EXPLORING MONO LAKE: THE BEST KEPT SECRET ALONG HIGHWAY 395

When people think about overlanding through California, their minds usually drift toward the massive sand dunes of Death Valley or the high-altitude passes of the Sierra Nevada. But a journey off of one of America’s most scenic blacktops is a destination that remains one of the best-kept secrets in the West—and we are heading there this August.

We are officially ramping up for our upcoming August Mono Lake/Inyo National Forest Adventure, tracking the hidden dirt roads and high-desert terrain that parallel California's iconic Highway 395.

What makes a Mono Lake overland tour so special is the sheer diversity of the landscape packed into a relatively small area. In the span of just a few days on our itinerary, our group will navigate through ancient volcanic craters, kick up dust in a legendary ghost town, and see some surreal geological towers.

If you've been looking for your next 4x4 road trip destination along the Eastern Sierra, here is a sneak peek at what we’ll be exploring on our upcoming August run.

EXPLORING BODIE GHOST TOWN: THE ULTIMATE WILD WEST STOP

One of the major highlights of our August route takes us down the rugged dirt roads leading into Bodie State Historic Park.

Bodie is, without a doubt, the largest and most well-preserved ghost town in the United States. Unlike many historic sites that have been heavily modernized or rebuilt for tourists, Bodie is maintained in a state of "arrested decay." The interiors of the homes, the saloon, and the old schoolhouse look exactly as they did when the last residents walked away a century ago, complete with goods still sitting on the shelves.

Navigating the 4x4 trails surrounding the old mining district feels like driving a rig through a time capsule. It’s a stark, beautiful reminder of the gold-rush era that originally put this rugged corner of California on the map.

TRACKING THE WILD HORSES OF THE MONO LAKE BASIN

As we push further into the open sagebrush plains bordering the lake, the high desert often treats us to a spectacular wildlife viewing experience: large herds of wild horses.

Watching these powerful herds move effortlessly across the sagebrush with the sheer geological contrast of the Eastern Sierra looming large on the horizon is a breathtaking experience. It anchors the exact feeling of true freedom that overlanding is all about.

SAND DUNES, VOLCANOES, AND TUFA TOWERS: A GEOLOGIST'S PLAYGROUND

The real magic of overlanding around Mono Lake is how rapidly the ecosystem shifts beneath your tires. In a single afternoon, our August tour will experience a lifetime's worth of geological wonders:

• The Volcanic Craters: We’ll navigate our rigs through the Mono-Inyo Craters, a chain of young volcanoes that dominates the skyline south of the lake. Walking through the ash and obsidian flows feels like landing on another planet.

• The Hidden Forests: Just a short drive from the exposed, arid lakebed, the trails plunge into thick, fragrant pine forests, offering pristine primitive camping spots shielded from the desert winds.

  
  

WALKING AMONG SURREAL TUFA TOWERS

Of course, you can't talk about Mono Lake without mentioning its defining feature: the Tufa Towers. These ancient, limestone spires were formed underwater when calcium-rich freshwater springs combined with the carbonate-rich, alkaline lake water.

Because the lake level was artificially drawn down over decades, these stunning, ghost-like towers are now completely exposed along the shoreline. Catching a sunrise or sunset here—where the jagged limestone columns reflect off the perfectly still, glass-like water—is a photographer’s dream.

JOIN US ON THE TRAIL

Mono Lake is one of those places that many travelers pass on Highway 395 without ever fully understanding what lies beyond the pavement.

If you are ready to explore with us, August 29th - Sept. 2nd, 2026 is your chance. We have a few open spots for this one-of-a-kind experience, and we'd love to see you on the trail.

Call me at (510)912-8618 or email me at info@fourpointsadventures.com and I can give you more information and get you registered.