreds of movies and commercials have been filmed in the Alabama Hills. Movie rd. turns into a well-graded dirt road after about 1/2 mile but you can follow it for about 10 miles through the Alabama Hills--it will take you right back to HWY 95 at the north end of Lone Pine. Alabama Hills are a great place to camp and hike too.
Been there, love it. Probably stopping over there again.
2. Tuttle Creek Road Drive/Horseshoe Meadow Drive--While you're in Lone Pine you should take a drive up Tuttle Creek Road. From Lone Pine take the Whitney Portal Rd. west approximately 1/2 mile. Turn leftt on Tuttle Creek Road. It's a short but gorgeous drive--about 3 1/2 miles one way. Be careful though--it's one lane all the way. When you get to the top of Tuttle Creek Road, keep heading south til the road dead ends. Turn right (East) on Lubken Canyon Rd. Then turn left on Horseshoe Meadow Rd. If the road isn't closed (for the winter) past the Lavender farm you are in for one beautiful 20 mile drive up to 10,000 elevation. Get your camera out.
Haven't done it, sounds cool, will add it to the ideas bucket.
3. Bishop Creek Rd.--You know where this is if you've been to North and South Lakes, but did you know both the south and north fork of Bishop Creek Road are stunning Fall drives?
Will probably be back here again and yeah it is spectacular. The only other time I have been there it was fall and the colors were awesome!
4. Death Valley (it turns into Hwy 190 after about 14 miles) from Lone Pine to Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, CA. Fabulous drive but over 100 miles long one way. Cut it short and turn around at Stovepipe Wells if you want. Or sooner. If you have time, go take a walk on the Mesquite Dunes near Stovepipe Wells. At night. Your whole family will love that. You've never seen so many stars. You shouldn't have to worry about the Park being closed--for the drive, at least-- because there's no entrance stations and many residents in the surrounding areas commute through the park on a daily basis. So highway 190 should be open through the park.
One of my favorite places on earth, but skipping it this trip to let the roads heal (if the gov't gets back to work that is) after all the flash flooding. Planning a large trip there in February (stay tuned for that one).
5. Mono Lake--The Mono Lake Visitor Center is at the north end of the town of Lee Vining off HWY 95 (this is north of the entrance to Yosemite which is just to the south of Lee Vining). The visitor center will likely be closed but you can still walk or drive around the lake. Check out the Tufa towers. If the visitor center is closed, you can get all the info you need about Mono Lake in Lee Vining.
Mono Lake was going to be on our list again as well, really neat place.
Well, that should help you out a little.
