Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome Tips To All Our Foreign Visitors
While commercials, movies, and TV shows often portray California as nothing but beaches, palm trees, and celebrities, the Eastern Sierra offers a scenic experience in a different light. Its landscape evokes more of the Wild West charm than the glamour of Rodeo Drive. It’s a place that provides ample elbow room and an opportunity to return home feeling relaxed and re-energized. Here are a few tips to enhance your first visit to Bishop and explore what we affectionately refer to as our ‘big backyard.’
Make It A Road Trip
Getting to Bishop is a breeze compared to other mountainous regions in California, especially if you’re traveling from Los Angeles. In fact, the journey here is part of your vacation! Nearly every year, US-395 is recognized as one of America’s finest road trip routes.
Play In Our Big Backyard
Bishop is renowned globally for its outdoor activities such as fishing, rock climbing, trail running, and landscape photography. It’s also an incredible destination for cycling, off-highway driving, stargazing, and auto touring. To kickstart your vacation planning, here’s a range of adventures that you can enjoy within an hour to four hours.
Do Explore Hollywood’s Backlot
Despite being a few hours away from Los Angeles, movie directors have recognized the scenic beauty of this California region. Jaw-droppingly beautiful actually. In fact, hundreds of films have been shot here, with the star of the show being Alabama Hills. Don’t forget to explore Movie Road!
Is There Snow In Bishop?
Bishop sits at around 4,500 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountains, it seldom experiences snowfall, earning it the nickname ‘warm winter wonderland.’ While most days are sunny, the expansive landscape within an hour’s drive introduces various micro-climates. It might be sunny and warm in town, but up in the surrounding mountains, you can encounter snow-covered landscapes and cooler temperatures.
Check In Before You Adventure
Before diving into your day’s escapades, take a moment to check out our “know before you go page” for essential insights on road access based on the season of your visit. In a big snowfall year, some upper alpine lakes may still be covered in feet of snow, even as late as July. For added assurance, talk to the Visitor Center’s informed staff. They’re well-equipped to promptly provide the information you need, so you can enjoy your day worry-free.
