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Responsible Travel Tips

Welcome Tips

Wooden archway with a sign reading "Thank You... Come Again" under a clear sky, bordered by two wagon wheels, set against the picturesque backdrop of Bishop, California in the Eastern Sierra. visit bishop

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome Tips To All Our Foreign Visitors 

While commercials, movies, and TV shows often portray California as nothing but beaches, palm trees, and celebrities, the Eastern Sierra offers a scenic experience in a different light. Its landscape evokes more of the Wild West charm than the glamour of Rodeo Drive. It’s a place that provides ample elbow room and an opportunity to return home feeling relaxed and re-energized. Here are a few tips to enhance your first visit to Bishop and explore what we affectionately refer to as our ‘big backyard.’ 

Make It A Road Trip 

Getting to Bishop is a breeze compared to other mountainous regions in California, especially if you’re traveling from Los Angeles. In fact, the journey here is part of your vacation! Nearly every year, US-395 is recognized as one of America’s finest road trip routes. 

Play In Our Big Backyard 

Bishop is renowned globally for its outdoor activities such as fishing, rock climbing, trail running, and landscape photography. It’s also an incredible destination for cycling, off-highway driving, stargazing, and auto touring. 

Do Explore Hollywood’s Backlot 

Despite being a few hours away from Los Angeles, movie directors have recognized the scenic beauty of this California region. Jaw-droppingly beautiful actually. In fact, hundreds of films have been shot here, with the star of the show being Alabama Hills. Don’t forget to explore Movie Road! 

Is There Snow In Bishop? 

Bishop sits at around 4,500 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountains, it seldom experiences snowfall, earning it the nickname ‘warm winter wonderland.’ While most days are sunny, the expansive landscape within an hour’s drive introduces various micro-climates. It might be sunny and warm in town, but up in the surrounding mountains, you can encounter snow-covered landscapes and cooler temperatures. 

Check In Before You Adventure 

Before diving into your day’s escapades, take a moment to check out our “know before you go page” for essential insights on road access based on the season of your visit. In a big snowfall year, some upper alpine lakes may still be covered in feet of snow, even as late as July. For added assurance, talk to the Visitor Center’s informed staff. They’re well-equipped to promptly provide the information you need, so you can enjoy your day worry-free. 

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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