Trail Running

See Why Bishop is Ranked as a Top Trail Running Town

From the wide-open terrain of the Owens River valley to the rocky outcrops of Buttermilk Country and the Tungsten Hills, from the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the west to rugged ridges of the White Mountains to the east there are trails for all abilities in all seasons.

Some areas are inaccessible or inhospitable in certain seasons. Winter delivers a deep snowpack to the higher elevations and summer brings soaring temperatures to the lower lying valley. The residents of our small community will tell you, “When it’s hot in summer we go high, when the snow is deep we go low.” Spring and fall are delightful almost everywhere.

Bishop is nestled between two gargantuan mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains, both rising to over 14,000 feet above sea level (ASL), and is perfectly situated to offer a broad range of trail running options. The trails and running zones that are close to this beautiful mountain town are easily accessible and yet feel remote due to the pristine landscape in which it sits.

Access to a huge variety of terrain from arid high desert surroundings to forested trails in high alpine meadows and granite wonderlands is often less than a 20-minute drive away.

Run into your favorite Local Shops

Just a Tank Away

Trail running is booming worldwide. According to World Athletics, “trail running has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world.” Local area trails in parks and green spaces in developed and urbanized areas are often overcrowded and may not provide enough diversity and stimulation.

Our big backyard is huge.

It’s close to some of the largest urban areas in California. Within a half day drive (just one tank of gas) you can be in one of the most spectacular settings in California.

Did you know it is one of the most photographed regions in the country? Come and see why.

@MichaelMcDermott

@DaveKeir

Plan your Run

Plan your trail running around the seasons. Winter trails in the Owens Valley are easily accessible from town; running along mostly flat trails flanking the river and canals. There are endless connections to make up runs of any desirable distance. A bit further afield trails undulate over rocky outcrops, low hills, and in shallow canyons. Views of the surrounding mountains are vast and impressive.

As spring arrives and the snow melts more trails open up and climb up into the foothills and lower elevations of the soaring Sierra Nevada. Summer presents near endless possibilities for connecting trails and venturing deeper into the High Sierra Wilderness.

Altitude is the omnipresent phenomenon to take into consideration. Bishop sits at 4,150-ft above sea level. Many trails in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains go well over 9,000-ft. Runners from coastal regions may need some time to acclimatize to these elevations.

Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions any time of year. Drink plenty of water and take hydration with you, wear sunscreen and have adequate sun protection, wear good tried-and-tested shoes, use a GPS or carry a satellite tracker—there is no cell phone service in the backcountry.

Always tell someone where you are going, when you expect to be back, and stick to your plan. Thanks for recreating responsibly.

Not a trail runner? Please share this page with a trail runner you know… they will be forever grateful.