What to do: Nature Seekers 

It’s been proven time and again that spending time in nature is good for your well-being. If you’re looking for one of the best places to connect with nature, Bishop and its surrounding areas should be at the top of your list. To help you get started, here are four ways to immerse yourself in the region’s beauty. 

Gaze upon California’s Tule Elk 

The wildlife that calls the Eastern Sierra home are as dramatic as the landscape itself, including the Tule Elk. Hunted to near extinction after the Gold Rush, they were reintroduced to the Owens Valley and are now thriving. One of the best places to catch a glimpse is about seven miles south of Big Pine on US-395, near Tinnemaha Creek. Keep an eye out for them in the irrigated lands. For more information about the Tule Elk and other wildlife, visit Bishop’s Wildlife Guide. 

Walk Between Two Ancient Bristlecone Pines 

Bishop offers a wealth of hiking options, which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who prefers a more leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone. A great starting point is the Methuselah National Recreation Loop Trail in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Here you can get an up-close view of the oldest living organisms on Earth. 

Due to its high elevation (above 10,000 feet), the trail is often inaccessible until late spring. If you’re visiting in winter or early spring, the Mobius Arch Trail in the Alabama Hills is the perfect alternative, featuring stunning, otherworldly natural arches. 

Set off on an Auto Tour 

Even if hiking feels like too much, Bishop offers unique ways for everyone—regardless of age or physical ability—to experience nature. One of the best options is the Big Loop Auto Tour. This 62-mile route, a mix of paved and dirt roads, provides the perfect introduction to what Bishop and its stunning surroundings have to offer. 

Unplug And Connect with Nature by Camping 

For those looking to reconnect with nature, camping in Bishop is a great option. It encourages you to unplug from the digital world and immerse yourself in the natural one. Thanks to Bishop’s vast landscape, camping is possible year-round. In winter, rock climbers flock to the Pit Campground for its easy access to bouldering. Spring camping offers unique experiences, like having your own private, natural hot spring-fed hot tub at Benton Hot Springs Resort. And in summer, the high country around Bishop Creek becomes the ultimate camping destination. 

As life keeps us indoors more than ever, Bishop is the perfect destination to step outside, soak up some sunlight, and reconnect with nature.