Bishop. The Warm Winter Wonderland.

Photo: Gigi de Jong

Bishop is an all-season wonderland, with each time of year offering its own distinct beauty and unforgettable experiences. In spring, wildflowers carpet the fields, bloom throughout the canyons, and mountain streams tumble and thunder over cascading falls. Summer brings warm, sultry days, while abundant water at every elevation creates the perfect escape for refreshing outdoor adventures. Fall is pure magic, as rich seasonal colors paint spectacular landscapes that linger longer than in most fall color destinations. And winter in the Eastern Sierra? It’s the real thing—a timeless, classic wonderland.

Between the Giants: Bishop’s Mountain Setting

Bishop is nestled in a deep, expansive valley between two gargantuan mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada to the west, and the White and Inyo Mountains to the east. Precipitation from winter storms that develop over the Pacific Ocean and move eastward, falls on the Sierra Nevada creating a massive snowpack on the higher elevations (above 6,000 feet) all along its 450-mile crest. The White and Inyo Mountains receive a good blanket of snow in winter too.

So, Why is Bishop a “Warm” Winter Wonderland?

Bishop sits at an elevation of around 4,500 feet above sea level and while the snow piles high on the mountains all winter, the town receives just a light snowy blanket a couple of times a season. The valley is bathed in sunshine an average of 335 days a year and the average daily highs in winter, between 50-60 degrees, keep the sidewalks and streets clear of slippery snow and ice. The winter air is crisp and exceptionally clear and the snow-covered mountains that rise dramatically above this charming western town are a magnificent sight to behold.

The Best of Both Worlds

We like to say Bishop offers the best of both worlds—and we mean it. We’re just a short drive from one of California’s premier ski resorts and surrounded by some of the state’s most accessible and exhilarating backcountry snow play. Add world-class winter fishing, bouldering, trail running, mountain biking, and OHV driving to the mix and—yes—you read that right. It’s all available in winter, right here in Bishop.

What to Expect

Bishop boasts must-stay downtown lodging options most within walking distance from just about everything else in town. There’s a wide selection of restaurants that serve great food from around the world, a local brewery and distillery, local coffee roasters and bakers, a wine bar, and fun nightlife options – and they seldom have long wait times for seats and tables. Local artisans and artists show and sell their crafts in the independent, locally-owned bookstore and other fine galleries in town. Did we mention that it’s usually warm enough for an easy stroll along Main Street on a winter’s evening? Well, it sure is. And we’re casual. Just come as you are.

Because our big backyard is natural and untamed, conditions can change from day to day so it’s always advisable to speak with a knowledgeable local about what’s best and where to find it.

Wild days and rejuvenating nights. Rejuvenating days and peaceful nights. Bishop! This is where you make your own adventure and create a unique experience. Keep reading to learn about all the winter-time fun you can enjoy.

Short Drive to Snow Play

Mammoth Mountain, one of California’s top ski destinations, is just 45 minutes from Bishop. It is big, bold, and buzzing with energy, featuring high tech lifts, groomed slopes, terrain parks, tubing runs, and top tier guest services, from dining and retail to rentals, lessons, lodging, and conferencing.

But there is another side to the story. In 20 minutes or less from Bishop, you can be playing in a snowy backcountry wonderland with no lift lines, no parking hassles, and no tickets required. In fact, it often takes longer to drive from the town of Mammoth Lakes to the resort slopes than it does to reach Bishop’s wide open winter playground.

No Gear No Problem

Bishop pairs cozy winter charm with a wild, wide open backyard, and you do not need your own gear to enjoy it. Whether you want to snowshoe, try cross country skiing, or sled with the kids, locally owned outdoor shops can outfit you with rentals or purchases and point you in the right direction.

For extra confidence, experienced outfitters and guides are ready to help you explore, and the friendly staff at the Bishop Visitor Center can help you plan the perfect winter outing. Getting into the snow in Bishop is easy, welcoming, and stress free.

Fish the Lower Owens River

Bishop is well known as a world-class seasonal fly-fishing destination. It is also a magnificent winter fishing region. Fly, bait, and lure fishing are legal all year long in the Lower Owens River. There are miles of canals, protected ponds, and large reservoirs, some offering handicapped-accessible fishing piers, that are easily accessible by car. The rivers and reservoirs are regularly stocked with trout by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The warmer waters of protected ponds and eddies yield catches of bass, bluegill, carp, and even catfish.

Why not add a little fish to your menu of activities while you’re in the Eastern Sierra in winter? Bunk in Bishop. Ski, sled, or snowboard wherever the snow suits your style. And spend an afternoon or day fishing in our warm, watery, winter backyard.

The knowledgeable and experienced folks who live and fish in the Eastern Sierra can help you plan a fishing excursion or take you and your family out on a fishing trip that will be safe, fun and rewarding. Get some gear and information from our local sporting goods stores, or contact one of our local guiding companies, which cater to beginners as well as experienced anglers, to book a guided excursion.

Do some fishing preparation with the kids at home and get them excited and ready for this adventure. Take a look at this previous blog on getting your kids ready for fishing.

Climb the Boulders and Bishop Tuff

Our big backyard is world-renowned for bouldering and rock climbing and, you guessed it, winter is the perfect season for it. There are two excellent bouldering areas, the Buttermilks and the Happys and Sads (as they’re fondly known by climbers.)

Buttermilk Country: America’s Bouldering Icon

Buttermilk Country is considered by many to be the best bouldering area in the country. It’s certainly California’s premier bouldering spot. The huge boulders that dot the area were pushed out across this landscape by glaciers some 2.5 million years ago and some of these giants are more than 40 feet tall. These boulders are not just for experienced climbers. There are numerous smaller rocks where beginner and intermediate climbers can experience the thrill and feel of rock climbing. If visiting in the winter start by reading our article: Buttermilks Bouldering Season & Everything You Should Know.

Happy and Sad Boulders of the Volcanic Tablelands

The Happy boulders and neighboring Sad boulders are found in the Volcanic Tablelands north of Bishop. The 300-foot-high escarpment above the Owens River was formed 760,000 years ago when the magma chamber below what is now Long Valley erupted. The ash from this eruption buried an area 350 square miles in 500 feet of Bishop Tuff, as this pinkish rock is now known. It has since been sculpted, cracked and pockmarked to provide an endless variety of bouldering opportunities.

It’s absolutely possible to start bouldering with just a pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag, but to make progress safely it is best to know and learn the basics of good climbing techniques. Get a certified guide to show you the ropes. If you’re keen to include this sport on your winter wish list have a look at this blog about why Bishop rocks.

Soak in Historic Hot Springs

Keough’s Hot Springs resort was built in 1919 and much of the original wooden structure is still intact. It was a luxury getaway for the early Hollywood stars of the 1920s & 30s when it was a first-class health resort. The large warm water swimming pool and smaller hot soaking pool are the original ones built in 1919. A constant flow of hot, fresh mineral water fills the pools, making this a wonderful place to languish in these restorative waters. Enclosed on all four sides the pools are protected from the winter wind, but open to the sky above.

An early winter’s evening is a relaxing and safe activity for the whole family to wind down and warm up after a day on the slopes. It’s also a great day outing for warm water play and a little sun tanning even on a chilly winter day. Relax. Read. Restore yourself. The snack bar offers tempting treats and the outdoor picnic area provides a great spot for your own packed lunch. Liven up any lethargic legs with a little walk up the hillside along the rock garden trail. Keough’s was conceived as a place to get away and get close to nature. Almost 100 years later it still delivers on that promise.

A Timeless Retreat at Benton Hot Springs

The Inn at Benton Hot Springs embodies beautifully rustic charm. The small town of Benton ranks among the oldest continuously existing towns in Mono County. The area’s history reaches back to the early Paiute people, whose lives centered on the natural hot springs. In the mid 1800s, white travelers and settlers began passing through. When prospectors discovered silver in the surrounding hills in 1864, the town took root and thrived for nearly 50 years. Builders constructed the current Inn in the 1940s using local pumice, replacing a 10 room hotel first built in 1904. In 1998, owners renovated the building while preserving its original structure and historic character.

Today the seven cozy, individually decorated rooms provide semi-private access to three hot soaking pools, in-room refrigerators, radiant floor heating in winter, free WiFi, and a hearty breakfast is served to guests. Additional accommodation in newly renovated houses and cabins, each with large private hot soaking pools, makes this a perfect place for group get-togethers. The Miner’s Cabin provides a luxury ‘glamping’ experience for heartier souls.

This marvelous, off-the-beaten-track resort remains true to its heritage and is kept in beautiful condition and in perfect harmony with its surroundings for those, “Who appreciate its uniqueness and value in this fast-changing world,” says the local owner-operators.

Run the trails

Bishop’s trails stepped into the national spotlight in 2016, when Trail Runner Magazine ranked the town first in its feature, Eight great mountain towns for trail runners. For locals and returning guests, the praise came as no surprise.

Much of the region’s nearly two million acres of national forest land is public and easily accessible, offering mile after mile of diverse trail options. From gentle paths for beginners to challenging routes for seasoned pros, the trails around Bishop deliver endless variety in length, grade, terrain, and elevation, making it easy to design the perfect run.

Winter only adds to the appeal. As you stretch your legs, your eyes take in sweeping valley views and snow capped peaks rising above. If trail running is a driving force in your life, come run the best. For inspiration, check out our blog, The Good, Better, Best of Trail Running in Bishop.

Ride the trails

We have magnificent mountains and we have incredible trails. Ergo, we have awesome mountain biking. So, when you load up your skis and snowboards on that rooftop carrier, hitch up the mountain bike rack and load up the bikes too. Sometimes a warm winter day calls for zooming down a sweet single track, with more twists and turns, faster than your skis will get you down a groomer. Other times a gnarly, windy, whiteout day in Mammoth needs an escape. Get on down to Bishop where it’s often calm and clear and way warmer. Check out the weather forecast and current Bishop webcam views for a look at what’s happening down in the valley.

We have a ton of great info on mountain biking here and a super list of winter rides in this blog post.

Drive the trails

Now don’t think we’re just a bunch of tree huggers. Well. Yes. We are. But sometimes we hop on our dirt bikes, or ATVs and OHVs and drive on out there to hug those trees. There’s an amazing network of legal trails and roads that provides 2,200 miles of off-highway vehicle (OHV) driving through almost one million acres of the Inyo National Forest. Not all of this is accessible in winter, but many miles of the best lower-elevation OHV roads are right here around Bishop. And winter is the best season for them. In addition to these double-track, native surface roads, there’s an area east of Bishop specifically designated for cross-country motorized adventure. The Laws Poleta Area spans 2,500 acres and offers 50 miles of track, connecting riders to a larger network that delivers nearly limitless dirt biking and ATV play.

We created a suggested 24-hour winter OHV itinerary to give you a taste of auto touring and OHV adventures in our big backyard. If this is your thing, then hitch up your trailer and bring your motos with you. There’s no reason to be stuck indoors on a winter day in the Eastern Sierra.

Eastside Shopping

Bishop’s retailers offer an excellent selection of grocery, gear, hardware, crafts, art, supplies, and services all with ample, free parking and easy access. We’re the commercial ‘hub’ of the Eastern Sierra. If you can’t get it in Bishop, you probably can’t get it on the eastside.

Fishing, Climbing & Trail Running

If fishing is on your agenda, you can gear up or hire a knowledgeable local guide at one of the area’s excellent outfitters. Rock climbing more your style? Book a guide with Sierra Mountain Center or Sierra Mountain Guides, or ease into it with a session on the indoor walls at Sage To Summit. This locally owned shop is also the go to authority on trail running, stocking the latest gear for tackling the Eastern Sierra’s world class trails.

Cyclists & Mountain Gear

Cyclists can swing by Aerohead Cycles for a tune up or to outfit themselves with the newest gear to keep things rolling smoothly. Eastside Sports and Mammoth Mountaineering Gear Exchange round out the options, offering just about everything you might need for a true mountain experience.

Books and the Local Art Scene

When it is time to slow the pace, browse the shelves at the beloved independent Spellbinder Books, or tap into the local arts scene at Inyo Council for the Arts and The Project Room. Feeling hands on? C5 Studios Community Arts Center invites you to roll up your sleeves and get creative.

Whether you’re shopping for groceries, outdoor gear, equipment repair, holiday gifts, a spa treatment, a yoga session, or even just a haircut, Bishop has great retail stores and good ol’ fashioned country service. Find names, addresses and contact info of our fine businesses here.

Think Local Eat Global

You know we’re the “small town with the big backyard.” Do you know we have an awesome kitchen? In fact, we have many kitchens and they belong to the many excellent eateries that serve our local population and guests, like you! As a destination town in one of the most spectacular and most photographed regions of California, we are very proud of what our local chefs, brewers, bakers, and bartenders create for the enjoyment of all.

There’s a wide selection of cuisines available offering Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, Dutch, Chinese, the ubiquitous American, and some fine fusion fare in between. Local craft brewers, distillers, coffee roasters, and sommeliers serve perfect liquid accompaniments. Local residents own and operate many of Bishop’s unique restaurants, and they work hard to source as many organic and locally produced ingredients as possible. Chefs often make dishes from scratch, featuring house made sauces and freshly baked breads. Local eggs are a feature in some of the smaller locales.

It’s also a delight to us that our local musicians moonlight in many of these establishments providing entertainment that spans the genres from country to folk, rock to funk, and a whole lot more. Bands, trio, duos and solos perform their unique versions of covers and original music. The combined creative talent in this town is phenomenal.

Lodging

You’ll find warmth and style at any one of our lovely lodging establishments. The list includes boutique-style lodgings, to well-known brands like Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Best Western and Super 8 conveniently located on Main Street, and the newly renovated Wayfinder Bishop that claims “#1 hotel in Bishop” on TripAdvisor. Group accommodations with self-catering facilities are a super way to extend a holiday budget for community-minded travelers. Our local guesthouse and hostel provide bunks and beds and great conviviality. If simplicity is your thing, Airbnb hosts provide a great selection of cozy rooms and homes at affordable rates.

Repeat.

Stop in Bishop. Stay in Bishop. Play in Bishop and in our big backyard.

Ski Mammoth Mountain. This world-class resort is right in our big backyard and we’re super proud of it. And … fish Bishop, climb Bishop, soak Bishop, run-ride-drive Bishop, shop-eat-sleep Bishop. Repeat. Let each day bring a new adventure to your Eastside experience.

Call or visit us at the Bishop Visitor Center at (760) 873-8405 and 218 S. Main St. in downtown Bishop. Speak with our super-duper center staff who know all about winter in Bishop. They can answer questions, offer great ideas, give you maps and brochures, and refer you to the perfect place to enjoy an Eastern Sierra warm winter wonderland.

Share your experiences with us on Instagram and Facebook. #visitBishop #bishopBIGbackyard #ownyouradventure