Bishop California can be found in the central-eastern part of the state near the Nevada border and lies at the convergence of Highways 6 and 395. The only city in Inyo County, it has a population of approximately 3,800 people and is known as the "Mule Capital of the World." This moniker reflects the contributions that pack mules have made to the area. The city even celebrates these beasts of burden with an annual, week-long festival called Bishop Mule Days. The festival is held on the week of Memorial Day and attracts a healthy number of tourists.

Rock Climbing

Bishop California is a popular rock climbing base. This has something to do with the fact that the city lies just east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and to the near west of the White Mountains. Once you finish packing up your rock climbing gear in Bishop, you can get to any number of excellent climbing spots within minutes. The rock climbing style of bouldering, it should be noted, is quite popular in and around Bishop, as the area has more than 2,000 bouldering spots, or bouldering problems, as they are known in the rock climbing community.There are also hiking and climbng possibilities in nearby national parks, including Yosemite with its El Capitan and Death Valley with its dunes and hiking trails.

Laws Railroad Museum

Visiting the Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site is also one of the most popular things to do in Bishop California. This cultural institution offers insight into the narrow gauge Southern Pacific Railroad, which was of great importance to area communities before modern roads were introduced in the 1950's and 60's. Other highlights at the Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site include the historic buildings that are on display and the exhibits that relate to the history of the surrounding Owens Valley. Some of these exhibits focus on the impact that the Los Angeles Aqueduct project had on the valley.

California Map

Hotels & Lodging

There are many places to stay in Bishop California. The proximity of the city to King’s Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley National Park, and a variety of national forests helps to explain the high number of area accommodations. A fair share of the Bishop lodging establishments are chain-brand motels and hotels that offer reasonable rates. For those who are looking for something different, there are other local motels and hotels that aren't of the nationally recognized chain brand variety. The Joseph House Inn B&B also presents Bishop visitors with a more unique lodging option, and only some seven miles or so south of the city core is the Keough’s Hot Springs Resort. Campsites, tent cabins, and a two-bedroom mobile home figure among the Keough’s Hot Springs Resort lodging choices, and as the name of the resort implies, it boasts hot spring pools that can be a joy to indulge in.