It is February 2025 and I decided to set out on a roadtrip along Hwy-395 which runs alongside the eastern Sierra. A swath of towering high peaks and wild untamed wilderness await along this scenic highway. It is unlike any other place on the planet or California, which is one of the most beautiful states in the lower 48. The goal of my trip was to stay in a snow covered cabin in Mammoth, to explore around the Owen’s Valley, and beyond.
The landscape past Hesperia along Hwy-395 is a stark desert landscape. In the distance to the east are the fringes of Death Valley National Park,
I passed by the FAA controlled doppler radar stations in Boron, which was installed in 1954 as an early test for the SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) by Rand.
I passed another one, off to the right. There is not much in the way of landmarks along this stretch so you cannot miss these.
Eventually I approached Red Mountain off to the right, which is said to be a short yet strenuous climb including some scrambling, according to alltrails.
My first stop would be Randsburg, CA where I had heard were relics of a mining past, a preserved vintage town, and an old soda shop.
I arrived finding it deserted, and full of curiosities. The soda shop was closed, so I just explored around the town.
I passed by an abandoned mercantile.
Inside the shops, were just an array of displays.
It is an actual, fully operational saloon, but unfortunately, was not open today.
Everywhere you look, there are old cars, and equipment, from the town’s past, as a mining boomtown.
There were bottle trees, rusty lanterns, and rusted relics everywhere I looked.
It is a wonder all of this exists and there are certainly some devoted caretakers here.
The rocking chairs devoid of residents sit ready to rock on back to life on this porch.
I was surprised this town was empty, except for some workers fixing some water pipes on the street.
There is a museum you can tour, and much of the equipment is displayed outdoors.
This huge turbine sits in arrested decay.
The town attracts a loyal OHV crowd who make a stop here in the staging area at Randsburg.
Driving south out of town I noticed the remnants of the actual mine. I am unsure of it is still in use in any way.
As I drove along, I also noticed more mining apparatus, behind a fence, with a warning sign about arsenic.
This turned out to be a working silver mine.
I drove back toward Hwy-395, with my road trip companions, in the direction Red Mountain.
Looking into the distance towards the Lava Mountains.
Looking north towards the outermost southern edge of the Sierra.
The first peaks I was greeted by, included Russell Peak and Backus Peak.
As I passed Five Fingers Peak, I knew I was officially in the Sierra, heading north on Hwy-395.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2025 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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