Bishop is a warm winter wonderland

Winter is Wonderful

While the snow piles high on the mountains all winter, Bishop is warm. The valley is bathed in sunshine an average of 335 days a year and the average daily highs in winter, between 50-60 degrees, keep the sidewalks and streets clear of slippery snow and ice. The winter air is crisp and exceptionally clear and the snow-covered mountains that rise dramatically above this charming western town are a magnificent sight to behold.

We think we have the best of both worlds – easy access to some of the best backcountry snow play in the state in Bishop Creek Canyon AND easy proximity to one of California’s best ski resorts, Mammoth Mountain. Add to that; world-class winter fishing, climbing, trail-running, road and mountain biking, and OHV driving. All in our big backyard.

Hike. Fish. Climb. Trail Run. Cycle. Relax. Repeat.

Winter in the Eastern Sierra is wild and wonderful and always unpredictable. One thing is for certain, you can now fly here from Denver and San Francisco! 

The region is well-known worldwide as a premier hiking destination. In summer, the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail, and the hike up to the highest point on the continental US, Mt. Whitney, are major draws for hikers from around the world. In winter when the mountains and foothills are covered in feet of snow, or just getting a dusting, there are many wonderful hiking trails at the lower elevations to satisfy even the most intrepid hiker.

Bishop is also well known as a world-class fly-fishing destination. Winter fishing is fantastic. Fly, bait, and lure fishing are legal all year long in the Lower Owens River, in Pleasant Valley Reservoir, and in many canals that course down the Sierra Nevada into the Owens Valley. Several ponds and reservoirs offer handicapped-accessible fishing piers that are easily accessible by car.

Climbing in Bishop is world renowned. Ranging from bouldering to sport climbing to trad climbing it’s world-class. Grades range from easy to expert with several locations close to town. Winter is when some of the best climbing happens and experienced climbers gather here to practice their skills.

Road Trip

Winter in Bishop and the lower elevations of Inyo County are seldom covered in snow for any length of time and our roads are hardly ever icy. A road trip around our very big backyard will yield some of the most impressive sights in our state and on this earth. Tour the Alabama Hills, an evocative landscape of rounded rocks, rock arches, and the majestic snow-capped Sierra Nevada. It’s a place where Hollywood history has been made. Visit Death Valley. A trip here reveals evidence of our planetary upheavals and the extremes of our natural world.

Winter in Bishop is warm and welcoming and our big backyard is wild and exciting.

Video Tour of Bishop in Winter

Why Bishop is Best in Winter

Full Video by Ken Eztel

When Climbers Go Skiing