Bishop Visitor Logo

Bishop Visitor's Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bishop and travel to the Eastern Sierra…

How do we get to Bishop?

Bishop is only a few hours drive from Los Angeles, Reno or Las Vegas. Bishop is located along U.S. Highway 395 in the Owens Valley, 278 miles north of Los Angeles and 200 miles south of Reno. Our page on transportation has all the details on getting to the beautiful Eastern Sierra and Bishop. See you soon!

What’s the weather like in Bishop today?
The area enjoys good recreational weather year round. The climate in Bishop is dry, averaging about five inches of precipitation per year. We do have lots of water in lakes and streams thanks to runoff from the High Sierra snowpack. Bishop is one of the sunniest locations in the west and enjoys four distinct seasons. While summer days are quite warm on the valley floor, the evenings cool off nicely. Winter days are sunny and mild.

> Bishop, California US Climate Data

Where can we go camping?
There are many, many camping opportunities in and around the Bishop area. The area offers campsites on public lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM. Private and Inyo County campgrounds are also available. Click here for complete campground information and details.
Is the road to Yosemite open yet?
Tioga Pass (SR 120) across the Sierra from US 395 into Yosemite National Park closes each year due to the tremendous snow accumulation the area receives each winter and spring. The highway on average closes in late October and remain closed through late spring and sometimes even into early summer. For current information on Tioga Pass, click here.
When is the best time to see the fall colors around Bishop?
Fall colors in the Eastern Sierra offer visitors a two month  window each fall to enjoy the diversity of stunning colors. The foliage begins to change colors in early September at the higher elevations and they last through late October in the lower elevations in Bishop. Our Fall Color Guide has complete visitor information on where the leaf peepers should go!

Also visit www.californiafallcolor.com for more information, pictures, and a calendar guide to when colors are changing throughout California.

Where’s the best place to go fishing?
The Eastern High Sierra offers some of the best Trout fishing in the West. From the high mountain lakes of Bishop Creek to the gently flowing Lower Owens River, Bishop offers a very special opportunity for all level of anglers. Our page on fishing the Bishop area has more details and locations including fishing reports and more!
Where do I stay while visiting?
The Bishop area offers a comfortable variety of lodging for visitors to the area. If you are looking for a good, clean economically priced room or rooms to spread out among well appointed surroundings, we have the right place for you. Click here for a complete list of available accommodations.
Do you have Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks information?
If you’re planning on visiting one of these national parks, we recommend you utilize Bishop as your starting point. Our visitor center offers information and maps for your visit. Be sure to check road conditions and weather before traveling.
Where can we go for off-highway exploration?
Vast public lands immediately surrounding the Bishop area offer some of the best off-highway opportunities in the West with major trails like Coyote Flat, Silver Canyon and Sand Canyon leading to hidden lakes, streams, campsites and beautiful scenery. Whether you are in your 4×4 truck, Jeep, SUV or on an ATV or motorcycle, the important thing is to stay on existing dirt roads and trails and not to drive or ride cross country. Stop in the Bishop Visitor Center, 690 N. Main Street and request a copy of guide Backroad Tours in the Eastern Sierra.
Where can we go Bouldering?
The Buttermilks, Happy and Sad Boulders, Druid Stones, Pollen Grains and many other world-class bouldering opportunities exist for all skill levels. For more information on bouldering in Bishop, just follow this link to your gateway to bouldering adventure.

FREE INFORMATION GUIDE

Bishop Visitor Guide

Flip through the pages of the new Bishop Information Guide! Or Download a FREE Visitor Guide or request one sent to your home today.

Archived Blog Posts