7/15/2017 7:15 AM
Edited Date/Time: 7/15/2017 12:00 PM
I recommend skipping Flatlander Hell (L.A.) and head up 14 to 395. Once on 395 go north into Lone Pine. You can see the highest peak in the continental U.S. (Mt. Whitney). You can also get to Death Valley from there, but I promise you...right now, Death Valley is freaking hot. In Lone Pine visit the Film Museum, then head out to the Alabama Hills and see where many famous films have been shot. From there, head to Big Pine about 30 minutes further north. In Big Pine you will see a sign leading you to the oldest trees on the planet - the Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains. You'll climb (in your car) to over 10,000 feet to see these beautiful, ancient trees. Of course, if it were me, I'd also being trying to pull some brown trout out of Big Pine Creek.
Big Pine Creek below.

Next stop, Bishop. Stay at the Best Western Creekside. Be sure and stop at Jack's Restaurant and Schat's Dutch Bakery. Lone Pine Creek and the lakes above Bishop offer some great fishing too. Lake Sabrina you can rent a boat and catch some fat browns and bows.
Best Western Creekside picture below.

Harry and wife up in the Bristlecones pictured below.

After Bishop, you're close to Mammoth. Might as well head up there and catch a really nice little alpine city. Not sure if you can go to the track and see that. They were still skiing up there at Mammoth as of last week, but don't know about now. Mammoth Creek offers some nice planted rainbow fishing.
Mammoth city area viewed from our room pictured below.

So, obviously, since I grew up there next to 395 and an hour south of Lone Pine, I'm a bit biased. There's just so much to see and do. If you're into U.S. Navy history, be sure and stop at the China Lake Museum of Armament and Technology. You pass China Lake on the way up - it is right off of 395.
Anyhow, that's my recommendation. I can't stand L.A. and all that crap, so only go there when I can't avoid it. I don't even fly into there when I visit. I fly into Ontario. Whatever you do, have fun. Stay off the Flatlander freeways during rush hours.