There’s a stretch of highway that feels like the spine of California’s wild soul…a ribbon of asphalt winding through jagged granite peaks, lunar deserts, ancient forests, and turquoise alpine lakes. That road is Highway 395, running along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains. For travelers seeking the ultimate off-grid road trip experience and without the stress of planning, packing, or navigating the unknown. A guided adventure trip with Van Voyage is the perfect way to experience it all.
Departing from San Diego, Van Voyage’s guided camper van trips offer a unique blend of freedom and comfort: you drive through some of California’s most stunning landscapes, sleep under the stars, and wake up to a new vista each morning—all while supported by an experienced guide and the brand’s signature camping concierge service. Whether you’re a family looking for an unforgettable bonding trip or an adventurer who prefers a well-organized escape, this Highway 395 route is pure California magic.
The Road North: Leaving San Diego Behind
The journey begins in sunny San Diego, where travelers meet their guide and get acquainted with their fully equipped Van Voyage adventure van. Our van is designed for off-grid comfort: cozy bedding, a functional kitchenette, and plenty of room for gear. It’s the kind of van rental for adventure that turns the journey itself into part of the fun.
Your experienced guide takes care of the logistics: route planning, campground reservations, local insights, and daily meals through the camping concierge service. All you have to do is show up, pack a sense of adventure, and hit the open road.
As the city fades in the rearview mirror, palm trees give way to wide desert plains and rugged mountain silhouettes. The first stop on the journey? A surreal landscape that looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie.
Stop 1: Trona Pinnacles — California’s Martian Playground
The Trona Pinnacles rise abruptly from the desert floor like a city of stone spires. Formed from ancient lakebed deposits over 10,000 years ago, these towering tufa formations have starred in countless films and commercials—including Star Trek and Planet of the Apes.
For travelers on this guided adventure trip with Van Voyage, Trona is the perfect place to start the journey! An incredible glimpse into California’s otherworldly side. As the guide leads the group through the maze of pinnacles, you’ll learn about their geologic history and the surprising desert life that survives here.
Activities include:
• Photography sessions at sunrise or sunset, when the tufa formations glow gold and pink.
• Short hikes and drone flights, perfect for capturing the alien landscape.
• Stargazing, thanks to the area’s near-zero light pollution.
At night, Van Voyage’s camping concierge transforms the remote setting into a cozy desert camp. Lanterns flicker, dinner is served under the Milky Way, and it’s easy to forget that civilization is only a few hours away.
Stop 2: Alabama Hills — The Granite Playground of the High Sierra
Leaving the desert behind, the next leg of the journey leads north toward Lone Pine, home to the legendary Alabama Hills…a wonderland of rounded granite boulders set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental U.S.
This stop is a favorite among photographers, climbers, and families alike. The landscape is both cinematic and accessible; hundreds of Western films were shot here, and you’ll quickly see why.
Activities include:
• Hiking to the Mobius Arch, a natural stone window framing Mt. Whitney in perfect symmetry.
• Bouldering and rock scrambling, suitable for all ages and experience levels.
• Exploring old film sites with your guide’s commentary on Hollywood history.
Van Voyage’s family camper van rental setup makes it easy to settle into camp here. Kids can climb the rocks and look for lizards while adults sip coffee or wine beneath the towering granite arches. The guide prepares dinner using locally sourced ingredients, while the last light fades behind the Sierras. It’s a blend of rugged adventure and boutique comfort that defines the Van Voyage experience.
Stop 3: Little Lakes Valley — Alpine Bliss Above 10,000 Feet
From the dusty warmth of the Alabama Hills, the journey ascends into the crisp alpine air of the Little Lakes Valley, located near the tiny mountain town of Tom’s Place. The drive alone is breathtaking with massive peaks rise on both sides as the van climbs higher into the Eastern Sierra mountains.
This is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in California, with a series of turquoise lakes linked by a gentle trail through pine forests and wildflower meadows. The guide leads a day hike to several of these lakes, adjusting the pace to suit everyone’s comfort level.
Activities include:
• Day hiking to Chickenfoot Lake or Gem Lakes, with picnic lunches beside the water.
• Wildflower and wildlife spotting, especially during summer months.
• Cold plunges or a quick swim in alpine lakes for the brave-hearted.
After the hike, the group returns to camp to relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and soak in the crisp mountain air. The Van Voyage camping concierge ensures that even at 10,000 feet, you’re comfortable and well-fed because adventure shouldn’t mean sacrifice.
Stop 4: Mono Lake — The Mysterious Inland Sea
Further north lies one of California’s oldest and most mysterious natural wonders: Mono Lake. This ancient saline lake, estimated to be at least a million years old, is famous for its eerie tufa towers and vast, mirrorlike surface that reflects the surrounding mountains.
Your Van Voyage guide shares fascinating insights about Mono’s fragile ecosystem—home to brine shrimp, alkali flies, and migrating birds that rely on this unique habitat. The surreal beauty of the place makes it a highlight of any California adventure trip.
Activities include:
• Kayaking or paddleboarding among the tufa formations (conditions permitting).
• Sunrise or sunset photography, when the light turns the lake silver and gold.
• A visit to nearby Lee Vining or June Lake, charming alpine towns perfect for coffee, ice cream, or a local beer.
As night falls, campers gather for one last stargazing session before the return journey. It’s hard not to feel a sense of awe here. The same feeling that’s drawn travelers and photographers to this otherworldly lake for decades.
Stop 5: Red Rock Canyon State Park — A Fiery Farewell
The drive south from Mono Lake marks the beginning of the return to San Diego, but Van Voyage adds one last stop: Red Rock Canyon State Park, where colorful cliffs and sculpted sandstone canyons mark the transition back to the desert.
Located near the Mojave Desert’s southern edge, Red Rock offers striking geology, short hikes, and a sense of solitude. It’s the perfect finale for a trip that’s celebrated every side of California’s natural diversity.
Activities include:
• Exploring the Hagen Canyon Trail for panoramic views and red-hued rock formations.
• Photography and drone footage in the golden hour light.
• A final group dinner prepared by your guide—sharing stories, laughs, and a toast to an unforgettable journey.
After a restful night under the stars, the caravan continues back to San Diego, where modern life resumes—but not before one last look at the open road and a promise to return.
Why Choose a Guided Adventure Trip with Van Voyage
For many travelers, the idea of exploring Highway 395 sounds incredible but also intimidating. Planning the route, finding campsites, dealing with unpredictable weather, and cooking on the road can be overwhelming. That’s where Van Voyage’s guided camper van trips shine.
Here’s what sets this experience apart:
1. Expert Guides
Every trip is led by a seasoned outdoor guide who knows the terrain, the hidden spots, and the safest routes. They’re not just there to navigate but they’re storytellers, cooks, and local experts.
2. Camping Concierge Service
Imagine arriving at camp to find chairs set up, dinner cooking, and the perfect fire spot picked out. Van Voyage’s camping concierge ensures travelers can focus on the experience, not the chores.
3. Adventure-Ready Vans
Our van is equipped for off-grid living: fresh water, cooking gear, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family, Van Voyage’s family camper van rental options ensure everyone has space to relax.
4. Community and Connection
Small group sizes mean travelers form real bonds—sharing meals, hikes, and campfire conversations. It’s the best of both worlds: guided structure with the freedom of van life.
5. Leave No Trace Ethic
Van Voyage’s guides emphasize responsible travel—minimizing waste, respecting wildlife, and preserving the pristine beauty of the Eastern Sierra for future explorers.
A Journey Worth Taking
The Eastern Sierra is one of California’s best-kept secrets! This is a place of extremes and contrasts. Towering granite peaks rise above desert basins. Ancient lakes shimmer beside volcanic craters. Hot springs bubble beneath snowy ridges. It’s a land that rewards curiosity and humbles even the most seasoned traveler.
But what truly makes the guided adventure trips with Van Voyage special is the balance between adventure and ease. You get the thrill of remote exploration without the stress of logistics. The comfort of a well-outfitted van and without the cost or commitment of ownership. And the insight of a guide who helps you see not just the views, but the stories behind them.
From the alien pinnacles of Trona to the crystalline waters of Little Lakes Valley, from Mono Lake’s surreal reflections to Red Rock Canyon’s fiery cliffs, this route along Highway 395 is a journey through the essence of wild California.
For those seeking a blend of exploration, connection, and comfort, a guided camper van trip with Van Voyage isn’t just a vacation but a reintroduction to wonder itself.
Ready to hit the road?
Join Van Voyage on their next California adventure trip along Highway 395. Departing from San Diego, this guided experience takes you through some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the state and without the stress of planning a thing.
Pack your camera, your curiosity, and your love for the open road. Van Voyage will handle the rest.
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