Everything about Bishop and its big backyard creates memories. Its list of attractions reads like the ultimate bucket list vacation – the oldest trees in the world to the tallest peak in the lower 48. It’s no wonder many affectionately call it the “Land Of -Est!” While there are plenty of places to get a good night’s sleep, for those wanting accommodations out of the ordinary, you’re in luck! Here’s some of our favorite “uncommon overnighters” in the region.
Lone Pine
An hour south of Bishop near the town of Lone Pine are a set of lodging options as different as the scenery. The De La Cour Ranch is an actual working ranch with secluded vacation cabins surrounded by commercially picked lavender fields and several vegetable gardens for ranch guests to enjoy. Then there is the Mt. Whitney Portal hostel. A luxurious hostel that provides views of Mt Whitney and easy walkable access to restaurants and stores in town.
Bishop Creek Canyon
Up one of the five classic scenic drives is Bishop Creek. It’s also one of the iconic gateways to the high country from Bishop. A place with fresh air, lofty granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, fall foliage, and summer wildflowers. Go back to a simpler time by staying at one of the well-kept rustic cabins at the Bishop Creek Lodge or Parchers Resort. Regale your stories at the bar of the one that got away, or better yet, the lore about nearby high-country lakes and streams of where the giant trout lurk.
Rock Creek
Another destination to the West that offers a high alpine experience is the Rock Creek area. In fact, it’s home to one of the highest paved roads in California at a whopping 10,000 feet in elevation. Used as a basecamp, you can access over fifty trout-filled lakes all within a two-hour hike or horseback ride from any of the canyon trailheads. Lodging includes the Rock Creek Lakes Resort, Rock Creek Lodge, and Tom’s Place.
Benton Hot Springs
Take a dip into the boom-and-bust, mining-driven past… literally. Next to the largest living ghost town, Bodie State Historic Park, is Benton. What started as a gateway to Bodie and Aurora became a boomtown in its own right except not for silver. What its known for now are its hot springs. These waters are considered the purest on the planet. Natural mineral water rises to the earth’s surface at 140 degrees. To access them, you must either book a room at the Inn which is housed in a 1940s historic building or a camping site. Relax and rejuvenate in one of their private tubs while watching the stars in a historic locale. Due to its popularity and unique experience, be sure to reserve far in advance. To see how to get here and what’s there to do, check out the Local Freshies® trip from Bishop to Benton California.
