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BikingRock ClimbingTrail Running

Best Place for Fitness Vacations in the US – Bishop and its Big Backyard

rock climbing in Bishop California

Feeling drained from work or your daily routine? You need a break, a real one. Time to unplug, de-stress, and recharge. But if you’ve just signed up for a marathon or finally hit your fitness goals, the last thing you want is to lose progress. That’s where fitness vacations come in. It’s the perfect way to stay active, start a new training program, and still unwind in one of the most beautiful places on Earth: Bishop, California. Here’s why Bishop is one of the best destinations in the U.S. for a fitness-focused getaway.

World Athletes Call this Home

famous trail runners that call the Eastern Sierra home
Photo by @dirtDiva333 – The Dirt Diva herself running through the Eastern Sierra

They say the proof is in the pudding. And nothing proves Bishop is perfect for a fitness vacation more than the elite athletes who live and train here.

Endurance pros like “Dirt Diva” Catra Corbett and Jeff Kozak use Bishop’s high-altitude terrain and vast trail networks, like the Tungsten Hills, to push their limits. Meanwhile, a crew of local mountain runners created this guide to the Eastside with amazing trails that run up and down the Sierra.

And it’s not just runners. World-class climbers such as Kate Rutherford and Katie Lambert, spend time here taking advantage of Bishop’s legendary climbing.

Easy Access to BIG Training Grounds

road cycling in the Eastern Sierra
Other places might have great paved roads… but do they have ones that have almost NO cars? Photo by: @eastsideVelo

No matter your outdoor passion, you’ll find it right outside your door in Bishop. Runners and hikers can choose from a trail lover’s paradise—ranging from scenic high desert loops to winding paths through shaded conifer forests. Ultra runners can push their limits on iconic routes curated by local expert Jeff Kozak.

Prefer two wheels? Cyclists will discover some of the best car-free roads in the country, from relaxing scenic rides to climbs worthy of the Tour de France. And for climbers, while Bishop offers a variety of world-class rock climbing, it’s the thousands of bouldering problems—especially in Buttermilk Country—that truly put it on the map. Here’s 6 ½ reasons why Bishop’s rock climbing is awesome.

Ideal Year-Round Weather for Training

Training in rain or snow? No thanks. Fortunately, Bishop’s high desert climate offers over 330 days of sunshine a year. That makes us a prime destination for staying active outdoors. No matter when you visit, you can find the perfect conditions with just a short drive.

On hot summer days, trail runners and cyclists head 20 minutes into the mountains to cool off. In winter, rock climbers from around the world come to test their skills on Bishop’s famous boulders. That’s why we call it a warm winter wonderland. No matter the season, Bishop’s weather makes it the ideal spot for fitness vacations.

Written by:

Alex Silgalis

Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.

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