Bishop Visitor Logo

Bishop Visitor's Center

An hour or four in Bishop’s Big Backyard

An hour or four in Bishop's Big Backyard “Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows.” ~ Native American Proverb Itinerary ideas for a quick outdoor adventure break in the Eastern Sierra On the east side of the...
2020 Blake Jones Raffle Winners

2020 Blake Jones Raffle Winners

Winners Announced for 2020 Blake Jones Trout Derby – Bishop Chamber Thankful for Community Support! The 52nd annual Blake Jones Trout Derby is “in the books” and considering the challenging circumstances presented by Coronavirus, organizers have deemed it a success! In order to reduce risk to derby attendees, staff and volunteers, the Chamber cancelled the weigh-in and prize party and put all entries into one big raffle. “The fish had been stocked and prizes had been gathered,” explains Chamber Event Coordinator April Leeson. “We knew people wanted to fish and they love a chance to win prizes. We’re grateful we were able to modify this year’s event at the last minute.” 339 people entered this year’s contest.

Cycling the Eastern Sierra

Cycling the Eastern Sierra

We believe there is no other place on earth that offers as much opportunity to cycle year-round in one of the most topographically diverse and beautiful regions in our country. Our paved roads are lightly trafficked and a road cyclist can ride for many, many miles without encountering a traffic light or a stop sign. The abundance of dirt trails and tracks is almost endless with access to mountain biking rides ranging from super easy and leisurely, to highly technical and challenging — and everything in between.

Here’s why!

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Mountain Biking in the Eastern Sierra Do you love mountain biking? We bet you do. That’s why you’re on this page. Welcome! We think that there are few other places on earth that offer as much opportunity for year-round mountain biking than the Eastern...

Road Biking

The Eastern Sierra. We believe there is no other place on earth that offers as much opportunity for year-round road cycling as the Eastern Sierra. It is one of the most topographically diverse and beautiful landscapes in our country. Our paved roads are lightly trafficked and a road cyclist can ride for many, many miles without encountering a traffic light or a stop sign.

The 7 Wonders of the High Sierra

The 7 Wonders of the High Sierra

California’s High Sierra has some spectacular natural wonders and this article highlights jus a few: Emerald Bay, Yosemite Valley, the Giant Sequoias, KIng’s Canyon, Mono Lake, the Moaning Cavern, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. If you haven’t visited, these might have to go on your bucket list!

Ghost Mine in the Sky

Ghost Mine in the Sky

A look into the Pine Creek Tungsten Mine in Bishop, CA. Once, four hundred miners pulled tungsten from these mountains, working in three shifts, the Pine Creek Mine churning away twenty-four hours a day. It was known as the Mine in the Sky.

Art Matters

Art Matters Art Matters in Bishop Welcome to Bishop. Where art matters. We are passionate about the beauty of our big backyard and the creativity that flows from the love of this landscape and the closeness of our community. We encourage you to join us by taking some...

Waterfalls of the Eastern Sierra

Waterfalls Waterfalls of the Eastern Sierra We love waterfalls and we think you might too. So, we’re delighted you’ve found our page all about waterfalls in the Eastern Sierra. The sound and scene of flowing water, particularly when it’s falling over a rocky cliff or...

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest data-amp-travel-gallery-id="4449a63f-6c79-4bae-acd0-dad10d7fc687"data-amp-travel="gallery-container" The oldest living non-clonal organisms on the planet live near Bishop You’ve arrived. Well done! This...

Events

Event Hosting Create Your Special Event in BishopWhere wishes come true and beautiful memories are made.IntroThere’s a lot to consider when you plan a special event. One of the many details that could ensure your event is a great success … is the location! Bishop is...

Night Sky

Night Sky Night Sky Featured Events for California Stargazing A look at some of the top celestial events from the dark skies of the Eastern Sierra, Death Valley and High Desert of the Owens Valley. Don’t miss these amazing astronomical events: Top Celestial...

Stargazing Hotspot Guide

Where Stars Shine, Not Street Lamps – Stargazing Guide To Bishop Did you know that 80% of humanity can’t see the Milky Way? Fortunately, Bishop and its big backyard are home to some of the best stargazing spots in the country and gives you the opportunity to see...
A Morning or Afternoon in Bishop’s Big Backyard

A Morning or Afternoon in Bishop’s Big Backyard

Whether you’re a regular visitor or a traveler, you might find yourself in Bishop with a morning or an afternoon to yourself and wonder, “What should I do?”

Maybe you’d like to find something new or maybe you need to find out what you can do. We’ve created four short adventure possibilities – one for each season. So you get to try four fantastic experiences that could be the start a beautiful relationship with our big backyard.

50th Anniversary of Mule Days in Bishop

50th Anniversary of Mule Days in Bishop

The Mule Days Celebration in Bishop is 50 years old this year! Come kick up your heels at the greatest Mule Show on Earth, May 21st – 26th, 2019. Mules are known to have more stamina, have greater patience, and live longer than horses. They require less food than a horse of similar size, are more independent, and can walk greater distances without rest. They are also said to have higher intelligence than a horse. All-in-all the mule has inherited the best of each of its equine parents. Learn about the history of this amazing animal and why it is so important to our national heritage and local culture. Learn about its significance in the Eastern Sierra, the great American west, and many places around the world. It’s all right here!

The Most Isolated Place in the World

The Most Isolated Place in the World

First Place in the Mary Austin Prize for Writing contest Naiya Luna Warren Bishop High School Death Valley – full of gyrating heat waves, dusty landscapes that last an eternity contrasted with intermittent blips of apricot mallow and occasional swaths of desert...

Wildflowers

Wildflowers Wildflowers Where and when do wildflowers bloom in the Eastern Sierra? Click here for a virtual Wildflower tour Welcome! We have prepared some easy and quick directions for you to find great wildflowers in Southern California’s deserts and mountains. Click...
Wonderful Winter Women’s Weekend in Bishop

Wonderful Winter Women’s Weekend in Bishop

When it’s time to get the girlfriends together for a long weekend of play and pampering, head for the hills. The mountains … actually!

Bishop, California is located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra in a deep valley known as the Owens Valley. It is bounded to two magnificent mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada and the White and Inyo Mountains. We call this incredible space in and around our sweet town our ‘big backyard’ and a women’s winter weekend getaway is wildly wonderful. Take a look at this!

Why I keep coming back to Bishop, California

Why I keep coming back to Bishop, California

I’m not going to lie, I was stoked to return to Bishop, California. As in, I threw my arms around and did a little victory dance at my desk. Some places–like Bishop–just grab a hold of you, and though you’re traveling, they make you feel at...
Fish Stocking by the Bucket

Fish Stocking by the Bucket

A 2007 survey by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife counted 12,000 fish per mile in Hot Creek — one of the highest densities of wild trout in California. A follow-up in 2016 indicated the number had plummeted by a staggering 92 percent. Read more about the efforts to save this terrific fishery.

A Guide to Cardinal Mine in Bishop Creek Canyon

A Guide to Cardinal Mine in Bishop Creek Canyon

The history of mining in California is long and legendary. The Cardinal Mine, located on the North Fork of Bishop Creek just above the settlement of Aspendell, is a fascinating relic of gold mining in the Eastern Sierra. This is the perfect place for families, anglers, and nature lovers to explore.

Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site – Quick Guide

Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site – Quick Guide

A visit to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is a trip back in time to experience the daily life of the early settlers of the Owens Valley. Close to 50 authentic structures on eleven acres are filled with artifacts and original objects. Take a train ride on the old Death Valley car. Enjoy colorful, period-themed events and have a happy holiday with carol singing, storytelling and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Open daily – except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Bishop by the Water (Part 3)

Bishop by the Water (Part 3)

Photo: @lanedumm on Instagram “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water,” — Loren Eiseley. Payahǖǖnadǖ. “Place of flowing water.” (Numic) The place of flowing water is the Owens Valley, as it is now more commonly known. It was once a wet, flood...