As you pass through the little town of Lone Pine, look to the west for a pretty nice view of the Sierra crest and Mount Whitney - the highest point in the lower 48 states. Without a map or guide you won't be able to pick it out as other peaks of the crest look higher from the highway but it will be there. The reddish foothills between the highway and the real mountains are the Alabama Hills where many Hollywood westerns were shot.
If you have time, stop in at the interagency tourist information office for a minute.