
About the Author: Alex
Bishop Visitor Blog Posts by Alex:


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...
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...
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...
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.

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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...