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 a bit deeper or discovering Bishop’s hidden gems. They’re just as special but have a bit less fanfare. The result? You’ll probably have the whole place to yourself!
Take In The Stars
Bishop, thanks to its prime geographic location, boasts some of the country’s finest stargazing locations. In fact, our big backyard is home to one of the largest university-operated observatories in the world. The Owens Valley Radio Observatory! It’s no surprise that astronomers, researchers, and educators find a year-round home in this celestial haven.
Head East Into The Volcanic Tablelands
For most that visit Bishop, the lofty peaks of the Sierra call to them like a siren. Bishop Creek Canyon is magnificent. Not to mention a poster child of the High Sierra with its shimmering lakes and a bounty of fall foliage. As the cooler temperatures set in, it’s time to venture east and explore the Volcanic Tablelands.
While traversing this rugged terrain via jeep roads and trails, the scrub brush and rocky ledges give way to breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rock climbers are well-acquainted with the Volcanic Tablelands, thanks to its world-class bouldering opportunities. But beyond these select areas, you’ll discover that this place is largely yours to explore. If you relish crafting your adventures, you’re bound to fall in love with it.
Explore The “Weird” In The Eastern Sierra
In a land of extremes in vegetation, climate, weather, and topography, you’re sure to stumble upon unique attractions that bear the unmistakable thumbprints of Mother Nature. One such wonder is the Crowley Columns. Researchers from UC Berkeley have determined that the columns were created by a combination of cold water and hot volcanic ash spewed by a cataclysmic explosion 760,000 years ago! Delve deeper into this natural phenomenon in Bishop’s big backyard and discover more in our article, “10 Weird and Wonderful Things to See in the Eastern Sierra.”
