Bishop Home To California’s 14ers
The Sierra Nevada cast a mighty big shadow over Bishop and Owens Valley, significantly influencing the local weather and creating a high desert climate in the valley. The ridgeline soars dramatically over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley floor, offering a breathtaking backdrop of scenery. It’s here you’ll find nearly all of California’s 14ers, with just two exceptions.
How Many 14ers Are There In California?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you would imagine. The US Geological Survey requires a peak to have a minimum of 300 feet of “prominence” from their neighboring peaks to be included. Following this definition, California boasts thirteen 14ers, with eleven clustered in the Sierra Nevada region. As if that weren’t impressive enough, the White Mountains to the east, home of the Ancient Bristlecones, claim one of the only two other 14,000-foot peaks in the state.
Mt Whitney
14,505 Feet
The tallest in the lower 48
It isn’t just the tallest in the range but also the highest in the contiguous United States. While not technically difficult when snow-less or ice-free, the 11-mile hike ascends over 6,000 vertical feet, making it strenuous even for the fittest individuals. Being the most popularly climbed mountain in the Sierra Nevada, obtaining a permit during peak season can be challenging. To reduce environmental impact, only 100 day hikers and 60 backpackers are permitted per day.
Where To See It From Owens Valley
Even if you don’t win the lottery or wish to attempt summiting the peak, you can still make it a day’s adventure by embarking on an auto tour to see the peak from the Valley. The easiest place from which to see the towering peak is the Interagency Visitor Center on Highway 395, just south of the town of Lone Pine. Afterward, explore the Museum of Western Film History and conclude your day with a visit to Hollywood’s iconic back backlot – the Alabama Hills.
Mt Williamson
14,380 Feet
Get a glimpse of the “native” mountain climbers
Did you know that the Sierra Nevada is home to its own sheep? The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep range from north of Yosemite to Mt Whitney has one of the largest herds, spending their summers on Mt. Williamson. They typically inhabit high elevations, between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, where they have access to alpine vegetation.
White Mountain
14,252 Feet
For your first 14er
For those aspiring to conquer towering peaks like Mt Whitney, there’s no better starting point than White Mountain. Located approximately 50 miles from Bishop, it’s regarded as one of the “easiest” 14ers to hike in the lower 48. This makes it an ideal choice for first timers. Why? You can complete the hike in a single day without the need for overnight backpacking or camping. However, don’t be fooled— the trailhead starts at 12,000 feet and entails an elevation gain of over 2,500 feet! In other words, it’s a challenge worthy of anyone’s pride. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the 8 best hikes near Bishop. Cover photo on top of White Mountain Peak, thanks to @mr._pedals.
Along with the three listed above, the rest of the 14ers in the region include:
- North Palisade – 14,248 feet
- Mt. Sill – 14,159 feet
- Mt. Russell – 14,094 feet
- Split Mountain – 14,064 feet
- Mt. Langley – 14,032 feet
- Mt. Tyndall – 14,025 feet
- Mt. Muir – 14,018 feet
- Middle Palisade – 14,018 feet
- Thunderbolt – 14,003 feet
