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More Bishop Attractions

More Bishop Attractions

Visitor Experiences


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Here are more ideas for fun and exciting things to do in the Bishop area!

Mono Lake

The ancient saline lake just on the east side of Yosemite National Park- turns a greenish color in the winter and spring due to the algae blooms that grow in its murky depths. The algae use decayed, organic matter and sunlight to grow. A food source for trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies, Mono Lake clears up in the hum of summertime when these populations are at their peak and feeding on the algae. 

 
In recent years, Mono Lake has stayed green throughout the summer. The summer of 2023’s clearing of the water has been a relief- you can see 15ft down! Mono Lake is clearer than it has been in over a decade! It is still unknown what exactly drives these changes, but we are guessing this year’s voluminous runoff has something to do with it.
 
@_sierra_forever_ #monolake #monolakeca

Coyote Flat

This steep, rocky, dirt road is for high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATVs, and mountain bikes only. This ultimately scenic area, just southwest of Bishop, offers an “off-the-beaten-path” place for your day-long excursion 10,000 feet into a remote mountain region. Primitive camping is available here. It also offers easy access to park and hike to Thunder & Lightening Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. To get there, take Barlow Lane south from Line St. (SR 168), then right on Underwood Lane to where it begins to curve right to become Reata Rd. Head northwest at the dirt road, take the first major dirt road heading west. Due to snow, the road is mostly impassable until late spring or early summer. On a mountain bike, you may find the road extremely difficult, very steep and rocky with no water for the first 9 miles. Please stay on the road and tread lightly, and use discretion when entering the Coyote Flat region.

Owens River

The beautiful and calm waters of the Owens River has a mystique all its own. From the quietest sunrise to the sound filled wildlife abounding sunsets the Owens River brings you the splendor of the valley plus year-round fishing! The river is planted with big trophy trout by the Bishop Chamber and stocked by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. To get to the Owens River, take any number of roads east out of Bishop for two miles or so on average and find yourself among the wildlife and wild lands of the Owens Valley. Fishing, biking, photography, and birding are the short list of activities and exciting discoveries awaiting you. Follow the dirt roads that parallel the river and pick your own great fishing spot! For those interested in floating the river please stop by the Bishop Visitor Center.

Bishop Creek Recreational Area

A striking example of Sierra scenery and a fisherman’s paradise, Bishop Creek Canyon is located just 16 miles west of downtown Bishop, offering you a wide array of fantastic adventures. Take SR 168 (West Line St. ) from downtown Bishop and be prepared with camera in hand for hiking, biking and simply great camping opportunities. Take a day or take the week, there is enough adventure for the entire family. Be sure to visit this area during late September through early October to enjoy the spectacular changing of the fall colors. Bright golden yellows and crimson will fill your camera and heart with the sunshine only nature brings. We hope you find your way to Bishop Creek today!

Chalk Bluff and Volcanic Tablelands

Head North out of Bishop and in just a few minutes you will find yourself in the Volcanic Tablelands that formed 750,000 years ago by enormous eruptions of glowing volcanic ash. Today the tablelands and the area knows as Chalk Bluff at their southern edge, is an outdoor enthusiast’s delight. Exploring, hiking, birding, photography, and bouldering – you’ll find all that and more in this area. The Happy and Sad Boulders have become popular with climbers. The Owens River running along the base of the tablelands at Chalk Bluff, is open year-round to fishing. A portion of this section of the rivers is designated as a Wild Tout area with special regulations. The Volcanic Tablelands and Fish Slough area offer vast vistas and ancient Indian Petroglyphs (rock carvings). From Bishop, Take Highway 6 North for one mile then turn left on Five Bridges Road. Pass through the gravel plant then turn right on Fish Slough Road where the road forks at the dead trees.

The link below is a short description of the Fish Slough Petroglyphs North of Bishop on the Petroglyph Loop.  It is narrated by an outstanding archaeologist by the name of Kirk Halford.  Did you know that the Fish Slough was originally recorded by anthropologists in 1882 and is over 5,000 years old – Click below for the Brochure Map or pick up a copy at the Visitor Center.

In the Field at Fish Slough with Kirk Halford video.

Owens River Gorge

Climbers will find routes of all description in the Owens River Gorge. In the spring the rim of the Gorge is teeming with wildflowers. And Fishermen will find feisty trout in the Owens River – open all year in this section, in the bottom of the gorge. From Bishop, drive approximately 14 miles north on Highway 395. Take the Gorge Road East, turn left (north) on the Gorge Parallel Road.

Rock Creek

Take the High road or take the Low road, just get to Rock Creek Canyon. Year round adventure and outdoor excitement await everyone. Fishing, camping and winter time snow adventure. Cross country skiing and amusing snow park will delight the young and young at heart.

Lower Rock Creek

Lower Rock Creek is known with hikers and mountain bikers alike for it’s beautiful trail that runs alongside Rock Creek.