A Dazzling City Is The Best Gateway To Several Of California's Most Iconic Outdoor Attractions

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is home to some of America's most precious outdoor gems, such as this dazzling lake by a national park. This formidable ridge of peaks rises starkly from the high desert landscape of California and Nevada, forming a wall of rock that reaches its zenith in the form of Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. While you can explore the Sierra by hiking a trail up to waterfall views at Yosemite or swimming in the waters of one of the largest lakes in America at this stunning state park, the region is also dotted with a number of charming towns, such as Bishop, California.

Situated in the scenic Owens Valley on the eastern flank of the Sierra, Bishop exudes laid-back mountain town vibes and is within striking distance of some of California's best natural destinations. With shops, galleries, and a surprising array of top-notch eateries, Bishop makes a great base of operations for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada and beyond.

While a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Bishop also boasts plenty of local culture that reflects its cowboy roots. This includes a music festival, an old-school town fair, and even one of California's largest and best-known rodeos, where — during certain times of the year — you can watch some of the brave locals test their mettle in the saddle of a wild, bucking bronco.

While the Owens Valley and its environs have long been the home of the Paiute people, the town of Bishop traces its beginnings to 1861, when Samuel A. Bishop arrived and started a ranch. The town grew as a center for cattle and mining, experiencing booms and busts over the decades. Today Bishop prides itself as "a small town with a big backyard," an outdoor mecca that is still connected to its rough-and-tumble Wild West roots.

Bishop's proximity to some of California's most iconic outdoor attractions is among its best selling points. Mammoth Lakes — a mountain town famous for its pristine alpine bodies of water as well as its world-class ski resort — is just 45 minutes away. The heavenly landscape of Yosemite National Park is a bit over 100 miles up the road, while Death Valley National Park — the infamous desert depression that is the site of the highest-recorded temperature on Earth — is an hour-and-a-half to the south down U.S. Highway 395.

For those not feeling up for a long drive, there are plenty of things to do closer to town. Rent a kayak at Parchers Resort and cruise around gorgeous South Lake in the shadow of peaks. Grab a fly rod and cast a line for wild trout in the Upper and Lower Owens River. Bishop is also a haven for rock climbers, who flock there every October for the Craggin' Classic festival, and while you're in the area, lace up your boots and hit the trail. The Lamarck Lakes Trail and the Sabrina Basin Trail to Midnight Lake offer some of the high Sierra's most unadulterated majesty in the form of granite crags, pine forests, pristine streams, and shimmering alpine lakes.

While Bishop certainly makes a good springboard to explore the region, you can also enjoy a rich — and very delicious — experience while never leaving town. Stop in for a cold pint of craft beer and a brisket sandwich at 1903 Taphouse & Co, or dive into some of the creative American dishes "with a modern twist" served up at Indiego Tasting House. To scratch your itch for grilled meat, head to Holy Smoke Texas BBQ; Crearéé is the go-to spot for Mexican food, and the legendary Schat's Bakery is a must-visit for their "sheepherder's bread" alone.

Bishop also hosts a number of exciting events each year. The Millpond Music Festival takes place over three days in late September and features an eclectic array of musicians playing both traditional and modern selections. However, the town's big party — Mule Days — takes place over Memorial Day weekend, and celebrates the town's heritage of mule packing with over 700 mules and 30,000 attendees.

In addition to country music, cowboy poetry, and down-home food, the fest also features mule competitions and a rodeo that draws brave riders and wranglers from all over the region. If you do decide to head down to Death Valley from Bishop, here's everything you need to know for a safe road trip.