6 Super Spots to See Wildflowers near Bishop

One of the key ingredients for spring wildflowers to bloom in our region is snow—lots of it—accumulated high up in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. But that’s just part of the story. Soaking rains in the valleys below are just as important, setting the stage for a vibrant display across the Owens Valley and the mountain foothills come spring and summer. Of course, a truly big bloom takes more than just moisture—it depends on a delicate balance of precipitation and temperature, following just the right rhythm of nature.

What is a Superbloom?

Many locals and visitors have been lucky enough in past seasons to witness what’s often called a “superbloom” in Death Valley. But even in more typical years, the Owens Valley—especially at its higher elevations—offers a generous display of spring wildflowers. Like a slow, beautiful crescendo, the bloom begins in the lower foothills, gradually unfolding up the canyons, spilling into valleys and meadows, and eventually reaching toward the crests of the surrounding ranges.

Wildflower bloom begins as early as March and continues throughout the summer – well into September at the high elevations.

Tips for Wildflower Watchers

For those visitors from wetter climates it is important to note that many desert flowers are small and fine. The larger bushes of rabbitbrush and sagebrush sometimes obscure the floral carpet, but that’s not to say you won’t find fields of color.

Viewing is best done on foot and why wouldn’t you want to? A walk on the wildside of the eastside can be a magical experience. Remember that the weather is quite unpredictable, especially in spring. Be prepared by dressing in layers and have a hat and sunscreen with you for the hot, sunny days.

If you’re unused to the altitude you may find you get winded easily. Slow down … you’ll see more flowers that way too!

Great Resource – Bishop Wildflower Guide

An excellent guide to finding the spring wildflowers of the Eastern Sierra is available to download in PDF form. Or better yet visit Bishop’s Wildflower Tutorial which gives you all the information at your fingertips including what’s blooming now.

Mazourka Canyon

This hidden canyon is a lovely off-road adventure route that begins near Independence, 40 miles south of Bishop. At the south end of Independence turn east onto Mazourka Canyon Rd and head toward the Inyo Mountains.

This 20-mile route begins with five miles of pavement before turning to a well-graded dirt road that climbs steadily to just over 8,000 feet. As you near the top, the canyon narrows and its steep walls close in—keep an eye out for lingering snow at the higher elevations, especially in early season.

Wildflowers here will be more prevalent at the lower elevations and the views out across the Owens Valley are quite stunning.

A note of caution: Avoid this route if there are thunderstorms in the area. The canyon is prone to flash flooding.

Division Creek

About 35 miles south of Bishop, Division Creek Road offers a peaceful escape into a secluded corner of the high desert. From the junction of Goodale Road and U.S. Highway 395, head west for about 12 miles toward the base of the Sierra Nevada.

The road is paved along Goodale and Tinemaha roads, through Aberdeen, until you reach the Division Creek Powerhouse on Division Creek road. Here the bush lupines can burst with blooms. Continue along the dirt road – you may need a high clearance 4×4 vehicle further along – and check out Scotty Spring and Spook Canyon.

Interesting note: The Division Creek Powerhouse marks a key moment in history—it launched the very first power plant built by the agency that later became the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Fire destroyed the original 1908 structure, but crews built Unit 2 in its place, and it still hums with life today.

White Mountains

There are three excellent routes for wildflower discovery in the White Mountains. The blooms are still more prevalent at the lower elevations currently, but as the season progresses flowers will be blossoming higher up.

US Highway 168 – Westgard Pass

This road begins its westward route from just north of Big Pine. It is a gateway to so much adventure and discovery in the White Mountains. You’ll probably want to travel it often. Flowers may be evident from the road as it crosses the Owens River and heads up into the White Mountains and over the range into Nevada. This is probably be a good journey for later in the flower season.

Death Valley Road

Just off US Highway 168, on the west side of the Owens River, a winding road leads up into the high country of the Inyo Mountains. Near the summit, it meets the Saline Waucoba Road. From there, the route follows the ridge before dropping down into Saline Valley, deep in Death Valley National Park. Beyond the summit the road drops down into Eureka Valley and the Eureka Dunes. Within the first few miles of this quiet mountain road buds are blossoming in the washes and ravines.

Warm Springs Road

Three miles south of Bishop is Warm Springs road. Turn east and head toward the base of the White Mountains. At the junction of Eastside road continue straight onto the graded dirt road that cuts across the alluvial fans that have spread from the canyons above. This five-mile section of gravelly dirt road cuts a swath through an abundance of exquisite flowers currently in bloom. This is Black Canyon road and is best done with 4-wheel drive. Stop and take a walk and examine the small petals and soft color.

Fish Slough

This is a riparian wetland and is one of the richest wetland floras in the Great Basin. With over 125 plant species, including eight rare species, Fish Slough will be an extravagant find for flower enthusiasts. The diversity of species will deliver a greater variety of color and size. Blossoms of cream, yellow and magenta will carpet the slopes bordering the slough.

Just 2.5 miles north of Bishop on Highway 6, turn onto Five Bridges Road and enter a remarkable landscape—designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) for its unique natural and cultural value.

Rock Creek

The wildflower bloom will begin a little later in the season and continue well into summer here. A good rain and snowfall earlier in the season combined with recent warm temperatures will indicate a big bloom may continue to climb into the higher elevations.

Rock Creek road, about 25 miles north of Bishop along US Highway 395, has been recently upgraded by the US Forest service. It runs for about 9 miles alongside the river in the narrow, steep sided Rock Creek canyon.

Within this short distance a diverse array of plant communities can be seen. An orchid and tiger lily bloom alongside the road’s edge where water courses down the canyon in small streams.

Once the snows have cleared and hiking season begins, a short walk from Mosquito Flat (where the road ends) will take you over streams and through meadows where subalpine wildflowers flourish.

McGee Creek

The road to the McGee Creek campground and trailhead is narrow and winding. Up here the color that is visible year round is in the layers of rock strata. In the flowering season though strokes and splashes of white, yellow, red and purple paint the landscape for only a brief period. The color revolution begins in early summer with a base of green that varies in hue and tint.

Plant species range from the large cottonwood trees to groves of quaking aspen to the round sagebrush and elegant paintbrush down to a small white flower on a thin green stem commonly called “rays”.

From the turnoff on US Highway 395, just 32 miles north of Bishop, it’s only 2 miles to the campground. The pack station sits another mile beyond. At 7,500 feet, the short drive follows a creek and offers beautiful views—Crowley Lake to the east, rugged ridges and peaks to the west.

Plan Your Wildflower Excursion

Wildflower blooms are wonderfully unpredictable, shaped by many factors and unfolding in different places at different times. To begin your wildflower adventure, head to our Wildflower homepage, where you’ll find up-to-date tips on where and when to catch the bloom.

Or better yet, stop by the Bishop Visitor Center at 690 North Main Street, right in the heart of beautiful downtown Bishop. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you discover what’s blooming and where. We’ve got plenty of maps and insider info—and we’ll likely have an answer to just about any question you have about exploring our ‘big backyard.’