As you embark on your Eastern Sierra Tour, don’t miss out on the wonders of the Alabama Hills. Of course, a must-see attraction among many. But before immersing yourself in the iconic filming location, take a detour to the charming town of Lone Pine. Explore the Museum of Western Film History, where a treasure trove of memorabilia, images, documents, and posters awaits. Beyond classic Western movie artifacts, discover props from modern hits like the head of the giant worm from Tremors and the dirt covered business suit Tony Stark wore in Ironman when he was stuck in the cave.
California’s heartbeat is intertwined with the Pacific Ocean. From its iconic surf culture to its climate, it weaves itself into everything. Despite Bishop and the Eastern Sierra being hundreds of miles from the coast, it too is affected by it. And you’ll see it in its weather and seasons including the “Sierra Wave.”
John Muir once wisely remarked, “between two pines is a doorway to a new world.” If you’ve been to Bishop and checked off the classic attractions, like witnessing the world’s oldest tree or enjoying the numerous alpine lakes filled with fish, we recommend going...
Bishop and the Owens Valley are overflowing with beauty. Surrounded by the towering, rugged peaks of the Sierra Mountains in the West. And the majestic ridgeline of the White Mountains to the East. The breathtaking scenery and the plethora of outdoor activities are...
The Pabanamanina Powwow is being held from September 22nd through the 24th at the powwow grounds across from Wanaaha Casino. This event, hosted by the Bishop Paiute Tribe and its many volunteers, is held every California Indian Days weekend, starting with a parade at 10am on California Indian Day. Throughout the weekend, you’ll find hundreds of dancers, singers, friends, and family from all over the U.S. and abroad as they come together to share their culture and traditions.
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...
Just six miles northwest of town, this 120-acre park has a bit of everything for anyone just looking for some outdoor fun in a tranquil setting. Millpond Recreation Area is known by many for one thing – the Millpond Music Festival. Check it out this September!
The world’s oldest living tree is in the National Forest White Mountains in California, USA, just east of Bishop, California.
Think of it as the opportunity to experience the Eastern Sierra in a new light without putting yourself at risk or having to learn an entire set of skills to do it. Explore somewhere new while feeling invigorated and transformed by memorable experiences. Here’s a small sampling of soft adventures to be had in Bishop.
Reminder to our human friends, please keep pets on a leash near swift moving water. If you think Bishop and its Big Backyard is great for us two-legged creatures, then it’s absolute nirvana for your four-legged family members. Just outside Bishop’s doorstep,...
Family vacations are about relaxing as well as creating memories of fun times. When it comes to a destination to visit, there might be none more suited for an affordable outdoorsy family getaway than Bishop and its big backyard. To help plan your trip, here’s 6 things...
Every season in Bishop provides unique opportunities on how to enjoy its big backyard. Autumn provides the longest fall color show in North America. In winter, you’ll spend your time playing in the warm sunshine and on its boulders. Spring is about experiencing...
The heat is on in Bishop. But unlike other hot locales, there are many ways to still enjoy the great outdoors in the summer, if you have a plan. As the saying “it’s a dry heat” goes… due to our proximity to the High Sierra and the desert climate, you can escape by going out early, taking a dip in an alpine lake, or go up in elevation to play. Here’s a few ideas on how you can sample Bishop’s Big Backyard this summer during the day.
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.
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...
From the city of Independence to the town of Mammoth Lakes, with Bishop midway between you’ll find pancake breakfasts, parades, free fishing, free swimming, train rides, a running race, baseball, volleyball, bocce, free watermelon, pie and ice cream, arts and crafts fairs, and of course fireworks – lots and lots of fireworks!
If you’re planning a trip to Bishop, there’s no better way to deepen your understanding of this special place than through reading.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...