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


Roaming the Range of Light: Five Iconic Trails in the High Sierra
By: Jeff Kozak The author runs near the rounded summit of Mazourka Peak in the Inyo Mountains, looking west across the Owens Valley near Independence to the Sierra Crest and two 14’ers: Mt. Williamson and Mt. Tyndall. Howie Stern Rising abruptly on the western...
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...
Oldest Tree in the World
The world’s oldest living tree is in the National Forest White Mountains in California, USA, just east of Bishop, California.

Staying Safe during Runoff
With this year’s record setting snowfall, anglers need to be aware that the Eastern Sierra will have record setting snow runoff. Staying safe will require anglers to know when to stay away from their favorite streams and what to do if you find yourself suddenly in the...
Eastern Sierra Roads, Access & Recreation Updates
This tutorial saves you time and makes life easier by providing up to date access and road information to guests planning to visit the area in the next several months. Guests who are “in the know” get their info through this comprehensive feature. It contains digital links in one central location to authoritative agencies and locals who monitor and manage local travel and recreation features.

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...
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.

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.

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.

Hiking To Conness Lakes With Fannie the Corgi
Written by Candace Gregory 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!...
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....
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...
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...
2022 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...
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.

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...
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...
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.

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.

2020 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.