The Bishop Blog
Plan a long weekend getaway with our Bishop adventure blog, featuring outdoor escapes off the beaten path, where to stay, and where to eat. We’re delighted that you’re interested in finding out about Bishop and our big backyard. This is a great place to learn about and plan for future trips to the many great destinations around the world. Bishop, nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, is certainly one of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas in California and the USA. We are also a gateway community to Death Valley National Park and Yosemite National Park, two of the most magnificent destinations in the world. Our regular guests tell us that they visit as often as possible. Sometimes they return to favorite places and other times they explore new spots. Our local residents are pleased and proud that we have so much space and beauty to share. PICK YOUR PATH >>
Climbing Conditions Weekly Report
Updated 3/16/2023 Buttermilk Rd. and Chalk Bluff Rd. are currently closed to motorists. We will be hosting Climber Coffee in town at the Tri-County Fairgrounds during Flash Foxy. Come by the Fairgrounds between 9-11am to drink some of that delish coffee from @blacksheepcoffee_ca
Bishop Weekly Fly Fishing Report
Updated 3-24-2023 Pleasant Valley Rd. is currently closed at 395. Chalk Bluff Road is closed to motorists at both ends due to extensive washouts. The river is currently chocolate colored and fishing is tough. Flows will stay high throughout the runout. There has been extensive damage to the backroads of Inyo County.
Angler Blake Jones was an icon of the Sierra
Imagine someone loading a mountain lion into a station wagon and taking it to a trade show, such as the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle Show. It would never happen today, of course, and not just because there are no more station wagons around. But that’s what Blake Jones did...
Wildflowers in the Eastern Sierra
It’s happened again! California has had another wet winter and the Eastern Sierra has received a welcome share of rain in the valleys and snow on the mountains. Plan your Eastern Sierra wildflower viewing trip now.
Camping In The Alabama Hills
Tucked in a quiet section of Owens Valley you’ll find the Alabama Hills. Although close to the mighty Sierra to the west this locale doesn’t share any resemblance of the tall peaks. Instead, you’ll find a landscape with arches, rounded rocks, and eroded hills that looks otherworldly. It’s no wonder they’ve been featured in hundreds of films over the years.
Blake Jones Trout Derby
Intro REGISTER for the Blake Jones Trout Derby, held in Bishop every year in March, is one of the largest single day fishing events in California. The Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce began the annual fishing derby in 1968 and renamed it the Blake Jones Trout Derby in...
Family Winter Vacation in Bishop
Bishop in winter offers the perfect family getaway. Get out of the big city and into the mountains where the snowy peaks rise up on either side of this broad, beautiful valley. The nights are chilly, the days are often warm, the air is clear and crisp, and our big backyard is a natural playground. We’ve created a suggested 5-Day adventure itinerary so you don’t need to figure it out. Just follow the links in this blog and make your bookings for your 5 days of fun.
A Smorgasbord of Love on Valentine’s Day in Bishop
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. Especially the love shared with a cherished partner. It’s a day to set aside time to spend with your partner and indulge a little, or a lot, in things that make you both happy. Bishop offers a unique experience for locals and visitors from near and far a chance to reconnect. It’s a wintertime playground for lovers of all ages and abilities to connect, not only with each other, but with nature. We’ve put together a Valentine’s Day itinerary for leisurely lovers and amorous adventurers of food, activity, relaxation, and gift giving. Take a look. You’ll love it!
Adventure Love Birds – Make Your Wedding The Best And Have Your Wedding In Bishop
Bishop and its big backyard are magnetic to adventure seekers. An adult playground filled with an almost endless number of activities to choose from. Big scenery that arguably is some of the most beautiful in the world. If you and your partner are planning a wedding,...
How to Tie Fishing Knots: 10 Easy Knots to Get You Started
Fishing knots are created and used everyday by many anglers worldwide. There is a variety of fishing knots, each has a different role, from attaching a line to a hook or swivel, attaching a line to a lure, to connecting and joining lines. If you have the right fishing...
10 Perfect Places for Spring Camping around Bishop
You’re getting the itch to go camping in the Eastern Sierra, but unless you’re the hardy winter camping sort it’s a little too early to head up into the high country. Perhaps you bought some new gear recently or you need to dust off the old stuff and get things...
Only One Tank Away… Or None At All
Maybe because it’s situated within a hundred miles of the highest AND lowest points in the contiguous points. Or that Bishop is in one of the least populated counties in the Golden State. For whatever reason, Bishop has one-of-a kind attractions that most zip by. Take a tour of the giant telescopes from the movie Arrival at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. Learn about a chapter in the nation’s history unknown by many at the Manzanar National Historic Site. See the natural phenomena of the “sailing stones” in Death Valley that kept scientists baffled until 2014.
Proudly Shout Our Middle Name On Your Next Vacation – This IS Bishop
Out of anywhere in the world, Bishop might be the epicenter of soaking up all the seasons’ offerings to the fullest. The changing of the seasons isn’t a short bang like most other places. Rather, it’s like a well-orchestrated symphony. Starting slowly and lasting for months with a crescendo. The spring wildflower bloom starts in February and lasts until July. Similar to spring’s slow opening, fall foliage begins in early September and finishes in November.
Winter Is Bishop Big Backyard’s Choose Your Own Adventure Story
Do you remember “Choose Your Own Adventure” books? That’s what visiting Bishop is like in the winter. You are the leading character. And the choices you make in the morning and throughout the day will determine what kind of fun you'll have and the outcome. From skiing...
Bishop, California Has the Full Vacation Spectrum
From the peak of Mount Whitney to the depths of Death Valley—that’s how many options there are for things to do near Bishop, California. If that’s a bit extreme, here are a few more ideas: birding and fishing, cool rocks and hot springs, 4-wheel drive and all-star skies. Written by Visit USA Parks. Story also available in French and German.
Be An Informed Traveler – Get An Eye On The Weather, Road Conditions, & More
While Bishop sits at around 4,500 feet above sea level and rarely gets snowfall, it is surrounded by mountains on both sides. Even if you’re staying in town mid-summer, it’s a good idea to take a quick peek and see what’s going on up high. For a full list of webcams…
Mammoth Lakes Wins 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award for “Best Ski Town”
Located only 45 minutes “up the hill” from Bishop, California, Mammoth Lakes is home to Mammoth Mountain and surrounded by the Eastern Sierra wilderness that Ansel Adams made famous. After four weeks of public voting, Mammoth Lakes came out on top, named the “Best Ski Town” of 2022.
Bishop. The Warm Winter Wonderland.
Bishop is an all-season wonderland. Each season has its own special look and feel that brings joy and offers experiences like nowhere else on earth. And winter … winter is a true, classic wonderland! Our town is warm and welcoming and our big backyard is wild and exciting.
Stop in Bishop. Stay in Bishop. Play in Bishop and in our big backyard.
A Dozen or More Wonderful Winter Hikes in the Eastern Sierra
Photo: Michael WhiteWinter in the Eastern Sierra is wild and wonderful and always unpredictable. The region is well-known worldwide, as a premier hiking destination. The Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail and the hike up to the highest point on the continental...
4 Wonderful Winter Road Bike Rides Around Bishop
Thanksgiving weekend is a wonderful time to start a winter road biking regimen. After the helpings of good food and time indoors with family and friends the first ride of the holidays will begin to work off the excess and exhilarate the body and mind.Research has...
Ultimate Guide To Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is one of the most unique and beautiful places in all of America. This park blew us away as each area felt like a completely different world from the last. Making it in our opinion, one of most underrated parks in all of the US, and one you need to have on your bucket list.
The Road to Death Valley is OPEN
State Route 190 over Towne Pass is now open to all vehicles following a two-month-long closure. The stretch of highway originally closed in September after heavy rains caused flash floods and debris flows that washed out sections of the pavement. With this opening, travelers will now be able to reach the heart of Death Valley National Park using the western entrance from U.S. 395.
From Stones That Roll Mysteriously To Scotty’s Castle – Death Valley Is A Must Visit
There are places etched into your memory forever. That are different. Special. Unlike anywhere else you visit. I still remember the first time I laid my eyes on the moonscape known as Death Valley. It didn’t look like it belonged on Earth. Even as a young kid and...
Spread Cheer And See The Migration
No matter how you look at it, fall is a transitory season. It’s where summer finally concedes, and winter hasn’t won just yet. A battle of wills climate-wise. Animals become restless and birds have begun their migration to warmer climates. If you love nature, this is...
Restore That Christmas Cheer With A Break To Bishop
This time of year, especially around the holidays, it can be stressful and even hectic as you prepare for Santa’s big day. Why not combine the joyful spirit of the holiday season with a short break to Bishop's big backyard. Your family will come home with a renewed...
Tungsten City Running Loop
The Tungsten Hills sit directly beneath the Sierra skyline towering above Bishop. The rocky mounds are webbed with trails and OHV roads. With plenty of options, it’s a playground for winter trail running. This Tungsten City Loop is a 4 mile run that gets you close to the big mountains with no shortage of additional miles if you desire a longer run.
Shoot the Landing: War and Planes in Owens Valley
Notes on Home Shoot the Landing: War and Planes in Owens Valley Kendra Atleework It is June 1 of 1943, a warm and cloudless morning, when three young women, nine suitcases, and one box of shoes get off a bus in Independence, California. The women have come to learn to...
Never Stop Looking Up – Owens Valley Radio Observatory
Have you ever wondered where the giant radio telescopes in the 1996 movie The Arrival are located? Well, it’s HERE in Bishop’s Big Backyard at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory or OVRO for short. It's also where Jodie Foster's character Dr. Eleanor Arroway in the...
Rossi Hill Run
Less than five minutes from downtown Bishop, Rossi Hill is the quickest access to trails through Bishop’s sage and granite boulders. This 5.75 mile run serves as an ideal introduction to the Bishop winter landscape. Close to town, but within a warm-up jog, you’ll feel somewhere much further away.
The Pit … Is NOT The Pits – Affordable Camping Near Bishop
Are you looking for camping that’s near the world-class recreation of Bishop? Look no further than the Pleasant Valley Pit Campground. Just north of Bishop and only a half mile off Highway 395, this gorgeous and friendly campground is the perfect spot to base yourself...
Pipeline
Known as the Pipeline, the run actually spends very little mileage beside the prominent water pipeline. The route makes up a section of the Bishop High Sierra Ultras on a combination of dirt roads and trails, and takes you through some diverse landscapes; from Bishop sage to burns, old growth and high tundra terrain.
Your Neighbors In Bishop’s Big Backyard (Wildlife)
Alongside the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada landscape, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter wildlife of some kind when visiting Bishop’s big backyard. In fact, the mountain range although only taking up a quarter up of the Golden State’s land, contains more...
Journey to Manzanar
When talking about California’s history, the Gold Rush casts a mighty big shadow and rightly so. It caused the biggest migration and brought wealth to the Golden State. The topography also showcases our natural history. And yet one piece of tragic history is sadly...
Fall-ing In Love With Bishop’s Big Backyard
The best part about fall is how perfect the weather is for outdoor fun. Normally when you think of September, October, or even November, it’s all about cold rainy days. Not here around Bishop. Many have affectionally called it “sumtumn.” The summer’s triple digits are gone. The sun is still shining, and evenings are cool, but the days are still warm. It can be argued that the weather is the best season for outdoor activities.
When Life Gives You Aspens, Nature Paints Them Gold
Bishop’s big backyard might arguably be the greatest destination if your favorite season is fall. It isn’t short or fleeting, like New England’s fall colors. Weather is perfect for leaf peeping or any outdoor adventure for that matter. And the best part? Our big backyard is even a bit bigger with fewer visitors as you take in Mother Nature’s fireworks.
Lower Rock Creek Trailrun
The trail angles evenly uphill for 4.5 miles where it meets Lower Rock Creek Road. Turn around and come right back down, or if you’d like a longer run, the trail continues up to Whisky Canyon and the top of the Sherwin Grade.
Finish The Summer Off Right With The Tri-County Fair
While summer may feel endless, the sad reality is by the end of August its coming to an end. The start of school is approaching or already here. Days are getting shorter. Nights have a bit of a coolness to them. Instead of dwelling on it, let's celebrate a season...
Chocolate Peak
The lakes really steal the show. South Lake to start, and then Bull, Chocolate, Ruwau, and Long Lakes along the loop. Chocolate Peak itself is a sight with its unusual chocolatey-brown color surrounded by the more typical gray granite. From the top you’ve got a fantastic view of Cloudripper, Picture Puzzle, Mount Goode, Hurd Peak, and down on all those lakes.
Mussels Aren’t Just For Dinner – What To Know About Crowley Lake Boat Inspections
The alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra are beautiful. They’re home to world-class fishing and an opportunity to cool off from the summer heat. It’s up to us as residents and visitors alike to do our part by recreating responsibly so that future generations can enjoy...
Green Lake
Enjoy the mellow lake views, the playful running back down through the forest, and winding along the Rainbow Pack Station Trail to where you started.
It’s A Bug’s Life – Microscopic View Of Bishop’s Tiniest Denizens
Bishop may be high desert, but its littlest residents are the reason why it’s home to world-class fly fishing. Artificial flies or fly lures used in angling are an imitation of the aquatic insects that are the natural food of trout and other species. So, let’s take a magnified look at the dragon flies and butterflies that you’ll see in our big backyard.
Nothing Beats Birds For A Wakeup Call – Bishop Creek Camping
The Eastern Sierra experience is about contrasts. Tall peaks that seem to pierce the sky. Deep valleys filled with alpine lakes teeming with trout. Impossibly blue horizons. Unspeakably beautiful sunrises and jaw-dropping sunsets. THE gateway to all this and more is...
Love Bishop’s Big Backyard So Your Great Grandchildren Can Enjoy It
Chief Seattle once said, "If you want civilization to flourish, you must think seven generations ahead." On your visit here, we hope you embrace our community and its big backyard in the same way Chief Seattle thought. That your great, great grandchildren can enjoy it...
Give The Gift Of Birding
When I was a kid, I still remember trips to my grandparents’ lakeside cabin. My grandfather would sit out on the porch looking at all the birds flying around their bird feeder. And next to him, a handy Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of America. Suddenly a big smile...
Electrify Your Soul, The Community, And The Environment With A Sustainable Bishop Adventure
No matter your beliefs, doing something for someone else feels good. You are being self-less. Putting energy into something positive. That’s what a sustainable vacation in Bishop is all about. You enjoy yourself but leave the region a better place. What Is Sustainable...
Tips On What To Pack For A Highway 395 Road Trip
Even if your destination is the same, road trips are like snowflakes. No two are alike. This is especially true when it includes exploring Highway 395. Located just east of the mighty Sierra, it follows these mighty peaks rewarding you with vistas and views you won’t...
Hiking To Conness Lakes With Fannie the Corgi
White puffy clouds danced across the blue sky, casting their reflections in turquoise glacial-fed lakes. And those wildflowers were putting on a show along the trail that miners of yesterday utilized as they searched for their lucky strike! Where: Harvey Monroe Hall...
Life Is Better At Sierra Lakes – 5 You Must Hike To This Summer
When you go out for a hike, it’s nice to have a goal and one of the easiest is to visit a lake. There’s something about an alpine lake with no road access that makes them enchanting. Maybe it's the price of admission that you need to walk to see them. Or that the...
Fire Restrictions to Increase in the Eastern Sierra
On Monday, June 6, Fire Restrictions to Increase in the Eastern Sierra The Inyo National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office will be implementing fire restrictions effective on all Federal lands under their jurisdiction starting Monday, June 6....
Best Father’s Day Ever – Big Backyard Fun
What do fathers want more than anything? It’s not another tool or a golf club. And definitely not a tie. Who wears those anymore? Every mountain man dad wants the same thing. To spend time with their family outdoors. So, instead of getting a gift that creates another...
Bishop And Its Big Backyard Are For Everyone
Spending time in the great outdoors is good for you. Scientifically proven. In fact, it's noted to have healing powers. Not some magical potion but real-life benefits for the mind and body. Your mood will improve. Immune system boosted and even increase anti-cancer...
Top 5 Lakes You Can Drive To From Bishop
Shimmering panes of glass reflecting giant peaks. The brisk feel of coolness as you take a dip on a hot summer’s day. Nothing is more energizing than an alpine lake. While there are many that take hours or even days by foot to experience, here are five lakes you can...
A Guide to Mule Days – FOR KIDS!
When you bring up Mule Days, most visitors beeline towards the legendary parade. Being the largest non-motorized variety in North America, it’s no wonder that it’s the main attraction. We agree everyone should see the parade at least once, but if you have kids, we...
More Fish Stocking – Summer 2022
INYO COUNTY TO AUGMENT 2022 SEASON STOCKING EFFORTS BY CDFW, BISHOP CHAMBER Some of anglers’ favorite fishing holes along U.S. Highway 395 should be extra enticing this season thanks to supplemental stocking events sponsored by the County of Inyo. Throughout the 2022...
Celebrate Mother’s Day In Bishop’s Big Backyard
Don’t buy another box of chocolates and skip the flowers. So, what should you get Mom on Mother’s Day that she’ll cherish more than anything? Spending time with her family! Make it a full day of fun or better yet a weekend of activities that she’ll remember forever....
A Few Fun Ways to Celebrate Fishmas – besides Fishing!
Fishmas is fabulous! We know you love fishing in the Eastern Sierra. So do we. We also know that we love to do lots of other fun, fantastic things out here and perhaps you do too. If you’re a member of a fishing family, but you don’t fish OR you find that you need a...
Bishop Trout Rodeo a Success
Bishop Trout Rodeo scores big numbers in inaugural event Now that it appears the pandemic is winding down, the idea of fishing a new and exciting competition has been made reality by Southwest Council, Fly Fishers International. Getting out in the Beautiful Bishop...
Blake Jones Trout Derby Recap
The 53rd edition of the Blake Jones Trout Derby is now “in the books” and it was a good one! Nearly 400 registered participants weighed in 527 fish on Saturday, March 12th. The largest was 5 pounds and most were in the 1 pound range. The weather was picture perfect...
The Change Of Season… Rejuvenate, Reenergize, And Restore This Spring In Bishop
Each of your senses come alive from the reawakening of nature. The sound of rushing water and young animals playing. The aromatic smells of wildflowers blooming. The warmth of the sun giving you an important dose of vitamin D. Spring is in the air! This is the time to...
For What It’s “Earth” – Happy Earth Day To Our Planet!
Back on April 22nd, 1970, the very first Earth Day was celebrated as “May Day.” For those around back then, you'll remember the environment wasn’t even a talking point. A senator from Wisconsin by the name of Gaylord Nelson was so disturbed by this that he created...
Revitalize Your Spirit And Body With A Spring Escape To Bishop
Spring is a time of revival. Nature is coming out of its winter slumber. Flowers begin to bloom. Animal’s frolic and the earth re-awakens to life again. This season symbolizes new beginnings. Use this time to restore your soul and dive into a California vacation that...
Break Into Spring With A Climbing, Skiing, Or Both Type Of Adventure
If there’s a time of year to visit for backcountry skiing in the Eastern Sierra, it’s spring. As the Owens valley gives way to wildflowers in full bloom, the upper elevations above Bishop are still deep in snow.
Tip Toe Through The Lupine In Bishop This Spring
The fresh and fragrant smell of wildflowers. The warmth of the sun against your skin. Even though every season has its merits, spring in Bishop’s big backyard is our favorite… or until the next season arrives. Like a well-orchestrated symphony, wildflowers start slowly typically in February and climax with blooming fireworks in the high country around early July. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect and where to find the best wildflower displays in the Owens Valley and Death Valley.
Start Summer Off Right With Memorial Day Fun In Bishop
Although the meteorological start of summer is June 21st, we all know the official start is Memorial Day. Let's start the season off right. To help, we’ve put together a list of fun and exciting things to do in Bishop over the long weekend. Combined with our big...
Connection
We’re driving home. The hills roll out before me, Mono Lake glistens in the distance, a light dusting of snow splatters the tops of the mountains that define the landscape. This drive, this view, is always a little different, but today it feels like something entirely new. I’ve just learned more about the landscape and begun to understand the science behind it. What I used to look at and think of as hills, are now the lateral and terminal moraines of massive glaciers that stretched from Yosemite into Mono Lake. The sudden rise of the Sierra comes from faulting, the erratic boulders are from ancient massive glaciers, the Bishop Tuft is from one of the most immense recorded volcanic explosions. All the little pieces of a view I see so often, come into focus with entire histories behind them.
Know Before You Go
Visitors are encouraged to view the Recreate Responsibly Winter Toolkit, which provides resources on weather conditions, avalanche awareness, and Leave No Trace principles. If you’re renting a car, or taking a shuttle, make sure you have reservations.
How a Town Saves its Bookstore: a Pandemic Retrospective from Spellbinder Books
None of us would want to live in a town without a bookstore! In good times, an independent bookstore is living month to month. And in that slow period of the year, you might be living week to week or day to day, wondering, are we gonna have enough money to keep the lights on, literally?
Things To Do In Bishop CA In January AKA Juneuary
The best things to do in Bishop CA in January translates to ALL season fun. Or as we like to call it, “Juneuary” is your chance to have your cake and eat it too in a mountain getaway. Be it snow-free or an all-weather variety vacation, Bishop’s big backyard is THE place to visit in winter.
What to Do in the Owens Valley during Stormy Weather in the Mountains
While everyone up the hill is buried in snow, here are some alternatives to enjoy beautiful exhibits, galleries, bowling, arcades, hot springs, and snow free walks and auto tours.
2 Climbing Rangers Encourage Responsible Recreation At East Side Climbing/Bouldering Areas
Climbing Rangers are here! Shining a light on what you need to know to travel safely, protecting the small town of Bishop, California, all while helping preserve the places we love to climb. The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) has hired two climbing...
Time Spent Playing Is Never Wasted – Kids Winter Activities In Bishop
Bishop’s Big Backyard isn’t just an adult’s playground. It's a great one for kids too! A place where adventure begins for ALL ages. This is a perfect basecamp for families that want to enjoy sunny weather, an almost infinite number of outdoor activities, and a heaping...
Have Yourself A Merry Little Holiday Season By Visiting Bishop
Like a family Christmas cookie recipe, Bishop has all the ingredients to create the perfect holiday vacation for everyone. You’ll create special memories. Enjoy small-town culture. And most of all, have oodles and oodles of outdoorsy fun for all ages. Still on the...
Relax And Unwind… You’re On Al Fresco Time
Enjoy outdoor dining in Bishop, CA. Here are some breakfast, lunch and dinner suggestions. Bishop’s motto is a “small town with a big backyard.” And what do you need to go along with a fun backyard? A patio to celebrate your day of adventuring with a cold pint of local brew!
Even Easier To Get Into Bishop’s Big Backyard – New Winter Air Service
Instead of sitting in the car for hours upon hours, you’ll now have the opportunity to fly into Bishop Airport, also known as the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport via San Francisco, and Denver. Each of these routes will operate daily through winter giving you access to world class climbing, skiing, and even golf at the Bishop Country Club and fishing on the Owens River.
A World of Good Food in the Eastern Sierra
Good food prepares us, recharges us, and connects us with our family, friends and a community. Bishop is the “small town with a big backyard” and it also has a pretty impressive kitchen. Actually, we have lots of kitchens and they belong to the many excellent restaurants in and around town. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just plain hungry there’s a world of good food here with a variety and quality that’s a delicious complement to our beautiful backyard.
Fall Colors in California
I’ve lived in California for 30 years but I only discovered fall colors in California last year! Let’s face it, when it comes to fall, we don’t really think of California! But from Mammoth Lakes to Hope Valley, fall is very real in this state. This year, I just...
The Weird and Wonderful Side of California
Road Trip! Pick your path along US Highway 395, from Los Angeles to Bishop and little beyond, where you will see some of the most curious, grotesque, mysterious and awe-inspiring features of nature and feats of humankind. The Eastern Sierra is often referred to as “the other side of California,” and these places might also make it “the weird side of California.”
Fabulous Fall Fun in the Eastern Sierra
Fall in the Eastern Sierra begins with an almost imperceptible change and the air feels refreshingly smooth and silky on the skin. A magical light has a clarity and crispness that brings colors into brighter focus. Lethargy is replaced by energy and, although the days...
Activities During Inyo National Forest Closure
The following represents options to give guests when the Inyo National Forest is closed to visitor use. The list below describes alternative outdoor opportunities which and indoor use when the wind shifts and is too smoky to be outdoors due to wildfire activity. In...
Pick Your Path
With so much to discover in the lower 48, we rarely go back time after time to the same destination. But when an area has as much to discover as Bishop, California, it’s easy to book a return trip. This small town with a regional population of 10,000 is nestled in between the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains on the eastern side of the Golden State. Not to be confused with a road-side pitstop on the way to Yosemite National Park, Bishop is a year-round outdoor mecca that knows how to keep its locals and tourists busy.
Wähle deinen Pfad in Bishop, Kalifornien
Da es in den Lower 48 so viel zu entdecken gibt, kehren wir nur selten immer wieder an dasselbe Ziel zurück. Aber wenn es in einer Gegend so viel zu entdecken gibt wie in Bishop, Kalifornien, dann fällt es leicht, eine erneute Reise zu buchen. Diese kleine Stadt mit...
Hidden Stories of the Eastern Sierra
Guests who have grown to love Bishop often desire to take a deep dive into the diversity of the Eastern Sierra’s treasures. The compilation below consolidates the area’s richness in one easy to find location. Nothing like this exists either in the digital domain or in print. It is a unique, one of a kind, compendium that will keep you entertained for many days. The following assemblage provides digital links to stories about the Eastern Sierra via videos, slide shows, cinematic films, podcasts, and documents immersing you into the area’s natural history on a grand scale.
Waterfalls of the Eastern Sierra
The sound and scene of flowing water, particularly when it’s falling over a rocky cliff or cascading down a rocky chute, instills a sense of wonder and peace. We’ve created an extensive guide to show where each of the noteworthy falls is located and how best to see, photograph, and get near them. Some of our beautiful falls can be seen from vista points along mountain roads that will take you well into the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Sierra Nevada. Many more can only be seen from hiking trails within our national forest and wilderness areas. A visit to a wild and scenic waterfall in the Sierra Nevada is an extraordinary experience.
2 Days. 2 Nights. 20 Iconic Images.
The Eastern Sierra is one of the most photographed regions in California. It’s a land of contrasts and opportunity. There are obvious and well-known scenes and settings, and there are hidden gems. If a photograph is worth a thousand words, here’s a challenge to create a visual story worth 20,000 words.
The challenge is #2days20photos
Bishop Spring Fishing Report
Wind has been relentless this last week. Mornings have been fishable before the winds pick up in the afternoon. So far this has been a very windy spring. Insects are hatching and fishing has been good when you can get a cast and a drag free drift. Lower Owens River...
Boating Safety Guide
Safe boating messages prior to the busy Memorial Day holiday and the unofficial launch of the summer boating season.
Horsing around in Bishop – Rodeo season is here!
Mark your calendar for the second week in June. California High School State Championships are in Bishop, California highlighting Barrel Racing, Polebending, Goat Tying, Breakaway, Queen, Team Roping, Cutting and Reined Cow Horse for girls. Boys compete in Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Cutting, Reined Cow Horse, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and Bareback Riding.
How a Small Town Survives a Pandemic
On a windy February evening, Lauren Robinson and I donned our winter hats and took a walk on the canals. Lauren is the owner of Sierra Shanti, Bishop’s very own yoga and wellness studio. I’ve been taking classes at Sierra Shanti since it opened in 2013. When classes went online at the start of the first shutdown, I found solace in a familiar ritual. While the cows milled around us and the sun set behind the Sierra, Lauren told me what it’s been like keeping her business afloat, and what the future holds for Sierra Shanti.
Bloodmoon: A Full Lunar Eclipse
Immerse yourself in this celestial experience. Observers throughout most of the country will get a partial eclipse, where Earth’s shadow slowly darkens the moon’s surface in the early morning hours on May 26.
Up and Down California in 1860-1864
The Sierra Nevada catches all the rains and clouds from the west—to the east are deserts—so, of course, this valley sees but little rain, but where streams come down from the Sierra they spread out and great meadows of green grass occur. Tens of thousands of the starving cattle of the state have been driven in here this year, and there is feed for twice as many more. Yet these meadows comprise not over one-tenth of the valley—the rest is desert. At the base of the mountains, on either side, the land slopes gradually up as if to meet them. This slope is desert, sand, covered with boulders, and supporting a growth of desert shrub
Dispatch from a Clear Day
Read local writer, Kendra Atleework’s recent writing about living in 2020 in the Eastern Sierra, where smoke and COVID-19 bring challenges, but also inspiration.
The Kindness of Strangers in a Crisis
Here are some touching stories from local community members rising above, rallying volunteers, and making generous financial gifts. Let’s do our part to help keep our community stay open by wearing masks upon entering any and all businesses. #keepinyoopen #keepbishopopen
Returning to the Outdoors!
Who has the Right of Way? Camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities offer the ability to self-isolate, social distance, and get outdoors. Outdoor activities, whether it be exercise or recreation, are proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels and can be very refreshing for the soul.
Natural (Virtual) History tour of the Eastern Sierra
Our world is a world of wonder. Our big backyard is especially wonderful.
There are few places in the world where evidence of the natural history of a region is more obvious and interesting than in the Eastern Sierra. The forces that have shaped our world have produced an astonishing assortment of observable characteristics that give us insight into the creation of this part of our planet. Visit us virtually. Our Natural History page is an exploration into many of the most fascinating features of the Eastern Sierra landscape.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Somewhere in a season or on the cusp between two seasons is that special moment in time that stirs weather patterns deep inside and fulfills your inner awe. It is unique to you. In Bishop, we call it the 5th Season. Take a virtual tour through pages of unique adventures and find a trail, or stream, a waterfall, a vista, or a road to ride that takes you to the essence of you.
Blake Jones Raffle Winners
Winners Announced for 2020 Blake Jones Trout Derby – Bishop Chamber Thankful for Community Support! The 52nd annual Blake Jones Trout Derby is “in the books” and considering the challenging circumstances presented by Coronavirus, organizers have deemed it a success! In order to reduce risk to derby attendees, staff and volunteers, the Chamber cancelled the weigh-in and prize party and put all entries into one big raffle. “The fish had been stocked and prizes had been gathered,” explains Chamber Event Coordinator April Leeson. “We knew people wanted to fish and they love a chance to win prizes. We’re grateful we were able to modify this year’s event at the last minute.” 339 people entered this year’s contest.
Cycling the Eastern Sierra
We believe there is no other place on earth that offers as much opportunity to cycle year-round in one of the most topographically diverse and beautiful regions in our country. Our paved roads are lightly trafficked and a road cyclist can ride for many, many miles without encountering a traffic light or a stop sign. The abundance of dirt trails and tracks is almost endless with access to mountain biking rides ranging from super easy and leisurely, to highly technical and challenging — and everything in between.
Here’s why!
The 7 Wonders of the High Sierra
California’s High Sierra has some spectacular natural wonders and this article highlights jus a few: Emerald Bay, Yosemite Valley, the Giant Sequoias, KIng’s Canyon, Mono Lake, the Moaning Cavern, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. If you haven’t visited, these might have to go on your bucket list!
Ghost Mine in the Sky
A look into the Pine Creek Tungsten Mine in Bishop, CA. Once, four hundred miners pulled tungsten from these mountains, working in three shifts, the Pine Creek Mine churning away twenty-four hours a day. It was known as the Mine in the Sky.
Art Matters in Bishop
Art is inherent in everything we do during the holidays. Better yet, it is also part of our daily lives throughout the year and shapes us individuals and a community. Bishop is one of the many small towns across the USA that has come to epitomize cultural coolness with a sense of family values.
There’s always something artistic, creative, and inspiring to enjoy in Bishop. Read the blog and check out our comprehensive Art Guide.
Nature! The Natural Healer.
It’s proven. Nature is flat out good medicine!
Each time we visit a natural environment we benefit as individuals. We have fun. We learn. We relax and de-stress. We get exercise. We get solitude and we can make positive social connections.
We have a wonderful, wild, big backyard here in the Eastern Sierra and we’re committed to caring for it. Please join us! Be part of protecting and preserving our public lands.
Take Bishop’s Big Backyard Pledge…
California’s Biggest Playground Also Has a Great Downtown
If you're outdoorsy like me, then Bishop, California is one of those fairytale destinations. You might be rock climbing in the morning and mountain biking by the afternoon. The trail options are limitless, and I bet that even the multi-generational locals won't have...
3 Things Pet-Parents Must Do In Bishop
If you’re a pet parent, one of the first things you’ll want to know about an area before you pay it a visit, is whether it is pet friendly or not. We know that your dog is a part of your family, and when you travel to new places you want to bring him with you to...
The Magic and Mystery of Fall
Bishop’s big backyard has one of the most enchanting fall color seasons in California. It is long, it is vibrant, and it’s easily accessible. Drive, hike, or bike the many roads and trails and immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of fall in the Eastern Sierra.
Keough’s Hot Springs Celebrates 100 Years!!
Locals and visitors have flocked to Keough's Hot Springs for one hundred years to enjoy the relaxing, healing waters. In August 1919, Phillip Keough, an Eastern Sierra pioneer, leader in civic affairs, and owner of the City Market in Bishop, purchased the property and...
Fall Colors According to a Local Teen
We walked about half of a mile on a dusty dirt road before we even stepped onto the trailhead. Upon entering the trail, I instantaneously felt a sense of wonder. There was a blanket of yellow leaves on the trail, guiding the way. Aspen trees gently encompassed our path, and the faint sound of a trickling stream was audible. In a single file line, we started our trek to the lake.
Create Your Special Event in Bishop
If you are planning a special event take a look at Bishop. We have incredible venues where you can create your dream event. Bishop is in one of the most beautiful parts of our country and our region has an incredibly diverse range of settings and seasonal options.
Bishop is where wishes come true and beautiful memories are made.
Stargazing in the Eastern Sierra
Did you know that there are countless children and adults who have never seen the Milky Way? Experts say that 80% of North Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to see, at least once in a lifetime, the amazing spectacle of the Milky Way and an intensely sparkling, starry night sky.
The heart of the Eastern Sierra is perfectly situated for a brilliant night sky experience. Take a look at our interactive night sky page and plan your trip now.
Another Woman’s Treasure: Amy Wicks’ Climbing Rope Art
Check it out in the park, Saturday April 20! By Kendra Atleework When I first met Amy Wicks, we were mostly upside down. There was a good reason for this—we’d both enrolled in an aerial silks class, which involves tying yourself in knots and swinging around in the...
A Morning or Afternoon in Bishop’s Big Backyard
Whether you’re a regular visitor or a traveler, you might find yourself in Bishop with a morning or an afternoon to yourself and wonder, “What should I do?”
Maybe you’d like to find something new or maybe you need to find out what you can do. We’ve created four short adventure possibilities – one for each season. So you get to try four fantastic experiences that could be the start a beautiful relationship with our big backyard.
50th Anniversary of Mule Days in Bishop
The Mule Days Celebration in Bishop is 50 years old this year! Come kick up your heels at the greatest Mule Show on Earth, May 21st – 26th, 2019. Mules are known to have more stamina, have greater patience, and live longer than horses. They require less food than a horse of similar size, are more independent, and can walk greater distances without rest. They are also said to have higher intelligence than a horse. All-in-all the mule has inherited the best of each of its equine parents. Learn about the history of this amazing animal and why it is so important to our national heritage and local culture. Learn about its significance in the Eastern Sierra, the great American west, and many places around the world. It’s all right here!
The Most Isolated Place in the World
First Place in the Mary Austin Prize for Writing contest Naiya Luna Warren Bishop High School Death Valley - full of gyrating heat waves, dusty landscapes that last an eternity contrasted with intermittent blips of apricot mallow and occasional swaths of desert gold,...
The Artist Bishop Nabbed from NASA: A Conversation with Steven White Woodworking
Every night—if I want to get any sleep—I have to climb a ladder. I am not Rapunzel. I just sleep in the loft of my cottage. Descending while half-awake in the morning might seem treacherous, but the ladder I climb is a sturdy work of art. It’s the color of cherries...
Wonderful Winter Women’s Weekend in Bishop
When it’s time to get the girlfriends together for a long weekend of play and pampering, head for the hills. The mountains … actually!
Bishop, California is located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra in a deep valley known as the Owens Valley. It is bounded to two magnificent mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada and the White and Inyo Mountains. We call this incredible space in and around our sweet town our ‘big backyard’ and a women’s winter weekend getaway is wildly wonderful. Take a look at this!
Why I keep coming back to Bishop, California
I'm not going to lie, I was stoked to return to Bishop, California. As in, I threw my arms around and did a little victory dance at my desk. Some places--like Bishop--just grab a hold of you, and though you're traveling, they make you feel at home. I was thrilled to...
Snowshoe in the High Sierra– 3 One-Of-A-Kind Adventures
photo credit Instagram user @jc_pascual Winter-time activities offer you clean-crisp air, snowbound vistas, lesser crowds and so much more. So, for this season, consider a snowshoe adventure in the High Sierra. Fresh snow has arrived this early season, as 50 inches or...
Fish Stocking by the Bucket
A 2007 survey by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife counted 12,000 fish per mile in Hot Creek — one of the highest densities of wild trout in California. A follow-up in 2016 indicated the number had plummeted by a staggering 92 percent. Read more about the efforts to save this terrific fishery.
Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center
The Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center is both a museum and cultural center that serves the community and safeguards its history. It is a place to preserve and tell the story of the old ways and a place for the community to come together to learn, teach and continue the traditional ways. The exhibits in the museum are beautifully illustrated snapshots of the lives…
Perfect Fall Fishing Day
Fall is here. The weather, for the most part, is perfect. Cool mornings and evenings, and great afternoons that are just warm enough to enjoy the heat. In between the nice weather is the occasional storm that reminds us that winter is on the horizon. For me this is the perfect time of the year. On the nice days I venture out to fish. On the stormy days I go looking for waterfowl. Read more…
Owens Valley Radio Observatory
2018 marks 60 years of observation at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory.
This is a truly awesome facility to visit for aspiring and current scientists, astronomers, and anyone who has a keen interest in learning about our world – especially our extra-terrestrial world.
A Guide to Cardinal Mine in Bishop Creek Canyon
The history of mining in California is long and legendary. The Cardinal Mine, located on the North Fork of Bishop Creek just above the settlement of Aspendell, is a fascinating relic of gold mining in the Eastern Sierra. This is the perfect place for families, anglers, and nature lovers to explore.
Matching the Hatch
I got into the fly-fishing industry as a fly tier. I’ve gotten good at tying exact imitations of other fly fishers fly patterns and imitating the insects found in the waters of the Eastern Sierra. I’ve also fished the major hatches in the Sierra with reliable success. Read more…
That’s Why They Call it Fishing, not Catching.
Fall is a great time to get out on the waters of the eastern Sierra for some fly fishing. Local guides are out there scouting the waters for the best fishing and can be your best resource for a good day on the water. Fred Rowe shares a day on the water last fall with us on the blog. Read more….
Notes on Home: A Villain in a Hero
On Main Street in Bishop, California, listen to the clatter of two lanes of traffic busy with horse trailers, RVs, biker gangs, and highway patrol racing after sports cars from the city. A clutch of teenagers saunters, Wrangler-ed and Stetson-ed, in town for the rodeo...
Autumn Leaf Peeping on Horseback
Can you keep a secret? We can’t either; one of the best ways to get up close and personal with fall color is from the back of a horse and that season is coming up fast. Hints of change are already starting to appear up high, and although the aspen peak won’t arrive until late September or October you can’t go wrong with the vivid blue skies of late summer coupled with the early yellow / golds of the willows and other shrubs. Read on and we’ll see you on the trails!
Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site – Quick Guide
A visit to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is a trip back in time to experience the daily life of the early settlers of the Owens Valley. Close to 50 authentic structures on eleven acres are filled with artifacts and original objects. Take a train ride on the old Death Valley car. Enjoy colorful, period-themed events and have a happy holiday with carol singing, storytelling and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Open daily – except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Bishop Twin Movie Theater – Then and Now
Intro Now The historic Bishop Twin Movie Theater, as it stands today, has been an entertainment venue for Bishop and Eastern Sierra audiences for almost 100 years. On the outside it appears to be little changed from its beginnings in 1925, but the two theaters have...
Bishop, California: A Sancturary for birds, butterflies and bees!
Eastern Sierra Land Trust Certifies 100th Pollinator Garden Bringing Nature To Your Doorstep Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) will certify its 100th pollinator garden on August 30th to address water conservation, the importance of native plants and the rapid...
The Obsidian Trail: a glimpse into the 12,000-year history of the Owens Valley.
“The Obsidian Trail,” is a highly acclaimed half-hour documentary illuminating the prehistory of the Owens Valley in eastern California, as seen through the eyes of archaeologists, scholars, and Native Americans. The three part film (as published on YouTube) consists...
Bishop by the Water (Part 3)
Photo: @lanedumm on Instagram “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water,” -- Loren Eiseley. Payahǖǖnadǖ. “Place of flowing water.” (Numic) The place of flowing water is the Owens Valley, as it is now more commonly known. It was once a wet, flood...
Inside on the Eastside: Top Ten Things to Do When You Can’t Be Outside
With well over 300 sunny days a year, you won't get too many chances to pull out this list, but when you need it you need it! An inside day in Bishop need not mean a day stuck in your hotel room desperately looking for something to watch on the telly - we've got ten...
How (and What) to Pack in your Daypack for an eastern Sierra hike
Cover photo by @ttloveskwi on Instagram It's hiking season in the eastern Sierra and there's nothing better than getting out on our local trails. Hundreds of miles of adventure await, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking to log in some workout miles...
Papoose Flat Quick Guide
Photo: Evan Thomas @exploreabitmore Intro Papoose Flat is known for its unique landscape of randomly isolated granite spires that dot the flat, and for the marvelous views of the Sierra Nevada crest and Owens Valley below. It is situated almost directly above Tinemaha...
Bishop by Land (Part 2)
Photo: @hatchetthejeep It may seem obvious to drive, run, walk, hike or ride in the Eastern Sierra. But do you know how much land there is to cover and how many ways there are to do it? Here’s an overview of the region to give you a sense of how much adventure awaits...
California’s Bristlecone Pines, The Oldest Living Things on Earth
By Lee FosterWhat are the oldest living things on earth? The current consensus is that they are trees, the bristlecone pines, which grow in the White Mountains of California, east from Bishop.You can easily make their acquaintance and wander amidst a group...
Bishop by Air (Part 1)
“The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who... looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space... on the infinite highway of the air.” ~ Wilbur Wright US Highway 395 is the route that most visitors drive to reach Bishop, but...
Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Thoughts on Bishop
Bishop, California, is nearby relief from hot temperatures By Deborah Wall / Special to View in the Las Vegas Review-Journal June 4, 2018 - 10:54 am Updated June 5, 2018 - 1:58 pm The granite formation of the Buttermilks near Bishop, California, are a top...
Live Like A Local. In Bishop.
“You’re so lucky to live in Bishop.” This is a phrase I hear quite often from folks who know this beautiful little town, but don’t live here …. yet! “Yes,” I agree, “I am.” The town has charm and grace, the community is hospitable and friendly, and the landscape is …...
8 Great Family Adventures in the Eastern Sierra
Photo: @autumnpaizley “I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream.” ~ Song Lyrics, 1927, by Howard Johnson, Billy Moll, and Robert King. When I was a child I was highly amused by this saying. I would run around saying it loudly – especially in the hopes that I...
Wildflowers of the Eastern Sierra
Photo: @okayserasera Intro Of the many magical experiences in the Eastern Sierra, the wildflower bloom is especially lovely and fascinating. Wildflower blooms are subject to many factors and blossoming occurs at different places and different times. Water and...
31 Postcards from Bishop
Photo: @kschipke You never forget your first time. Your first time in Bishop, California. Perhaps you were here as a child and have fleeting, but sweet memories of fishing with a parent. Now you’re all grown up you should come back to relive some of that sweetness and...
Inside Bishop Mule Days: Viewed as a Volunteer
To a Bishop Mule Days volunteer, Mule Days never really ends. Oh sure, everyone packs up and goes home, the fairgrounds hosts other events, and the seasons change, but Mule Days is always right around the corner. If you are like me, you have a pre-packed bin of Mule...
If You Can Walk You Can Snowshoe
Getting out in the winter can seem like a daunting venture. The cold, the clothing, the weather the skills needed and all sorts of other reasons. The hardest part of any mountain trip is often getting out the door and for a snowshoe trip into the winter wonders of the...
Get Yourself and Your Kids Ready for Fishing
There are many places to fish in the Owens Valley all year long, but what so many anglers look forward to every year is the California general trout season. Opening day of fishing season, the last Saturday in April, is anticipated as eagerly as Christmas is by adults...
Idols of American Music at Mule Days
It’s true that here in the Eastern Sierra we idolize the steadfast and sturdy mule. This magnificent pack animal is, almost literally, the backbone of our western American heritage. We celebrate ‘the legacy, heritage and talents of the mule’ every Memorial Day weekend...
The Druid Stones Trail Guide
Intro Getting to the Druid Stones is definitely an uplifting experience. The hike climbs about 1,700 feet in a little under 2 miles and delivers a bird’s eye view of Bishop and the Owens Valley below. The hike follows a fairly obvious trail from the base of the Coyote...
Taking Care of Business in Bishop
Even on vacation you may have a few things to take care of, and even in a small town it can take a while to find the services you need. We've put together a handy list of businesses and services you may be looking for in Bishop, and how to get to them. Visitors Center...
Extreme Sierra. Extreme Events.
"On top of Mt. Whitney" Photo: Emiliano Reyna Extreme Sierra The Eastern Sierra is a land of extremes. There are extremes in temperature and climate, topography and geology, features of the fauna and flora, and in feats of human endeavor in the region. Extreme Heat...
Wheelchair Accessible Places to Go and Things to Do in the Eastern Sierra
Bishop City Park. Photo: Tucheh Stone “We believe the freedom and exhilaration of outdoor challenges changes lives. No one should be left behind simply because of a disability!” -- Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. A Paradise The Eastern Sierra is known as an outdoor...
How to Pet a Mule (or a burro or a horse)
Drive just about any backroad near Bishop, California during the winter months and you'll see herds of horses and mules out in pasture. Drive that same backroad during the summer and those pastures are likely to be empty, raising the question, "Where did they go?" The...
Bishop Country Club – Golf Guide
Intro The Bishop Country Club is located in one of the most beautiful settings in California – the Eastern Sierra. The fairways are picturesque, the views are uninterrupted, and the scenery is spectacular. Set in the broad expanse of the Owens Valley with the snow...
Razzle Dazzle Instagrazzle
“Hey Mom, I’m going to instagrazzle this one!” That’s what my daughter says when she has a great shot to post to Instagram. Then I reply, “Nice one. That will razzle dazzle ‘em.” If your Instagram feed is all about the wow factor in your life then come see and share...
Walkabout Bishop – Top 10 Reasons for Getting Out of your Car
Exploring Bishop on Foot Bishop is a walking town - on any day or evening you'll find people out on our downtown streets and wide sidewalks, dropping into a neighborhood shop for coffee or a meal, browsing the shops for gifts or treats, meeting up with friends for a...
Summertime Fun in a Wintertime Wonderland
Oh yeah, it’s cold out there. Snow has fallen. Ski season has started. You’ve packed your bags and you’re all geared up for a winter experience. But have you considered that you could experience a little summer with your winter? No. Well consider this … you can! Right...
It’s a Wonderful Life in Bishop during the Holidays
“Then it seemed to me that the Sierra should be called, not the Nevada or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light. And after ten years of wandering and wondering in the heart of it, rejoicing in its glorious floods of light, the white beams of the morning streaming...
The Railroad Express
Intro This is the train ride of the year. In fact it’s a magical train ride into yesteryear and it only happens once every year. Do you believe in holiday magic and that wishes really do come true? Well then get your Golden Ticket and receive a happy holiday bell when...
The Reluctant Highballer
My favorite highball of all times is in the Buttermilks in Bishop, CA. It’s a classic. A perfect set of moves. My hands sweat just thinking about it. I keep telling myself, with the pads we have it’s going to be ok, even with the big dyno at the end. What is a...
Hiking with dogs in the Eastern Sierra
One of the best things about living in and visiting the eastern Sierra are the thousands of acres of public land available for recreating. These mountains, valleys, and tablelands allow us incredible freedom in the ways we can visit them, including bringing our dogs...
Guide to Fall Color Spotting from Behind the Lens
Outside on the Eastside Fall is long in the Eastern Sierra. The topography of the region provides a slow shift into winter that starts first at the higher elevations and descends slowly over the open plains of the Owens Valley below. The cooling begins in September as...
How to Beat the Heat in Bishop
It’s not unusual for temperatures to climb to and over the 100-degree mark during the summer months in Bishop. And, yes, there’s that wonderful and oft-repeated phrase, “But it’s a dry heat.” Well, that’s true and it does make it a little more bearable, but for those...
5 Reasons to Rest, Refuel, & Regroup in Bishop
Photo: Madi Taylor “Miles weren't things that blazed dully past. They were long, intimate straggles of weeds and clumps of dirt, blades of grass and flowers that bent in the wind, trees that lumbered and screeched. They were the sound of my breath and my feet hitting...
The Night Sky in the Eastern Sierra
Ancient Bristlecone Pine & Milky Way. Photo: Tony Rowell Intro The night sky has captured the human imagination from time immemorial. Here in the Eastern Sierra the clear air and lack of light pollution make way for unimpeded visibility of the stars. On a night...
Camping Successfully With Kids
Have your kids outgrown camping in your backyard? Bring them for a camping vacation in our big backyard. Here in the Eastern Sierra, Bishop has many wonderful options for camping that offer the gamut from full hookups to dispersed camping. Camping is a great way to...
Laws Poleta Area
Intro At the base of the White Mountains, 5 miles east of the center of Bishop, is an exceptional off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) area. The Poleta Open Area, covering 2,500 acres, consists of about 50 miles of single-track and ATV trails...
Sierra Bighorns on Ledge of Breakthrough
Written by Tom Stienstra From a perch above a boulder-strewn ravine, we peered with binoculars up canyon walls and across a steep jumble of rocks and dirt for endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. The arrival of spring in the high country is when Sierra bighorns...
Small Town, Big Backyard: 6 Reasons Why Bishop is a Must-Visit Destination for Outdoor Lovers
Bishop, California is in what is arguably one of the most beautiful pockets of land in the Lower 48. It’s no wonder that the town is known as a "small town with a big backyard." Between the Sierra and Inyo National Forests, just south of Yosemite and north of Death...
The Alabama Hills – A Quick Guide
Intro The Alabama Hills, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada just west of Lone Pine, is one of Hollywood’s favorite filming locations. This monumental landscape provides a multitude of settings for movie backgrounds and evocative scenes. The beautiful rock...
Made in Bishop
The old world charm and quiet, country setting of Bishop belies its bold business heart. There are, living here, brave explorers and daring entrepreneurs who are making products and building businesses inspired by the mountains and a lifestyle of clean air, beautiful...
Volcanic Tableland Loop – Trail Running
IntroAround 700,000 years ago, the Volcanic Tablelands were formed from the erupting caldera in Long Valley. Near the small California town of Bishop, the Volcanic Tableland has become known around the rock climbing world as one of the more awesome spots to explore....
Happy and Sad Boulders – Climbing
Intro The Happy and Sad Boulders offer hundreds of boulder problems that will delight and challenge climbers who come to Bishop to test their skills. With everything from jugs to crimps to pockets, you can find just about anything here. There are caves and cracks, and...
8 Incredible Adventures Between Death Valley and Yosemite National Parks
The small town of Bishop, California is nestled in the northern end of the Owens Valley, where the high desert meets rushing creeks and pine forests—all with the snow-capped Sierra Mountains in the background. Bishop is also located just hours away from two of the...
Owens Gorge
Intro The Owens Gorge is a deep, steep-sided canyon about 10 miles long located northwest of Bishop. It is a world-class destination for rock climbing and a favorite fishing area. The gorge offers fun and adventure all year long for climbers, anglers and hikers. About...
Mule Days
A world-class equestrian event promoting the legacy, heritage and talents of the mule. Intro For five days, every Memorial Day weekend, more than 30,000 fans from around the country (and the world) converge on Bishop for this colorful and fun festival. It is a...
Tungsten Peak – Hiking
Intro The beautiful Tungsten Hills are easy to overlook because of the surrounding peaks that dwarf them in size, such as Mt. Tom and the Wheeler Crest. They are a year round delight for those looking to take a quick jaunt in nature, however. It’s easy to get caught...
Buttermilk Country – Year Round Playground
Intro Buttermilk Country is a well-known, world-class bouldering destination. The massive boulders provide some of the most accessible and diverse bouldering in the country with routes that offer everything from fun scrambling to highly technical ‘problems’ that...
Must Do Trail Runs in the Eastern Sierra
Trail running and mountain running are not new to the world of running, but are becoming more popular as a way to enjoy the natural world around us and, at the same time, achieve fitness goals. Running on trails and in areas removed from urban life, where traffic and...
Owens River Gorge – Climbing
Intro The Owens River Gorge is a massive collection of some of the finest sport climbing that California has to offer. With over 300 routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13, this crag has something for everyone. The rock in the Owens River Gorge is a type of volcanic tuff...
Bishop to Rock Creek – Cycling
Intro This bucket list climb is one of the most challenging, but rewarding efforts, a serious cyclist can tackle—there’s a reason this ride is considered one of the best in the area. The major steep, sharp climb takes place on the second half of the route, but the...
Grass Lake Loop – Trail Running
Intro In the Inyo National Forest, one trail is quietly becoming a great training run for trail runners in the greater Bishop Area. Known as the Grass Lake Loop, this 5k running route is the ideal loop for training or just a relaxing jaunt into the gorgeous John Muir...
Bishop Pass – Hiking
Intro The popular (and sometimes busy) trail to Bishop Pass is steep and slightly rocky, making it more enjoyable for seasoned hikers. The second half of the ascent to the pass is where the real challenge begins (especially if there is still snow hanging around), but...
Winter Fly Fishing in Bishop, CA on the lower Owens River
Best Fly Fishing in California! November 15 is a sad day in the life of an Eastern Sierra trout angler. It is the last day of the general fishing season. Fortunately, there are a handful of special regulated waters that offer winter fishing opportunities in the off...
Lower Owens River – Fishing
Intro Located below Pleasant Valley Reservoir and just north of Bishop, the Lower Owens River parallels Highway 395, making it easily accessible and a perfect spot for winter fly fishing. The river makes its way through a valley surrounded by the striking peaks of the...
Bishop Adds Up To More Fun This Winter
Where do crisp, snowy mountain mornings and sunny, warm high desert afternoons add up to the perfect winter experience? In Bishop, of course! Follow freshies at Mammoth Mountain with afternoon fishing on the Lower Owens River. Add a vertical component to your morning...
Whip it, Strip it, Fly it, Tie it.
How could I resist? Scrolling down the list of workshops, clinics and seminars for the Southwest Council of International Fly Fishers annual Fly Fishing Faire last October, the name of one clinic stopped me in my tracks. A whole day of fly fishing for women, by women,...
London. Paris. New York. Bishop.
During the last century the major urban centers of the world were traditionally hubs for creativity where low-cost urban living and compact communities were places where artists could live inexpensively and create art. The lifestyle was such that artists could gather...
6½ Reasons Why Bishop Rocks
I could list a thousand reasons why Bishop rocks. It’s stunningly beautiful. The mountains are majestic. The high desert is surreal. The climate is wonderful. There are scores of world-class outdoor activities to be enjoyed. The city is small and attractive. The...
Local Lingo and Colloquialisms of the Eastern Sierra
The Eastern Sierra is a lovely and unique place. Like other lovely and unique places, it has a certain language of its own. There are words and names, phrases and pronunciations that are particular and perhaps even peculiar to our part of the world. Some things have a...
Awesome Autumn Fishing in the Bishop Creek Canyon
Every September after Labor Day, a sense of stillness descends on the Bishop Creek Canyon. The kids are back in school, the family vacationers have come and gone, and the hustle and bustle of the summertime gives way to the relative peace and quiet of fall. It is...
The Season for Gold in Bishop
The Olympic Games have ended and will happen again in 2020, but here in the Eastern Sierra gold is far more easily attained and is awarded to us every year. When the air cools and summer turns to autumn the leaves begin to change color and an abundance of yellow,...
Bishop is a dog-friendly destination
One of the best parts of being in the travel and tourism industry is getting introduced to great travel writers and photographers. We've been inspired by many, and recently were lucky enough to run across Katherine and Romeo Belarmino's travel blog, Travel the World....
48 Hours of Adventure in Bishop
Rising to just over 4,000 feet in elevation, Bishop, California is a town of about 11,000 people nestled in a high desert valley, wedged between the High Sierra and the White Mountains. With nearby national parks and national forests, deserts and mountain peaks,...
Half Way Between Heaven and Well … Heaven!
The National Park Service is 100 years old this year. President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill 100 years ago directing the Department of the Interior “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of...
John Muir Trail – Hiking
Intro The John Muir Trail (JMT) is an American classic—211 miles that wind through some of the West’s (and the country’s) most beautiful mountain terrain—sequoia forests and granite mountaintops and deep canyons. The trail’s namesake, John Muir, is well-respected for...
The Good, Better & Best of Trail Running
Photo credit: Mike McDermott Trail runners who know … know that Bishop, California is trail-running heaven. Now all of trail running world knows. Bishop was rated one of the 8 great top trail-running mountain towns on the North American continent in the September...
“300 Miles Too Long or 300 Years Too Soon” – Darius Ogden Mills
The Slim Princess The railroad in the Owens Valley was more than just a stretch of the imagination. It was a vision inspired by tales of rich strikes in the mines of California, when a lull in mining activity was settling on the Comstock and in Virginia City, Nevada....
Finding Solitude – An Essential Guide
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir. The annals of history are full of the reminiscences of women and men who have sought and found solitude in the mountains. Many of these individuals also found inspiration there and much of our cultural heritage...
Lake Sabrina – Hiking
Intro Lake Sabrina leads to several trails that reveal a series of alpine lakes in glacial basins and several 13,000-foot peaks along the way. High in the Sierra Nevadas not far from Bishop, California, hikers can embark on strenuous day hikes or multi-day backpacking...
Independence Day in the Eastern Sierra
Celebrating Independence Day in the Eastern Sierra is a whole weekend full of fun. From Friday, July 1st to Monday, July 4th there are exciting activities available for the whole family. From the city of Independence to the town of Mammoth Lakes, with Bishop midway...
Fun OHV Adventures near Bishop
The valley is wide, the mountains high, and exhilarating OHV adventures are almost limitless. The Inyo National Forest is home to some of the nation’s most spectacular alpine scenery. A legal system of roads and trails for motorized vehicles was designated here in...
8 of the Best Hikes Near Bishop
Sandwiched between Death Valley and Yosemite National Park, the small town of Bishop, California, is packed full of wilderness adventure. Home to what some argue is the purest and most-inspiring wilderness in America, residents and visitors to Bishop have countless...