Most Underrated Landmarks That Tell You That You’re In Bishop

There’s a lot of “big” attractions in Bishop and its big backyard. The oldest living thing on Earth at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The hulking peaks of the Eastern Sierra. The land of -EST some might say! And yet there are countless underrated landmarks in Bishop that provide residents as well as regular visitors a visual cue that they’re home. Here’s a taste of these lesser known and yet distinctly cool attractions.

Mt. Tom

Pulling into town on US-395, the first thing you’ll see is the Eastern Sierra and what attracts your eye is the highest point – Mt. Tom. Looming nearly 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley like a guardian. It’s no wonder that the first name given to the mountain is Winuba, meaning “Standing Tall” in Owens Valley Paiute (Nüümü). The routes up Mount Tom are not technically difficult, most being class 2-3, but they are all strenuous and long. Or just enjoy this beauty of a mountain as part of an auto tour of Bishop.

The “Cottonwood Tree”

The Ancient Bristlecone pines are a must-see, but there’s one tree in town that every resident recognizes more than any other—the Cottonwood tree just south of Jack in the Box. It’s a local bellwether, signaling the changing seasons to everyone in town.

The Big Chicken On Top of Manor Market

Technically not a chicken but a giant rooster, it stands tall as an iconic roadside attraction reminiscent of classic American road trips. Perched atop the local grocery store, it’s a one-stop-shop housing all your camping essentials to offering gourmet organic dinner options. As the adjacent sign proudly declares, ‘Still Cluckin’ since 1969.’

Bishop Sign At The Bishop Country Club

As you head northward on US-395 from Los Angeles, keep an eye out for the Bishop California sign by the Golf Course as you near the town. It’s a great reminder that even if you’re here for skiing, don’t forget your golf clubs! The course stays open year-round, and in Bishop, you’ll discover a warm winter wonderland.

Buttermilk Road Sign

Some places embody the essence of a sport. For boulderers, the Buttermilks isn’t just a climbing spot—it’s a bucket-list destination teeming with hundreds of boulders to challenge yourself. The ‘Buttermilk Road’ sign stands as a quiet introduction to this heavenly mecca of bouldering, silently showcasing this remarkable destination.

The A-Frame Visitor Center At The Bishop City Park

Main Street boasts classic early 20th-century facades, embodying the quintessential image of small-town America. Amidst this charm, the Bishop Visitor Center’s A-frame stands out as a symbol of Bishop’s backyard—a cozy, outdoorsy cabin serving as the gateway to all the exciting adventures waiting to be explored here.