Sierra Time (again)

[Rossue]

Going back up Hwy 395 next week- first stop Lone Pine- eventually up to Quincy. Love the eastern slope

[Rossue]

One great thing is you never know what you'll get....this was May 3, 2014 at Aspen Campground off Tioga Pass 3 miles from Lee Vining:

[t-twnbob]

We are planning a 4 week trip in the fall and will be coming north on 395 and boondocking in the Alabama Hills. We have never been there and would love to hear any suggestions if you have any.

[Rossue]

That's where we're heading. Lone Pine Campground is great too, but Alabama Hills is right in front of it and costs $0- and you get more space!

There is a lot of hiking there, from easy around the AL hills to Mt. Whitney straight up the road. There's a movie museum in Lone Pine as a lot of films including Django were filmed there. Very good b-fast joint with big skillet fare- Alabama Hills Cafe.

[t-twnbob]

Thanks for the info! Would you recommend staying the first night in the campground and then scout a place to boondock? Or is the terrain flat and wide enough to head straight into the BLM land and find a place? Have you ever been to Benton Hot Springs? We are really looking forward to exploring that area.

[cpaharley2008]

love the picture, Rossue. The first one, that is.

[Jill]

Originally Posted by Rossue

One great thing is you never know what you'll get....this was May 3, 2014 at Aspen Campground off Tioga Pass 3 miles from Lee Vining:

When hiking in the Graeagle area south of there we saw snow in August alongside the spring flowers! Of course this was before the drought. There's beautiful hiking throughout that area. You probably already know where you want to go, but if you don't, I can provide some suggestions.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by t-twnbob

Thanks for the info! Would you recommend staying the first night in the campground and then scout a place to boondock? Or is the terrain flat and wide enough to head straight into the BLM land and find a place? Have you ever been to Benton Hot Springs? We are really looking forward to exploring that area.

We camped in Lone Pine Campground and then went hiking in AL Hills. We vowed to boondock there the next time. You shouldn't have any problem and it is fairly open with ample flat areas that are accessible. Google Earth it. The campground is nice too as you get a view of Mt. Whitney from many sites.

We did go through Benton but did not camp there. We know people who have & really like it- we may have to put that on our list. You get your own hot tub am told. The drive out of Benton north on CA 120 is a very nice drive.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Jill

When hiking in the Graeagle area south of there we saw snow in August alongside the spring flowers! Of course this was before the drought. There's beautiful hiking throughout that area. You probably already know where you want to go, but if you don't, I can provide some suggestions.

Please do- we haven't spent that much time there, just know we always loved it up there with a classic small town 4th of July parade in Graeagle. Plumas Eureka State Park a favorite however when coming back from Rally last year the place was booked up in late June.