Bishop, California
Bishop, California is a great destination for outdoor activities and attractions. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east, Bishop offers a wide array of outdoor activities. For those who enjoy rock climbing, the Buttermilk Boulders and the Happy and Sad Boulders in the Volcanic Tablelands are popular destinations. These areas are not only for climbers but also offer scenic hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and opportunities for bird watching and photography. Bishop Creek Canyon, southwest of Bishop, is a natural wonderland of mountains, lakes, streams, forests, and waterfalls. It's a great place for camping, fishing, and simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Bishop has something for everyone, ensuring you get the most out of your trip and the beauty of nature.
Top Spots in and near Bishop
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Bishop, California
Buttermilk OHV Road
5.014.73 mi / 2802 ft gainButtermilk OHV Road is a point-to-point trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Bishop, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Keough Hot Springs Creek
...As many of us enjoy a good hot spring to relax in, I think most will agree that it’s even better when it’s free and out in nature. If you decide to have a little bit more of a luxurious hot spring experience, you can continue to take that road about another mile to the Keough Hot Springs campi...Read more -
Bishop, California
Snowshoe to Blue Lake
6.2 mi / 1350 ft gainStarting in Aspendale at 8500 feet, this 5 mile hike is very invigorating and beautiful. To get here, take hwy 395 until in Bishop. Turn onto hwy 168 until you pass the small town of Aspendale. The road dead ends about another mile up the road and you can park. Walk past the yellow gate toward la...Read more -
Bishop, California
BLM Horton Creek Campgrounds
Great find! Close to Buttermilks and town. Clean vault toilets but bring your own water. The time we went there the pumps were not working. Each site has fire rings, picnic tables and latern hooks. It can get pretty windy and exposed, so bring the appropriate gear. The campground has 49 tent/RV ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Camp at Pleasant Valley Pit
3.5Pleasant Valley Pit offers 75 sites, fires outside camping area need a permit, a dumpster is in the campground, 4 vault toilets, no water, some tables, fire rings. To get here, head 0.5 miles off of the Pleasant Valley Road. $2 per vehicle. Learn more at blm.govThis campground is dog-friendly, bu...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Camp in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
4.0The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located in Central California quite close to the Nevada Border in the White Mountains. A short drive South from Bishop, you will come to the small town of Big Pine where there are signs leading you left on HWY 168 to the forest. You will need a decent vehicl...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Photograph the Bristlecone Pine Forest
5.0To get to the goods head east out of Big Pine, CA on Hwy 168 into the mountains for 13 miles. Turn left (north) on White Mountain Road to the Bristlecone Pine Forest. The road winds through a beautiful forest of Pinyon Pines and Western Junipers and leads to amazing views of the rugged Sierras. ...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Schulman Grove and Methuselah Grove Loop
5.05.14 mi / 1070 ft gainThe Schulman Grove and Methuselah Grove Loop in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, located in the White Mountains, is where the 4,847-year-old Methuselah tree grows, the oldest living non-clonal organism in the world. If you're going to make hiking the Methuselah Grove more than a day trip and ...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Methuselah Trail
5.03.96 mi / 768 ft gainThe Methuselah Trail in California’s Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is known for its incredible views and ancient trees, particularly the famous Methuselah tree. The trails are well-maintained on this moderate-difficulty loop, which takes you through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes. The ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Photography in the ButterMilks
5.0The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bouldering In The Buttermilks
5.0The Buttermilks is a historical climbing area that is home to some of the worlds most famous rock climbs. It is located at the base of the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, CA. In this region there are 3 main bouldering areas: The Happies, The Sads, and The Buttermilks.The Buttermilks are massive gr...Read more -
Big Pine, California
Trout Fishing in the Owens River
3.0Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada, Inyo, and White Mountains, the Owens River Valley is picturesque and home to some quality trout fishing on the Owens River. If you like to pair photography with fishing then this is the ideal location for you - the color pallet is beautiful, especially in the wint...Read more -
Bishop, California
Patriarch Grove Trail
0.44 mi / 95 ft gainPatriarch Grove Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Bishop, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike to Emerald Lakes
7.2 mi / 1719 ft gainIf you are considering this hike, then I am sure you are already familiar with the undeniable beauty that the Eastern Sierra radiates. Any season, any time- it is there. One of my particular favorites for a day hike to experience this beauty is the trek to Emerald Lake outside of Bishop.From Bish...Read more -
Bishop, California
Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin
8.52 mi / 2205 ft gainGorgeous and sizable alpine lakes beyond Blue Lake via Sabrina Basin trail. There are some very confusing descriptions on the internet for this so hopefully this can help. Hike for 3 miles to get to Blue Lake, which is huge and a popular camping spot for backpackers. Continue past the lake (it ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin
30 mi / 3375 ft gainBefore heading out, you will need to get a backpacking permit to stay overnight in this area. You can buy one here to pick up in town at the Bishop, CA Ranger Station, in the morning.The trailhead begins at North Lake campground (9,345'), in a beautiful lush area, with streams and aspen groves. A...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Bishop
White Mountain Road
Grandview Campground
Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a t...
Bishop, California
Bishop Park Group
Overview
Families, friends and special interest groups enjoy Bishop Park for its access to prime fishing and its serene setting on Bishop...
Big Pine, California
Cedar Flat Group Campground
Overview
Cedar Flat Group sites are popular with academic institutions for geology field trips. With no nearby light sources, the night s...
South Lake Road
Table Mountain (Inyo)
Overview
Table Mountain Group Campground is located 18 miles southwest of Bishop, California, along the South Fork of Bishop Creek. Here,...
Big Pine, California
Big Pine Canyon
Overview
Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area includes two group campground sites. Named for glaciers that can be seen at the end of the valle...
Big Pine, California
Big Pine Creek Campground
Overview
Big Pine Creek Campground, surrounded by sprawling meadows and towering trees, is perfectly situated in the scenic Big Pine Cany...
