Bishop

Bishop is the largest city in the Eastern Sierra region of California, offering the largest selection of accommodation and services.

Understand
Bishop and the beautiful Owens Valley have been described as "California's Hidden Treasure". Bishop is located in the middle of California, where Highways 6 and 395 intersect.

By bus
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) offers bus service from Ridgecrest to Reno with stops in every community along the way, including Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and others. The CREST bus service offers one-way or round-trip fares which are reasonably priced. Reservations are recommended. For current schedules, and fees, call +1 760 872-1901 or +1-800-922-1930, or visit the website.

By car
From southern California, northern California, or a major city in Nevada, you'll drive about 4 to 5 hours to reach Bishop. From any direction, the roads are well-maintained and the views are spectacular.

Highway 395 passes through Bishop as the main street.

From Los Angeles
Take Interstate 15 or Highway 14 north to Highway 395. Keep driving north through the high desert up the Owens Valley.

From Las Vegas
Take Highway 95 north, then travel west through Death Valley National Park or over Westguard Pass (Highway 168) to connect with US Highway 395, then head north a short while to Bishop.

From San Francisco
In the summer, drive eastbound through Yosemite National Park to connect U.S. Highway 395, then drive south about 60 minutes. During winter months, Tioga Pass (Highway 120) may be closed due to heavy snow, but Bishop is still accessible via Highway 50 or I-80, connecting with U.S. Highway 395 in the Carson City and Reno, Nevada area.

By plane
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines offer service to Mammoth Yosemite Airport - a 30-minute drive from Bishop.

By bus
The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) provides transit service throughout Inyo County and Mono County, and inter-city service as far north as Reno and as far south as Lancaster. For more information, call +1 760 872-1901 or +1 800-922-1930 (toll free), or visit at the website.

Car rentals

 * Enterprise Rental Cars in Bishop
 * Reno-Tahoe Airport Rental Car Agencies

On bike
The Eastside Bike Share has 20 cruiser bikes available at two stations for community members and visitors alike to check-out and ride around town on errands or for recreation. One station is located at the Toiyabe Bishop Clinic and the second station is located at the Bishop City Park.

Do




Rock climbing
Bishop is near some of the best rock climbing and bouldering areas in North America. The three bouldering areas that are near the town of Bishop, the Happy Boulders, the Sad Boulders, and The Buttermilk Country.

The Happy Boulders contains over 450 established boulder problems, ranging from VB to V10. Some of the most classic and notable problems include The Hulk, Atari, and Action Figure. The Happy Boulders are located in a narrow canyon. The climbing is done, primarily on freestanding boulders within the canyon, but there are also many amazing problems along the rim of the canyon. There are many different varieties of problems, with everything from slabs to roofs. The rock is volcanic and highly featured. The rock creates many positive holds, ranging from large flakes to small pockets and everything in between. They are approximately five miles north of the town of Bishop. The only way to access the bouldering area is by driving down chalk bluff road. There is a parking area, and then a short five to ten minute hike into the area.

The Sad Boulders area is located quite close to the Happy Boulders, and is accessed from the same road, Chalk Bluff Rd. The Sad Boulders is becoming a much more developed area, with many great problems being established.

The Buttermilks boulder area can be broken into two areas, the Pollen Grains and the Peabodys. The Pollen Grains is a collection of approximately 20 free-standing boulders. There are many high-ball problems at varying difficulties. There are over 60 problems in total, ranging from VB to V9. Some of the classic problems include Suspended in Silence, the Beekeeper's Apprentice, and Jedi Mind Tricks. The Peabodys is a much larger bouldering area, and for that reason a much higher traffic area. The area has over 300 problems, ranging from VB to V12. Some of the classics include the Iron Man Traverse, Soul Slinger, and Hero Roof. One of the most interesting, if not classic problems is an unrated problem on the womb boulder known as A Birthing Experience. You really have to see it worked to understand.

Buy
Bishop has a number of antique and retail stores.

Go next

 * Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake are to the north along US Route 395.