Bishop and its big backyard are world-renowned for their even bigger adventures. Summiting 13,000-foot peaks and technical bouldering do exist here, but there’s so much more. To enjoy what’s here, you don’t need to be a super athlete or even a weekend warrior. All you need to be is someone that’s hungry for their own adventure. Welcome to the idea of a “Soft Adventure.”
What Is A Soft Adventure?
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.
Go Horseback Riding
If there was a poster child for a soft adventure, it would be horseback riding in the Eastern Sierra. Book a weekend or week-long trip with one of the packer outfits in Bishop. Even if it’s your first time on a horse, these experts will make sure you’re safe, fed, and come home with a lifetime experience that you’ll be talking about with your grandkids years from now. Check out the Eastern Sierra on horseback page to see the outfitters that offer everything from day rides to full backcountry experiences.
Chase Waterfalls
Tall peaks and snow-filled winters means one thing – A LOT of waterfalls in the spring and summer. Many of the waterfalls in the area can be seen from vista points along mountain roads and others with even just a stroll. If you want a nibble of the energy of hikers preparing to summit the tallest mountain in the lower 48 AND see a dramatic waterfall, take in the Lone Pine Creek Waterfall. Located at Whitney Portal Trailhead. For a deeper dive into the fall and others, be sure to read our waterfall guide.
Set Off On The Eastern Sierra Ale Trail
The newest soft adventure in Bishop – the Eastern Sierra Ale Trail. It gives you the chance to take in arguably the best road trip highway in the country and explore the six breweries that call this place home. And if you do visit all six, you earn a patch!
As you can see, even if your running days are over, or you just don’t have the time, Bishop is home to a lifetime’s worth of soft adventures. Take in a backroads tour. Become your neighborhood’s Ansel Adams. Regardless of what you do, we guarantee you’ll take memories home and a better appreciation of nature.
