Buttermilk Country

Home of Highballs

Buttermilk Country is legendary. It has earned international acclaim as a world-class bouldering destination. It’s fondly called the “Buttermilks” or simply the “milks” by climbers who flock here from around the globe to test their skills on the seemingly endless array of “problems” – climbing routes that range from beginner-friendly scrambles to incredibly challenging feats of strength and technique. The sheer variety and quality of the rock make it a bouldering paradise.

Geographically, Buttermilk Country is a high desert expanse, a rolling terrain studded with colossal boulders known as glacial erratics. They’re not just any rocks; they’re giants, some towering over 40‑feet, plucked from the Sierra Nevada mountains four miles away and deposited here by ancient glaciers over 2.5‑million‑years‑ago. Imagine the sheer power of ice capable of transporting such immense stones!

Tracks and Trails

Beyond climbing the area offers a wealth of recreation. Miles of dirt tracks and single-track trails weave through the landscape, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll, a flowing trail run, or an adrenaline-pumping ride through the Buttermilks and adjacent Tungsten Hills, you’ll find it here.

The Buttermilks and Tungstens appear to be foothills of the Sierra Nevada, but they are much older than the massive mountains nearby. Covering almost 20 square miles, this area is a geological marvel. Its unique geological history creates a surreal and captivating environment.  It’s close to town, but it feels wild and remote; and the spectacular views are like nothing anywhere else in the world.

The area’s cultural history is as fascinating as its geology. Once, the rough and rocky Buttermilk Road served as a dairy route, where legend has it that the bumpy ride churned fresh milk into buttermilk. The dairy is long gone, and the landscape has returned to its pristine state, allowing visitors to experience the same wild beauty that early travelers once marveled at.

In the Tungsten Hills a different chapter of history is marked by the remnants of early 1900s tungsten mining. This mineral-rich area offers unique rockhounding opportunities, with red garnets and quartz crystals to be discovered. The area is also part of a larger Off‑Highway Vehicle (OHV) system, making it a fantastic spot for dirt biking and off-road adventures.

Recreate Responsibly

Respect for the pristine natural environment of the Eastern Sierra ensures its beauty endures for future generations. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Please pack it in and pack it out. Trails weave through habitats, offering a glimpse into the wild heart of our big backyard, yet your passage should not leave scars. Please keep to existing trails to minimize the impact to the environment.

Buttermilk Country is dog‑friendly. Make sure your dog is always under your control, either by leash or voice commands. Be aware that rattlesnakes live here, so be on the lookout for your kids and dogs. Always observe wildlife from a distance and never feed or disturb animals.

Getting to the Milks

From downtown Bishop drive west on Highway 168 (W. Line St.) for 8‑miles to the junction of Buttermilk Rd and turn right. The road turns to gravel in 400-feet just beyond the cattle guard and 12‑miles further you will find yourself in the heart of Buttermilk County. All along Buttermilk Rd, up to and beyond the bouldering area, numerous roads and tracks lead off into the hills and alongside the creeks, boulders, and ridges of this diverse landscape.

Buttermilk Rd. may be closed seasonally due to heavy snow or rain or it may require 4-wheel drive with high clearance at times. It often develops rutting and washboarding due to its dry, granular surface. You can help to minimize this condition by keeping your speed low. Know before you go what to expect. Stop at the Bishop Information Center and ask about current road conditions.

Always park in existing clearings and please don’t crush the brush. Be sure to know what fire regulations are in effect when you visit and always adhere to all fire restrictions.

A Sanctuary for Body and Soul

Buttermilk Country is more than just a playground for adventure; it’s a sanctuary.

Spring brings a symphony of birdsong and the delicate blossoms of desert peach and bitterbrush, while autumn paints the landscape with the golden hues of sagebrush and attracts herds of mule deer. The crisp winter air and solid granite make for ideal climbing conditions. And the night sky is a magnificent sight to see.

With towering mountain peaks, starlit skies, and a rich blend of geology and history, a journey through Buttermilk Country is one that rejuvenates the soul and ignites the spirit of adventure.