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About the Author: Gigi

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Gigi is “crazy mad in love with Bishop.” Since moving here in 2006 she has made it her mission to participate in as many of the outdoor activities as possible. She learned to snowboard, improved upon her very average climbing skills, took long hikes, has driven up and down innumerable mountain roads and 4x4 tracks, cycled and occasionally tumbled down mountain bike trails, taken to the roads on a bicycle or motorcycle – sometimes for fun and sometimes to commute, and successfully completed her first attempt at a triathlon. She spent 10 months touring the western US and Canada on a bicycle and after 4,000 plus miles returned to Bishop – for the beauty of the place and the spirit of the community. “My soul belongs here,” she says.

Bishop Visitor Blog Posts by Gigi:

Stargazing in the Eastern Sierra

Stargazing in the Eastern Sierra

Did you know that there are countless children and adults who have never seen the Milky Way? Experts say that 80% of North Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to see, at least once in a lifetime, the amazing spectacle of the Milky Way and an intensely sparkling, starry night sky.

The heart of the Eastern Sierra is perfectly situated for a brilliant night sky experience. Take a look at our interactive night sky page and plan your trip now.

A Morning or Afternoon in Bishop’s Big Backyard

A Morning or Afternoon in Bishop’s Big Backyard

Whether you’re a regular visitor or a traveler, you might find yourself in Bishop with a morning or an afternoon to yourself and wonder, “What should I do?”

Maybe you’d like to find something new or maybe you need to find out what you can do. We’ve created four short adventure possibilities – one for each season. So you get to try four fantastic experiences that could be the start a beautiful relationship with our big backyard.

50th Anniversary of Mule Days in Bishop

50th Anniversary of Mule Days in Bishop

The Mule Days Celebration in Bishop is 50 years old this year! Come kick up your heels at the greatest Mule Show on Earth, May 21st – 26th, 2019. Mules are known to have more stamina, have greater patience, and live longer than horses. They require less food than a horse of similar size, are more independent, and can walk greater distances without rest. They are also said to have higher intelligence than a horse. All-in-all the mule has inherited the best of each of its equine parents. Learn about the history of this amazing animal and why it is so important to our national heritage and local culture. Learn about its significance in the Eastern Sierra, the great American west, and many places around the world. It’s all right here!

Wonderful Winter Women’s Weekend in Bishop

Wonderful Winter Women’s Weekend in Bishop

When it’s time to get the girlfriends together for a long weekend of play and pampering, head for the hills. The mountains … actually!

Bishop, California is located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra in a deep valley known as the Owens Valley. It is bounded to two magnificent mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada and the White and Inyo Mountains. We call this incredible space in and around our sweet town our ‘big backyard’ and a women’s winter weekend getaway is wildly wonderful. Take a look at this!

Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center

Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center

The Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center is both a museum and cultural center that serves the community and safeguards its history. It is a place to preserve and tell the story of the old ways and a place for the community to come together to learn, teach and continue the traditional ways. The exhibits in the museum are beautifully illustrated snapshots of the lives…

A Guide to Cardinal Mine in Bishop Creek Canyon

A Guide to Cardinal Mine in Bishop Creek Canyon

The history of mining in California is long and legendary. The Cardinal Mine, located on the North Fork of Bishop Creek just above the settlement of Aspendell, is a fascinating relic of gold mining in the Eastern Sierra. This is the perfect place for families, anglers, and nature lovers to explore.

Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site – Quick Guide

Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site – Quick Guide

A visit to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is a trip back in time to experience the daily life of the early settlers of the Owens Valley. Close to 50 authentic structures on eleven acres are filled with artifacts and original objects. Take a train ride on the old Death Valley car. Enjoy colorful, period-themed events and have a happy holiday with carol singing, storytelling and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Open daily – except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Bishop by the Water (Part 3)

Bishop by the Water (Part 3)

Photo: @lanedumm on Instagram “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water,” — Loren Eiseley. Payahǖǖnadǖ. “Place of flowing water.” (Numic) The place of flowing water is the Owens Valley, as it is now more commonly known. It was once a wet, flood...
Papoose Flat Quick Guide

Papoose Flat Quick Guide

Photo: Evan Thomas @exploreabitmore Intro Papoose Flat is known for its unique landscape of randomly isolated granite spires that dot the flat, and for the marvelous views of the Sierra Nevada crest and Owens Valley below. It is situated almost directly above Tinemaha...
Bishop by Land (Part 2)

Bishop by Land (Part 2)

Photo: @hatchetthejeep It may seem obvious to drive, run, walk, hike or ride in the Eastern Sierra. But do you know how much land there is to cover and how many ways there are to do it? Here’s an overview of the region to give you a sense of how much adventure awaits...
Bishop by Air (Part 1)

Bishop by Air (Part 1)

“The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who… looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space… on the infinite highway of the air.” ~ Wilbur Wright US Highway 395 is the route that most visitors drive to reach Bishop, but...
Live Like A Local. In Bishop.

Live Like A Local. In Bishop.

“You’re so lucky to live in Bishop.” This is a phrase I hear quite often from folks who know this beautiful little town, but don’t live here …. yet! “Yes,” I agree, “I am.” The town has charm and grace, the community is hospitable and friendly, and the landscape is …...
8 Great Family Adventures in the Eastern Sierra

8 Great Family Adventures in the Eastern Sierra

Photo: @autumnpaizley “I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream.” ~ Song Lyrics, 1927, by Howard Johnson, Billy Moll, and Robert King. When I was a child I was highly amused by this saying. I would run around saying it loudly – especially in the hopes that I...
Wildflowers of the Eastern Sierra

Wildflowers of the Eastern Sierra

Photo: @okayserasera Intro Of the many magical experiences in the Eastern Sierra, the wildflower bloom is especially lovely and fascinating. Wildflower blooms are subject to many factors and blossoming occurs at different places and different times. Water and...
31 Postcards from Bishop

31 Postcards from Bishop

Photo: @kschipke You never forget your first time. Your first time in Bishop, California. Perhaps you were here as a child and have fleeting, but sweet memories of fishing with a parent. Now you’re all grown up you should come back to relive some of that sweetness and...
Idols of American Music at Mule Days

Idols of American Music at Mule Days

It’s true that here in the Eastern Sierra we idolize the steadfast and sturdy mule. This magnificent pack animal is, almost literally, the backbone of our western American heritage. We celebrate ‘the legacy, heritage and talents of the mule’ every Memorial Day weekend...
The Druid Stones Trail Guide

The Druid Stones Trail Guide

Intro Getting to the Druid Stones is definitely an uplifting experience. The hike climbs about 1,700 feet in a little under 2 miles and delivers a bird’s eye view of Bishop and the Owens Valley below. The hike follows a fairly obvious trail from the base of the Coyote...
Extreme Sierra. Extreme Events.

Extreme Sierra. Extreme Events.

“On top of Mt. Whitney” Photo: Emiliano Reyna Extreme Sierra The Eastern Sierra is a land of extremes. There are extremes in temperature and climate, topography and geology, features of the fauna and flora, and in feats of human endeavor in the region....
Bishop Country Club – Golf Guide

Bishop Country Club – Golf Guide

Intro The Bishop Country Club is located in one of the most beautiful settings in California – the Eastern Sierra. The fairways are picturesque, the views are uninterrupted, and the scenery is spectacular. Set in the broad expanse of the Owens Valley with the snow...
Razzle Dazzle Instagrazzle

Razzle Dazzle Instagrazzle

“Hey Mom, I’m going to instagrazzle this one!” That’s what my daughter says when she has a great shot to post to Instagram. Then I reply, “Nice one. That will razzle dazzle ‘em.” If your Instagram feed is all about the wow factor in your life then come see and share...