Field Guide to Visiting Bishop in the Fall and Winter

Spring and summer offer plenty of fun things to see and do. But those in the know will tell you the best time to visit Bishop is actually fall and winter. With its stunning fall foliage and unique opportunity to climb in a t-shirt one day and ski powder the next, Bishop transforms into the ultimate “choose your own adventure” destination. 

Get Inspired 

This time of year really highlights Bishop’s unique topography. That’s why it’s affectionately called the “warm” winter wonderland. While there may be feet of snow at higher elevations above 6,000’, down in Owens Valley, you’ll find a sunny locale that receives 330 days of sunshine and temperatures in the 50s and 60s throughout the coldest months. Winter shouldn’t be called “winter” here. It’s more like “All Season,” as it’s the perfect time for activities from skiing to fishing. Not sure where to start? Explore our “Things to Do” homepage or browse our collection of story maps to plan your perfect fall or winter getaway. 

Where to Stay 

Now that you’re inspired to plan a trip, the next question is: Where do you want to stay? If you’d prefer to park the car after a day of adventuring, consider booking one of the many downtown lodging options, all within easy walking distance to amenities such as breweries, restaurants, and other fun evening activities. You’ll even find ones that the kids can enjoy, like a night out at the fully restored Bishop Twin Theatre. 

Explore the full list of lodging options in Bishop. 

Knowledge is Power 

While the weather in Owens Valley might be perfect during the cooler months, it can also affect your travel plans. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Start by visiting Bishop’s guide on how to use the webcams to check conditions and plan your trip. 

Once you’re here, there are several pages that provide up-to-date information on current conditions so you can make the most of the season’s experiences and have the best time possible. If you’re here to see fall colors, check out our Fall Colors Report for the latest updates. Planning on climbing? Get the latest conditions by visiting the Climbing Conditions Report or Ice Climbing Report. Finally, if you’re venturing into the backcountry for snowshoeing or backcountry skiing, be sure to check the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for the daily snowpack report. 

With these trip ideas, tools, and guides, we guarantee you’ll have a blast visiting Bishop this upcoming season.