When it’s winter everywhere else, it’s “June-uary” in Bishop. Despite being tucked between two snow-capped mountain ranges (the Sierra to the west, and White Mountains to the east), the Owens Valley remains fairly mild during the winter months. The valley floor saw a fresh dusting of snow just before I paid a visit in late January, but by the time I arrived on a direct flight to Bishop, the sun was back out with temperatures hitting the mid 50s–perfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring the town. While summertime has its draws (Yosemite and Death Valley national parks are both an easy drive away), winter offers a less crowded, more laid back experience, where you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.
This story was created in partnership with Bishop, California.
A Mid-Winter Escape
Geographically speaking, Bishop is right in the sweet spot–you get to appreciate the snow without having to live with it. If you want to play in the snow, a short drive into the mountains will take you there, whether it’s to the community of Aspendell for sledding or snowshoeing or to Mammoth Mountain for skiing. But your commitment to winter ends there–when you’re ready to take a break, simply head back towards town, where the snow eventually disappears.
One of the most surprising attributes of Bishop is just how close everything is. Within minutes from downtown, you can be hiking in a canyon or casting a fly rod. Networks of irrigation canals with trails surround the town, popular among walkers, runners, bird watchers, and photographers seeking the best shot of the Sierra. Just a short drive from downtown, Farmer’s Pond is a refuge for migratory birds and waterfowl, also offering some of the best views of the ever-present Sierra that dominate the skyline.
Climbers need no introduction to Bishop; the mild winters and unique rock formations have been drawing the world’s top climbers for decades, but the area is becoming increasingly noticed by the fly fishing community. While most of the American West’s trout streams are frozen over, fishing remains open year round here. The Lower Owens River runs on the outskirts of town, where anglers can try their luck casting for brown and rainbow trout. Trout are less active during the winter months, but with some patience and a good guide, they’ll bite.
History plays a major role in Bishop’s identity, especially among the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) People, who have called this place home for thousands of years. The Bishop Paiute Tribe hosts educational programs and events throughout the year, in addition to running the Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center. Here you can learn about the region’s indigenous past, browse artifacts in the permanent and rotating exhibits, and catch up on what tribal members are doing today to preserve their heritage.
The railroad played a key role in the early history of the town, which is carefully preserved at the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site. The setup of the museum resembles that of an earlier version of the town, complete with historic buildings moved there that now house exhibits. Sitting on 11 acres, the museum has a sprawling collection of 19th and early 20th century artifacts that go well beyond railroad history, truly encapsulating that moment in the area’s history.
Downtown Bishop is refreshingly easy to navigate, offering everything you need and nothing you don’t. The town basically runs on Black Sheep Coffee, a cozy third-space where locals and tourists alike fuel up on coffee that’s freshly roasted just around the corner.
As you might expect in a town this active, top notch outdoor shops stock everything one might need for a successful day in the mountains or on the river. Sage to Summit caters to the climbing, hiking, skiing, and backpacking community, while Reagan’s Sporting Goods down the street will happily set you up with a fishing license and tips on what’s biting.
When it’s time to relax, help yourself to a post-adventure treat. Good Earth Yogurt, while it does indeed serve the frozen treat by the bucket, offers much more than the name suggests–its also one of the best spots in town for a heaping plate of charcuterie and a glass of wine.
And of course a mountain town wouldn’t be complete without a good brewery. Mountain Rambler Brewery proudly serves this role, offering a wide variety of award-winning beers alongside hearty pub fare.
Lodging options range from the basic to the luxurious, with the Wayfinder Bishop falling squarely on the higher end of the spectrum. After a glass of wine or a cocktail from the bar and a good long soak in the hot tub, I was always ready for a good night’s sleep to prepare for the next adventure.
Bishop is one of those places where as soon as you leave, you immediately begin thinking about what you’ll do next time you visit. With only a few days I only scratched the surface. Of course I’d love to make a visit during the summer and explore Yosemite, Death Valley, and beyond, but I’d plan a sunny mid-winter visit again any day.
