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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

  • Bishop, California

    Buttermilk OHV Road

    5.0
    14.73 mi / 2802 ft gain
    Buttermilk OHV Road is a point-to-point trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Bishop, California.
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  • 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...
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  • Bishop, California

    Snowshoe to Blue Lake

    6.2 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Camp at Pleasant Valley Pit

    3.5
    Pleasant 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...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Camp in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

    4.0
    The 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...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Photograph the Bristlecone Pine Forest

    5.0
    To 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. ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Schulman Grove and Methuselah Grove Loop

    5.0
    5.14 mi / 1070 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Methuselah Trail

    5.0
    3.96 mi / 768 ft gain
    Methuselah Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Bishop, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Photography in the ButterMilks

    5.0
    The 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...
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  • Bishop, California

    Bouldering In The Buttermilks

    5.0
    The 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...
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  • Big Pine, California

    Trout Fishing in the Owens River

    3.0
    Surrounded 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...
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  • Bishop, California

    Patriarch Grove Trail

    0.44 mi / 95 ft gain
    Patriarch Grove Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Bishop, California.
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  • Bishop, California

    Hike to Emerald Lakes

    7.2 mi / 1719 ft gain
    If 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...
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  • Bishop, California

    Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin

    8.53 mi / 2165 ft gain
    Gorgeous 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 ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin

    30 mi / 3375 ft gain
    Before 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...
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Camping and Lodging in Bishop

Grandview Campground
White Mountain Road

Grandview Campground

Bishop Park Group
Bishop, California

Bishop Park Group

Cedar Flat Group Campground
Big Pine, California

Cedar Flat Group Campground

Table Mountain (Inyo)
South Lake Road

Table Mountain (Inyo)

Big Pine Canyon
Big Pine, California

Big Pine Canyon

Big Pine Creek Campground
Big Pine, California

Big Pine Creek Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Bishop

Backpacking the Eastern Sierra's Evolution Loop

Backpacking the Eastern Sierra's Evolution Loop

Kristen Fuller

Backpacking into the Eastern Sierra: Honeymoon Lake via Piute Pass

Backpacking into the Eastern Sierra: Honeymoon Lake via Piute Pass

Kristen Fuller

On the John Muir Trail Northbound with MT Sobek

On the John Muir Trail Northbound with MT Sobek

Sonja Saxe

Drinkin’ from the Devil's Punchbowl

Drinkin’ from the Devil's Punchbowl

Masa Kato

Timelapsing Kings Canyon

Timelapsing Kings Canyon

The Outbound Collective

Tips for Stand Up Paddlers With Dogs

Tips for Stand Up Paddlers With Dogs

Kristen Fuller