4 Things We’re Excited About in Bishop… Right Now! 

If you’ve experienced Bishop in the summer or taken in the fall foliage, you’re missing out if you don’t visit in the winter. In addition to the seasonal classics—like skiing powder in the morning followed by bouldering in the afternoon in a t-shirt—there’s so much more to do. There’s always something new to discover. A great example is setting off on an auto-tour to explore the lesser-known side of Bishop’s big backyard. To get you excited for the upcoming season, here’s what we’re most excited about right now. 

Winter’s Flight Season is Here! 

Winter’s snowy embrace has hit the upper elevations. That means many of the high mountain passes are closed for the season. Luckily, it’s now even easier to get here! The world’s largest airline, United, kicks off its winter service in mid-December, allowing you to fly direct from San Francisco and Denver to Bishop. 

You’ll Want to Extend Your Trip 

While Mammoth Mountain’s powder slopes are just a short scenic drive away, Bishop’s climate is the biggest surprise for many skiers and snowboarders flying in. You may come for the snow, but you’ll want to extend your trip to enjoy Bishop’s sunny, warm winter wonderland. From rock climbing and winter fly-fishing to road cycling, there’s so much more to experience! We dive deeper into all of this in our winter guide. 

“Meet me in the Middle” 

Despite being surrounded by millions of acres to explore, one of the unique aspects visitors don’t realize is Bishop’s location. Bishop isn’t in the middle of nowhere—it’s actually a nature oasis, conveniently situated about halfway between Northern California, Southern California, and even Las Vegas! With a variety of activities that appeal to everyone, from kiddos to grandparents young at heart, it’s the perfect spot to meet up with family and friends and enjoy quality time together. Even Bishop’s cuisine covers all tastes from vegetarians to foodies looking for something unique. 

Blake Jones Trout Derby 

As winter ends, another season that both locals and visitors eagerly anticipate begins. No, it’s not spring—it’s the start of the general trout fishing season! The last Saturday in April marks the official opening, so much so that it’s affectionately known as “Fishmas.” While there are several fishing derbies throughout the year, one event stands above the rest: the Blake Jones Trout Derby. Held on March 22^nd ahead of the trout season, it’s one of California’s largest and longest-running single-day fishing contests. Anglers come from near and far to take part in this exciting event! How is this possible? There are a few bodies of water in Bishop’s Big Backyard where you can fish year-round, such as Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Lower Owens River. That’s where the fishing derby is held. If you’re an angler, this is THE event to mark on your calendar.

The Eastern Sierra Tour (EST). 

There are tours, and then there’s the Eastern Sierra Tour. This week-long road trip showcases what’s possible when topography and climate clash, creating what we like to call the land of “-ests.” You’ll take in the tall-EST mountain in the lower 48; the old-EST living organisms on Earth; the low-EST point in North America and so many other “-ests.” Along the way taking in nature’s highlights, there will be a moment that will evoke the spirit of John Muir and inspire the artist within you. 

As he so eloquently put it: 

“I never beheld a place where beauty was written in plainer characters or where the tender fostering hand of the Great Gardener was more directly visible.”