Easy Hikes in the Eastern Sierra

Just because a trail is short or flat doesn’t mean it’s boring. In fact, these five easy hikes near Bishop are short, sweet, and offer a perfect taste of why Bishop’s Backyard is nicknamed “The Land of Est,” all without wrecking your legs. Introduce your kids to the wonders of the outdoors or enjoy a laid-back day in the mountains when you want the reward without the grind.

To learn more about these hikes and other options in the area, be sure to check out the Eastern Sierra Easy Hikes brochure.

Pinon Nature Trail

Length: 0.5 Miles | Easy | Elevation Gain: ~ 52 Feet
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Why you’ll love it:

Just east of Bishop, the White Mountains rise as a high desert range made of sedimentary rock roughly 100 million years older than the granite Sierra. Here, the Piñon Nature Trail winds through pinyon pine and Utah juniper forests, with sagebrush and Mormon tea below, and crosses rounded terrain carved by steep ravines. Along the way, interpretive signs highlight native plants and Native American traditions, adding depth to this short but scenic hike.

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Just two miles farther up the road, you can visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest living non clonal organisms on the planet and various other easy hikes like the Discovery Trail.

Mobius Arch Loop Trail

Length: 0.6 Miles | Easy | Elevation Gain: ~ 42 Feet
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Why you’ll love it:

The Sierra Nevada offers a striking example of Earth’s geologic history. Places like the Tablelands, Buttermilk Country, and the iconic Alabama Hills reveal its dramatic past. Featured in countless films, the Alabama Hills are shaped by erosion, temperature shifts, and weathering. This short loop leads to two of the area’s most famous formations, Mobius Arch and Lathe Arch, along with a maze of other sculpted rocks and sweeping views of Mount Whitney and surrounding Sierra peaks.

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Before or after your hike, swing by the Museum of Western Film History in nearby Lone Pine. Grab a self-guided Movie Road booklet and turn your drive through the Alabama Hills into a mini film location tour while hunting down even more arches.

South Lake Wildflower Trail

Length: 2 Miles | Easy | Elevation Gain: ~ 42 Feet

Why you’ll love it:

Bishop’s big backyard celebrates the seasons in full color, from vibrant fall foliage to stunning wildflower blooms. It’s impossible to talk about the best easy hikes in the Eastern Sierra without mentioning a trail that captures this spirit. This short, easy hike in the Bishop Creek region bursts with spring and early summer wildflowers like mariposa lilies and Indian paintbrush. Framed by towering peaks and the reflective waters of South Lake, the trail also holds historical significance with ties to local Native American heritage.

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Fuel up before your hike with breakfast at Parchers Resort or reward yourself afterward with a scrumptious dinner. For an extra adventure, follow our one-day itinerary featuring the best photo spots from downtown Bishop to South Lake and back.

For more easy hikes, check out Bishop’s Day Hikes story map.