The Sierra Nevada catches all the rains and clouds from the west—to the east are deserts—so, of course, this valley sees but little rain, but where streams come down from the Sierra they spread out and great meadows of green grass occur. Tens of thousands of the starving cattle of the state have been driven in here this year, and there is feed for twice as many more. Yet these meadows comprise not over one-tenth of the valley—the rest is desert. At the base of the mountains, on either side, the land slopes gradually up as if to meet them. This slope is desert, sand, covered with boulders, and supporting a growth of desert shrub
Here are some touching stories from local community members rising above, rallying volunteers, and making generous financial gifts. Let’s do our part to help keep our community stay open by wearing masks upon entering any and all businesses. #keepinyoopen #keepbishopopen
Who has the Right of Way? Camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities offer the ability to self-isolate, social distance, and get outdoors. Outdoor activities, whether it be exercise or recreation, are proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels and can be very refreshing for the soul.
Somewhere in a season or on the cusp between two seasons is that special moment in time that stirs weather patterns deep inside and fulfills your inner awe. It is unique to you. In Bishop, we call it the 5th Season. Take a virtual tour through pages of unique adventures and find a trail, or stream, a waterfall, a vista, or a road to ride that takes you to the essence of you.
The sound and scene of flowing water, particularly when it’s falling over a rocky cliff or cascading down a rocky chute, instills a sense of wonder and peace. We’ve created an extensive guide to show where each of the noteworthy falls is located and how best to see, photograph, and get near them. Some of our beautiful falls can be seen from vista points along mountain roads that will take you well into the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Sierra Nevada. Many more can only be seen from hiking trails within our national forest and wilderness areas. A visit to a wild and scenic waterfall in the Sierra Nevada is an extraordinary experience.
The Eastern Sierra is one of the most photographed regions in California. It’s a land of contrasts and opportunity. There are obvious and well-known scenes and settings, and there are hidden gems. If a photograph is worth a thousand words, here’s a challenge to create a visual story worth 20,000 words.
The challenge is #2days20photos
Rodeo season is here in the eastern Sierra, and you won’t want to miss these upcoming events at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California. Start off with the April 27-28th, 2019 California High School Rodeo Association’s rodeo #8, heading into the...
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!
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…
2018 marks 60 years of observation at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory.
This is a truly awesome facility to visit for aspiring and current scientists, astronomers, and anyone who has a keen interest in learning about our world – especially our extra-terrestrial world.
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.
I got into the fly-fishing industry as a fly tier. I’ve gotten good at tying exact imitations of other fly fishers fly patterns and imitating the insects found in the waters of the Eastern Sierra. I’ve also fished the major hatches in the Sierra with reliable success. Read more…
On Main Street in Bishop, California, listen to the clatter of two lanes of traffic busy with horse trailers, RVs, biker gangs, and highway patrol racing after sports cars from the city. A clutch of teenagers saunters, Wrangler-ed and Stetson-ed, in town for the rodeo...
A visit to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historic 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.
Intro Now The historic Bishop Twin Movie Theater, as it stands today, has been an entertainment venue for Bishop and Eastern Sierra audiences for almost 100 years. On the outside it appears to be little changed from its beginnings in 1925, but the two theaters have...
Eastern Sierra Land Trust Certifies 100th Pollinator Garden Bringing Nature To Your Doorstep Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) will certify its 100th pollinator garden on August 30th to address water conservation, the importance of native plants and the rapid...
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...
With well over 300 sunny days a year, you won’t get too many chances to pull out this list, but when you need it you need it! An inside day in Bishop need not mean a day stuck in your hotel room desperately looking for something to watch on the telly –...
It’s hiking season in the eastern Sierra and there’s nothing better than getting out on our local trails. Hundreds of miles of adventure await, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking to log in some workout miles or take a leisurely stroll to...
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...
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...
By Lee FosterWhat are the oldest living things on earth? The current consensus is that they are trees, the bristlecone pines, which grow in the White Mountains of California, east from Bishop.You can easily make their acquaintance and wander amidst a group of them....
“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...
Bishop, California, is nearby relief from hot temperatures By Deborah Wall / Special to View in the Las Vegas Review-Journal June 4, 2018 – 10:54 am Updated June 5, 2018 – 1:58 pm The granite formation of the Buttermilks near Bishop, California, are...
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