Overview
Bishop is the largest city in the Eastern Sierra region of California, offering the largest selection of accommodation and services.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bishop
Bishop Mural Society
Don't miss the self-guided tour of the murals all over town. Painted by the Bishop Mural Society at their annual Symposium each year, the murals depict the history of the Owens Valley and Bishop. Brochures are available …
Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site
A collection of historic buildings and railroad equipment memorializing the Carson and Colorado Railroad, once the only connection that the Owens Valley had to the rest of the world.
Bishop Mule Days Celebration
This festival celebrates the heritage of the mules in Bishop. More than 700 mules compete in 181 events during the weekend. Concerts, food, dancing, and crafts also featured as well.
Wanaaha Casino
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Oct. Summer highs reach about 100°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BIH Eastern Sierra Regional Airport, Bishop — 2 mi away. Directions
- MMH Mammoth Yosemite Airport, Mammoth Lakes — 31 mi away. Directions
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno — 83 mi away (major hub). Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bishop Mural Society, Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site
- Lunch The Upper Crust Pizza Co
- Afternoon Bishop Mule Days Celebration, Wanaaha Casino
- Dinner Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ
- Evening Mountain Rambler Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
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.
Climate
Get in
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.
U.S. 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
Go Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH)
One daily flight to Denver, one daily flight to San Francisco
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines offer service to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) - a 30-minute drive from Bishop.
Get around
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.
See
See Bishop Mural Society
Don't miss the self-guided tour of the murals all over town. Painted by the Bishop Mural Society at their annual Symposium each year, the murals depict the history of the Owens Valley and Bishop. Brochures are available at the Society offices and several businesses on Main Street.
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, you can also stock up on your groceries and books. Camping, climbing, and fishing gear can be acquired in shops like the Mammoth Mountaineering Supply Gear Exchange (106 S. Main St.), Eastside Sports (224 N. Main St.), and Mac's Sporting Goods (425 N Main St.).
Eat
Eat Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ
The bakery is an excellent place to pick up many baked goods such as breads, rolls, and pastries that are all baked fresh daily. They basically have more sugar and treats in this amazing store than is believable. There is also a sandwich bar, and if the baked goods seem too expensive, a half price rack day old rack is in the back of the shop.
Eat The Looney Bean
Great place for coffee and has free wireless internet (accessible from the side street outside for after hours).
Eat Black Sheep Coffee Roasters
Eat Mahogany Smoked Meats
Offers exceptionally good bacon and other smoked meats alongside their deli fare.
Eat The Upper Crust Pizza Co
Not affiliated with the Upper Crust chain; their pizza is incredibly good.
Drink
Drink Mountain Rambler Brewery
Drink Owens Valley Distilling Co
Sells bottles of vodka, gin, rum, and cocktails. Also patio and inside seating for cocktails, mocktails and a short food menu with Chicago style hot dogs, Italian beef, and bar snacks.
Sleep
Go next
- Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake are to the north along US Route 395.
Nearby
Big Pine
City / town · 2 listings · 15 mi away
White Mountains
Park · 6 listings · 16 mi away
Rock Creek Lake
Park · 1 listings · 20 mi away
Mammoth Lakes
City / town · 32 listings · 37 mi away
Independence
City / town · 7 listings · 40 mi away
Devils Postpile National Monument
Park · 5 listings · 42 mi away
Shaver Lake
City / town · 1 listings · 54 mi away
Mount Whitney
Park · 3 listings · 55 mi away
My experience
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