Geographic Location
Located in Inyo County on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, about halfway between two of our nation’s most visited and impressive National Parks, Death Valley National Park and Yosemite National Park, Bishop is the perfect home base for exploring these and other stunning attractions and activities.
An incredible 98% of Inyo County’s land is publicly owned, encompassing over 6 million acres available for recreation.
Climate
Bishop is bathed in sunshine for more than 330 days a year.
In winter the average daily highs are between 50-60 degrees and lows seldom drop much below freezing at night. Summer temperatures hover in the mid- to upper-90s during the day and drop refreshingly to mid-50s at night—typical for a desert environment. Spring produces wildflowers and fall creates a dazzling fall color show—both of which have long color seasons due to the diverse topography of the region.
The average annual rainfall in Bishop is a little under 6-inches and, in winter, an average of 6‑inches of snow per year falls in town.
Major Attractions
Many attractions are notable for their iconic and superlative characteristics such as highest, lowest, hottest, oldest, and more -ESTs, all showcased in our Eastern Sierra Tour (EST) here. Many more attractions are unique for their remarkable qualities such as:
World-class Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will find an abundance of world-class activities, including hiking, climbing, fishing and hunting, trail-running, cycling, auto-touring, and snow sports, while history buffs can delve into the region’s fascinating past.
Community
A population of approximately 11,000 in the greater Bishop area contributes to a close-knit and welcoming community.
Beyond its natural attributes, Bishop boasts unique character and charm. The town’s vibrant arts community, coupled with its Western heritage, creates a distinctive atmosphere. This welcoming, walkable town features a delightful mix of lodging, family-run restaurants, galleries, retail shops, and entertainment that offers a blend of traditional hospitality and modern amenities.
Transportation
Bishop offers convenient commercial air service with seasonal flights from San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN). This new service enhances accessibility to the Eastern Sierra, connecting visitors to a region renowned for outdoor recreation. With flight durations about an hour from SFO, travelers can quickly immerse themselves in a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, climbing, biking, and sightseeing.
Bishop is centrally located along US Highway 395 at the junction with US Highway 6. Typical travel time to Bishop from major cities in Southern or Northern California, as well as Nevada, is 4.5 to 5 hours. These, and other connecting highways, are well-maintained roads offering stunning scenic views and easy access to notable landmarks and features. The journey itself is a rewarding part of a trip to the region.
Facts & Figures
More details about Bishop, the Owens Valley, Inyo County, and the Eastern Sierra.
