Bishop

Bishop

Where West Meets Wild

The Deepest Valley

Bishop lies in a broad, deep valley in California. It’s said to be the deepest valley in the United States. This vast arid landscape flanked by two massive mountain ranges, looming 14,000-feet above sea level, appears as if time has stood still. Massive boulders lie scattered on the valley floor at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, like marbles from a prehistoric giant’s game.

Wild and Wonderful

The wild and wonderful Owens River has been a year-round, world-class fishing destination for more than 100-years. In the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada the tall mountain peaks and miles of trails have beckoned hikers from around the world for decades. Today this untamed landscape is also a winter mecca for bouldering, rock climbing, and trail running. There’s ample space and opportunity for biking, hiking, motor-touring, or just simply relaxing.

Warm Winter Wonderland

In the winter when snow blankets the Sierra and pummels Mammoth Mountain, a mere 45-minute drive up the hill, Bishop is the small town with a big backyard that is bathed in sunshine with average temperatures in the 50s. Treat yourself to a dip in Keough’s Hot Springs, a rustic resort, just south of town, that’s been around since 1919.

From the glowing tones of yellow, orange, gold, and magenta when the leaves turn in Fall to the vibrant colors of wildflowers in Spring to the vivid colors of the setting sun on ephemeral clouds, color is everywhere in this large and luscious landscape.

Sage. Summit. Sky.

The Eastern Sierra has some of the most topographically diverse and beautiful landscapes on the continent, which is why it is one of the most photographed regions in our country! It still has incredibly dark, clear skies. The amazing spectacle of the Milky Way and an intensely sparkling, starry night sky is a magnificent sight to behold.

Traditional territory of the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) First People

Long before settlers and gold miners came to the Owens Valley the indigenous people of this land lived here for thousands of years. We acknowledge this land is the traditional territory of the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) First People who called this broad fertile valley, Payahǖǖnadǖ—the Place of Flowing Water. We honor and respect the elders both past and present and the members who continue to steward this land for the future.

Everyone is invited.

Today, Bishop is the largest town and the commercial center of Inyo County. It has a population of about 11,250 (more than half that of the entire county) and the most diverse offering of hotels, campgrounds, restaurants and coffee shops, bakeries, brewery, distillery, salons and spas, art galleries, gear and grocery stores, and gas stations. Guests from around the world are welcomed to this charming western town with high-speed internet access, lodging for every budget and dining for every taste.

All set in the most stunning scenery one can imagine.

Come discover this delightful town and magnificent backyard for yourself!

Headshot Gigi de Jong

Author: Gigi de Jong

Hi! I’m Gigi.

I’m madly in love with the Eastern Sierra. I’ve lived in Bishop for almost 20-years, exploring and experiencing the Eastside of California. For the past 8-years I’ve published articles about my gorgeous hometown and all there is to do here. Countless hours of investigating, photographing, videoing, and, best of all, enjoying the Eastern Sierra has produced a treasure trove of content that just gets bigger and better.

I’d like to share it with you.

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