California - Best ghost town/other sites to visit along US-395?

Hi

Can anyone tell me the best ghost town/other things to see to visit along US-395 between Lone Pine (going through Death Valley from Vegas) and Lake Tahoe?
Also, is there anything worthwhile to see in Death valley?

Many thanks

For ghost towns, do not miss Bodie. It is a state park and totally uncommercialized.

http://www.bodie.com/

Nearby Mono Lake is also very interesting and unique.

Do not miss the Manzanar Historical Site (http://www.nps.gov/manz/). The National Park Service has done an incredible job of restoring the place and there is a first-rate interactive museum about this chapter in American history.

While passing through Bishop, CA stop in at Mahogany Smoked Meats (http://www.smokedmeats.com/) for the tastiest jerky, ham, bacon, and other smoked meats & cheeses.

For ghost towns, do not miss Bodie. It is a state park and totally uncommercialized.


A warning about Bodie...

It is 13 miles off 395, with the final 3 miles over poor dirt road. It's elevation is 8375 feet, and can see unpredictable weather that can make the road in impassible in late fall, winter, and early spring. Vehicles with good ground clearance are advised....and since there is neither towing nor gasoline handy, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and fuel up w/ plenty of reserve.

A warning about Bodie...

It is 13 miles off 395, with the final 3 miles over poor dirt road. It's elevation is 8375 feet, and can see unpredictable weather that can make the road in impassible in late fall, winter, and early spring. Vehicles with good ground clearance are advised....and since there is neither towing nor gasoline handy, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and fuel up w/ plenty of reserve.


I've driven to Bodie several times with regular vehicles. The last time I drove to Bodie, the road was paved almost until the end, and then it was a good graded road. We had a standard sedan, which we had rented. No problems. Always a good idea to phone the park about road conditions and/or ask locally (e.g., in Lee Vining or Bridgeport). While always advisable to have a full tank going there, you're not so far from gas stations that you need to have reserves. State normally posts signs on 395 advising when the road is blocked by snow. Bodie State Park is a town in a state of "arrested decay", that is, not restored, but not allowed to decay further (in general). There are signs posted where it's unsafe to walk (e.g, in the mine area above the town).

The Laws Railroad Museum, which includes displays on the area's history and not just related to railroads, east of Bishop, is worth a visit. Saw some neat antique cars and wagons when I was there in January. Mono Lake also worth a stop. The Mono Lake Committee has a small museum in Lee Vining.

Is there anything "worthwhile" to see in Death Valley?? Uh, yeah, lots. Will it appeal to you? Dunno. Have you looked at the park's Web site http://www.nps.gov/deva/?

Definitely Mono Lake (entrance on 120 east a few miles away from 395) especially if you can do it close to sunset or sunrise - stunning views.
Hot springs near Mammoth - I haven't checked them out yet.
Ancient Bristlecone pine forest (http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72 DTgBAjAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEH cDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAObEnGA!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjJNMD AwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb5129900&navid=100000000000000&pnavid=null&ss=110504&position=Not%20Yet%20Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Inyo%20National%20Forest-%20Special%20Places) - the oldest living things on this planet (that's about one hour off 395 at 10000+ ft elevation)
Mammoth and surrounding areas - quite a few nice restaurants there
Devils Postpile national monument - very interesting rock formations
June Lake Loop in the fall to see stunningly bright colors
East entrance to Yosemite, alpine meadows nearby