- Bishop is located in the Eastern Sierra and is one of the best places to view fall foliage in California.
- After a hike through the vibrant aspen forests, fill up on delicious pastries from local bakeries. Stay overnight in charming hotels like Wayfinder.
- Yosemite National Park or Lake Tahoe are just a couple of hours away.
California isn’t always the first state to come to mind. fall foliage—but the Golden State isn’t all beaches and sunshine. The small town of Bishop in California is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has views of autumn that rival the best leaf-peeping spots around the world.
The town of Owens Valley is situated on Highway 395 in the Owens Valley near popular destinations such as Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National ParkMount Whitney, the tallest point of the contiguous United States. Many tourists think of Bishop, California as a pitstop en route to Mammoth Lakes The following are some examples of how to use Lake Tahoe—but trust me, this is one place where you should take your time.
Bishop is a favorite destination for fall leaf peeping. I am a West Coast transplant who loves the fall. The surrounding area is full of trees. Inyo National ForestBishop offers a wide range of dining options and comfortable accommodations within the city limits. It also has attractions such as Keough’s Hot SpringsThe Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural CenterAnd the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Bishop is a true year-round destination, with rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and many more things to do in the area—but the town really shines in the fall. As the temperature drops, nearby aspen, cottonwood and willow trees, among others, turn into a stunning display of scarlet-orange, gold and yellow.
Julie Faber, marketing specialist at the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. “Fall colors begin in mid-September, and last through October depending on Mother Nature. The extreme elevation change means that the fall colors start high and slowly descend as the season progresses. It’s interesting to see different areas depending on what is peaking.”
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes time to explore. Just a short drive from the city will take you to beautiful destinations such as Bishop Creek Canyon. Here you can enjoy the colorful foliage and waterfalls all the way to Lake Sabrina or North Lake.
The town is also home to the Fall Colors Car ShowThe other two events are the Millpond Music Festival You can also read about the Bishop Pabanamanina Pow Wow() are held during the peak fall foliage weekends each year. Faber says, “It is a classic auto show.” “Everyone dresses up their cars, and then they drive them up Bishop Creek Canyon to see the beautiful foliage. This spectacular display of beautiful cars and leaves is on.
Hiking around Bishop is a great way to see the fall colors up close. About 40 minutes from the town. Lower Rock Creek Canyon Trail Follows a series high alpine lake and meadows for nine miles. Stop at any point along the way to enjoy the views. Lower Rock Creek, according to Faber, is “spectacular”.[There are] Eight miles of giant aspen groves. “I would recommend it.”
Bishop’s can help you sort through all the choices if you feel overwhelmed. online fall color tutorial Visit the visitor centre in town to learn what and where is peaking. Faber says, “If you need any help or have questions about the peaking of flowers on a particular day you are in town, we’ll be happy to point you in that direction.”
After all that leaf peeping, your appetite is sure to be satiated. Seat yourself at spots such as Mountain Rambler BreweryThe restaurant is famous for its craft beer and seasonal menu, which uses locally grown ingredients. Another favorite is located about 15 minutes south from Bishop. Copper Top BBQ. The smoked ribs, pulled pork and other dishes are worth the wait.
Bishop’s bakeries are famous for their sandwiches and pastries. Erick Schat’s BakkerÿA popular Dutch-style diner for Highway 395 roadtrippers or a local favorite Great Basin BakeryIt is famous for its freshly baked breads. If you have time, try both—you can’t go wrong no matter what you pick. Faber says, “Bishop has a reputation for having great bakeries and baked goods.”
Nick Cote/Visit bishop
Book your accommodation well in advance, as you will probably want to stay longer to enjoy all that Bishop has to offers. You can book your accommodation well in advance. Wayfinder Bishop The hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities right by the tranquil Bishop Creek. “The Wayfinder is a public wine bar, which means that whether you stay or not, there’s a great happy-hour along the creek and fire pits,” Faber continues.
The hostel is located just down the road. Eastside Guesthouse & Bivy There are 11 rooms available, which is perfect for groups and families. The campsite I recommend for campers is French Camp Campground. You can hike and enjoy leaf peeping at this campground, which is just north of town.
Take a drive on Highway 395, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sierra Nevada. If you are coming from San Francisco, Denver or elsewhere, you can fly into Bishop International Airport, which now has more commercial flights, just in time for the fall foliage season. “If you want to take one of these flights on United, that’s what we offer now. We plan to keep expanding that service into the fall,” says Faber.
