Bishop to Avalon: A Desert-to-Island Road Trip Guide

For more on uncovering the best stops and hidden gems along any route, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route is US 395 south to CA 14 south, then I-5 south to I-405 south to Long Beach. The ferry to Avalon departs from Catalina Express terminals in Long Beach or San Pedro. From Bishop, it is best to fuel up early, as stations become sparse south of the town of Lone Pine, and gas prices spike in remote areas. The stretch from Bishop to Mojave (137 miles) has limited services — only small towns like Olancha and Inyokern. After Mojave, the road widens and services become frequent.

• Driving time: 5h 30m (excluding ferry)
• Ferry time: 1h (Long Beach) to 1h 15m (San Pedro)
• Best stops Bishop, CA to Avalon, CA: consider breaking at Red Rock Canyon State Park or the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (seasonal).
• How long to drive Bishop, CA to Avalon, CA: plan at least 6 hours driving plus ferry reservation.

Is it worth driving Bishop, CA to Avalon, CA? Absolutely, if you appreciate geological diversity. The route offers views of the Sierra Nevada, the Mojave Desert, and the Pacific Ocean. However, the ferry to Avalon requires advance booking and costs about $75 per person round trip. Vehicle transport to the island is not practical (only residents with permits), so you’ll park at the Long Beach terminal for a fee. Things to do between Bishop and Avalon include visiting the alien-themed town of Olancha, hiking in the Alabama Hills, and touring the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

• Fuel stops: Lone Pine, Olancha, Mojave, Palmdale
• Food: Try the legendary burgers at the Dutch Bakery in Bishop or the Mexican food at La Palapa in Inyokern.

The drive from Bishop to Mojave crosses the Owens Valley, a deep trough bounded by the Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains. The valley floor is covered in alkali flats and sagebrush. As you descend through the Coso Range, the vegetation shifts to Joshua trees and yucca — indicators of the Mojave Desert. The town of Mojave (elevation 2,761 ft) is the gateway to Edwards Air Force Base and the Mojave Air and Space Port, where you can see experimental aircraft.

Further south, the Antelope Valley offers one of the world’s most spectacular wildflower displays (if timed right). The California Poppy Reserve usually blooms from mid-February to May. The local commerce leans heavily on agriculture and tourism; you’ll find roadside stands selling pistachios and olive oil near the Grapevine.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While the route doesn’t include any directly, a short detour (25 miles east) from the midway point leads to the Las Vegas Wash — but more importantly, the southern Sierra Nevada is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. If you take a detour to Sequoia National Park (west from Bishop via CA 168), you’ll find ancient sequoias. On the coast, the only UNESCO listing is the nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (not a site, but a biosphere reserve).

• Natural landmarks: Alabama Hills, Red Rock Canyon, El Mirage Dry Lake
• Local culture: Basque influence in Bishop, aerospace history in Mojave, and the original port of Los Angeles (San Pedro).

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: The elevation changes dramatically: Bishop at 6,255 ft (cool, semi-arid) to Mojave at 2,761 ft (hot, dry) to Long Beach at sea level (Mediterranean). Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in the desert, while winter often brings snow to the Sierra passes. The scenery evolves from towering granite peaks to endless flatland with wind turbines, then to the suburban sprawl of Los Angeles. The final approach to Long Beach gives you a glimpse of the Pacific and the Queen Mary.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US 395 is a well-maintained two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. The section through the Mojave Desert is particularly treacherous in high winds; strong gusts can affect high-profile vehicles. From Mojave south, I-5 is a controlled-access freeway in good condition. The CA 14 from Mojave to Palmdale is a multi-lane expressway with heavy truck traffic. Always carry extra water, especially in summer.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Just off CA 14, past the town of Rosamond, is the West Antelope Valley — a region of dry lakes and abandoned mining camps. For a surreal experience, visit the Muroc Dry Lake, where the Space Shuttle landed. Also, near the Kern River Preserve, you can see the largest stand of Joshua trees in the state.

Family and Child Suitability: This route is highly suitable for families, with many nature-oriented stops. Red Rock Canyon State Park has easy interpretive trails and a visitor center. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve has accessible boardwalks during bloom season. In Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-class facility. The ferry ride to Avalon is smooth and offers dolphin watching; children under 2 ride free. Pet-friendly framework: Most state parks allow leashed pets on trails, but not in the backcountry. The Catalina Express does not allow pets except service animals, but there is a pet-friendly ferry company (Catalina Flyer) that allows small dogs in carriers.

• Rest zones: Highway rest areas at Olancha, Mojave, and near Castaic Lake.
• Fatigue management: Drive no more than 2.5 hours without a break. The stretch from Bishop to Mojave is particularly monotonous; stop at the historic town of Lone Pine to walk around the movie set of “The Gene Autry Museum”.

Culinary Infrastructure: Bishop is famous for its Basque-style restaurants (try the lamb). On the way, the town of Mojave has a surprisingly good Thai restaurant (Siam Orchid). In Palmdale, the Prime Pizza is a local favorite. Long Beach offers an array of seafood; near the Catalina terminal, the Parkers’ Lighthouse serves fresh fish with a view. On the island, Avalon’s Steve’s Steakhouse is iconic.

Local Commerce & Culture: Bishop’s economy is driven by tourism and Owens Valley farming. Mojave has an aerospace industry. Long Beach is a major port with a diverse culture. On Catalina, most commerce revolves around tourism; the island’s unique history includes the Chicago Cubs spring training from 1921 to 1951, and the Wrigley family’s influence (chewing gum magnates).