About the Author: Alex
Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
Bishop Visitor Blog Posts by Alex:
Jun 29, 2023 | Itinerary, Seasons, Summer, Year Round
First stop on the Eastern Sierra Ale Trail from the south – Bishop and Mountain Rambler Brewing. Home to a vast array of award-winning beers from the California Craft Brewers Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.
Jun 22, 2023 | Fall, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter, Year Round
Deep in its core is Bishop, a place that rejuvenates the soul, that inspires visitors and residents alike to enrich themselves holistically and creatively. As the sunsets over the sharp razorback line of the Eastern Sierra, let these yoga studios and artistic outlets round out an already fulfilling trip.
Jun 22, 2023 | Itinerary, Seasons, Summer, Year Round
Nearly four hundred miles long, the Sierra Nevada is bursting at the seams with scenery. Hundreds of shimmering alpine lakes. Razor-sharp ridgelines. Giant pines that seem to reach the sky. Some places will touch people’s souls more than others, but there is one... Jun 20, 2023 | Seasons, Summer, Year Round
From a leisurely pedal with jaw-dropping views to sufferfest climbs you’d see in the Tour de France, Bishop is arguably home to some of the best road cycling outside of Europe. Instead of dismantling your bike and shipping it to the Alps, take in the Eastern Sierra.
May 28, 2023 | Fishing, Seasons, Summer
I still remember growing up my Dad saying the same thing over and over and over – “I don’t want anything for Father’s Day.” And do you know what’s the best gift I ever got him? An experience! Instead of buying him something that will collect dust, create a memory that... May 28, 2023 | Fall, Itinerary, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter, Year Round
Horseback riding in Bishop and its big backyard isn’t just a hobby. It’s a tradition. To this day, the only way to access many parts of the rugged Eastern Sierra is by foot or horseback. That’s why Bishop has earned the moniker the “Mule Capital of the World.” While... May 27, 2023 | Fall, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Year Round
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,... May 26, 2023 | Itinerary, Seasons, Spring
For visitors attempting to traverse the mighty Sierra, be aware that many of the mountain passes (including those from Yosemite National Park) are closed from the 1st snowfall until the snow melts. This means many of the passes may not open until June or even July.
May 7, 2023 | Fishing, Seasons, Spring
Even with such high volume of fish flowing through the Owens river, this body of water is known for providing a challenge without the proper knowledge. We recommend checking out our Bishop Fishing Report which is updated weekly.
Apr 12, 2023 | Itinerary, Seasons, Summer, Year Round
Regardless if you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or just a nature lover, Bishop and the Eastern Sierra has something for you. Take yourselves on this journey of E.S.T. – the highest, lowest, hottest, oldest, saltiest, rockiest, earliest, purest, strangest, loneliest, and wildest 555-Mile Road Trip of the Eastern Sierra.
Feb 17, 2023 | Fall, Seasons, Spring, Winter
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.
Jan 2, 2023 | Itinerary, Seasons, Winter
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.
Jan 2, 2023 | Fall, Seasons, Winter
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.
Dec 21, 2022 | Itinerary, Seasons, Winter
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... Dec 8, 2022 | Seasons, Winter
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…
Nov 12, 2022 | Seasons, Winter, Year Round
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... Nov 11, 2022 | Itinerary, Seasons, Winter
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... Nov 6, 2022 | Itinerary, Seasons, Spring, Winter, Year Round
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... Oct 13, 2022 | climbing, Fall, Itinerary, Seasons, Spring, Winter
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... Sep 26, 2022 | Fall, Itinerary, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter
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... Sep 24, 2022 | Fall, Itinerary, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter, Year Round
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... Sep 19, 2022 | Fall, Itinerary, Seasons
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.
Sep 19, 2022 | Fall, Seasons
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.
Aug 30, 2022 | Seasons, Summer
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...