5 of the Best Alpine Hikes in the Eastern Sierra (for all ages)

Imagine vistas so breathtaking, they’ll have you singing ballads from The Sound of Music. Picture lakes so clear and deep, it feels like you’re gazing into nature’s soul. While some parts of the Eastern Sierra require serious effort to reach, these five alpine hikes near Bishop are easy to get to and offer a generous taste of the region’s beauty—no matter your age or experience level.

Tyee Lakes to Parchers

Distance: 1 mile – Elevation Gain: 200+ Feet – Out and back

If you’re hoping to see wildflowers, spot a few fish, gaze up at towering peaks, and snap a photo on a truly Instagram-worthy bridge—all on a trail that’s great for young kids—then the short route connecting the Tyee Lakes Trailhead to Parchers Resort is perfect.

Start your adventure at the Tyee Lakes Trailhead, where you’ll find one of the most unique pedestrian bridges around. It’s an ideal photo opportunity and part of the Bishop Creek hiking tour. Once you’ve grabbed your shot, cross the road and head up the canyon. The trail gently follows the South Fork of Bishop Creek all the way to Parchers. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the creek, making the walk especially scenic and family friendly.

Looking for more of a challenge?

Full Tyee Lakes Trail Guide

Skip the creekside path and instead follow the Tyee Lakes Trail, which climbs steeply into the canyon. This route gains nearly 1,200 feet in elevation before reaching the first of five alpine lakes. For a detailed guide to this more strenuous hike, check out the Parchers Resort hiking guide.

Upper Rock Creek Canyon Trail

Up to 6.1 miles – Elevation Gain: 856 Feet – Loop

Trailforks Rock Creek Canyon Trail Guide

This classic trail delivers big rewards with minimal effort, offering stunning views that will leave you speechless. For the most breathtaking experience, visit during wildflower season or even better, when the aspen groves burst into vibrant shades of sunfire yellow, their leaves quaking in the breeze. Even in the heat of midsummer, this trail remains a great choice thanks to its generous shade.

Starting near the East Fork Campground, the trail gently ascends the canyon, following the path of Rock Creek. Along the way, you’ll pass open meadows, creekside beaches, picnic spots, and charming campgrounds. Be sure to take your time—stop by the creek to relax, soak in the scenery, and snap a few memorable photos.

Methuselah Trail

Distance Up to 3.9 miles – Elevation Gain: 744 Feet – Loop

Learn more about this trail and many others in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Gnarled and weather-beaten, the ancient bristlecones are remarkably resilient, thriving on the cold, windswept mountaintops above Bishop. The Methuselah Trail offers a rare opportunity for nature seekers to experience these remarkable trees up close—some of the oldest living organisms on the planet.

If you’re hiking with younger children or looking for a shorter, easier option, consider the Schulman Grove Discovery Trail instead. This one-mile loop gains just 244 feet in elevation and still takes you through the heart of the iconic grove, offering a more accessible way to appreciate these ancient giants.

Guided tours in Summer

During the summer and early fall, the Inyo National Forest offers guided one-hour walks along the Schulman Grove Trail, led by ESIA naturalists. It’s a great way to learn about the science, history, and ecology of these extraordinary trees.

Treasure Lakes Trail

Distance: 5.5 miles – Elevation Gain: 1,371 Feet – Out and Back

Explore the Treasure Lakes Trail & other day hikes near Bishop

No list of the best alpine hikes for all ages would be complete without including one of Bishop’s top five must-visit lakes for summer hiking. While Bishop Pass is often overlooked by day hikers—mainly seen as a gateway to the John Muir Trail and the remote backcountry of Kings Canyon National Park—it deserves attention in its own right.

Treasure Lakes may be your destination, but the journey itself is packed with rewards: sweeping vistas, dramatic alpine scenery, and striking granite landscapes. When you finally reach the first Treasure Lake, you’ll find it nestled beneath the rugged talus slopes of Mount Thompson, Mount Goode, and Hurd Peak—a stunning setting that makes the effort more than worthwhile.

Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake

Distance: 5.9 miles – Elevation Gain: 1,453 Feet – Out and Back

All Trails Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake Trail

The moment you step out of your car at Lake Sabrina—one of the five easiest lakes to drive to from Bishop—you’ll be struck by the breathtaking beauty of the basin. And it only gets better from there.

Along the hike, you’ll encounter a roaring waterfall, panoramic views of Lake Sabrina, boulder-strewn canyons, and countless natural wonders. The trail culminates at an opal-colored lake whose beauty far exceeds what its name suggests.

This hike was a “bolt of lightning” moment for me—the experience that made me truly understand what makes the Sierra Nevada so special. If you’d like to read more about that journey and how it opened my eyes to this incredible landscape, you can find the full story: It’s ALL About The Drama When Hiking Bishop California.