U.S. Route 395 in California, Interstate highway in California, United States.
U.S. Route 395 is a major highway running roughly 557 miles through California, connecting Hesperia in the Mojave Desert to the Oregon border. It passes through seven counties and crosses diverse terrain ranging from desert valleys to mountain regions.
The route developed from earlier paths such as the Camino Sierra and became a major transportation corridor during California's 1930s infrastructure expansion. It now connects communities and areas historically shaped by mining and agricultural activities.
The route passes by Manzanar National Historic Site, preserving the location of a World War II Japanese American internment center in Inyo County.
Travelers should check the California Department of Transportation website for current road conditions and chain requirements, especially in mountain areas. Weather-related closures and construction may affect travel times, so getting updates before you leave is helpful.
The highway provides access to extreme geographic contrasts: you can find yourself near the lowest point in North America at Death Valley and the highest peak at Mount Whitney in relatively close proximity. This geological combination makes the journey through these landscapes particularly striking.
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