When it comes to planning your winter travel from Los Angeles, it’s hard to beat the allure of a small alpine town off the beaten path. Bishop, California is one such underrated gem in the Sierra Nevada, offering a sunny experience in the valley combined with unparalleled access to snowy mountain adventures.
While the drive from Los Angeles takes about 5 hours, you’ll be rewarded with scenic snowy views of the Eastern Sierra and Mount Whitney along the way. Keep reading to find out why it’s worth it.
Winter weather in Bishop
Bishop is located in a valley at the base of the mountains that receives about 335 days of sunshine per year. With average winter highs reaching about 50-60°F and limited snowfall, the town itself is a reliable place to stay in the winter.
The surrounding mountains, however, receive heavy snowfall, making for dramatic views and endless opportunities for winter sports.
Things to do in Bishop in the winter
While Bishop’s mild weather lends itself to a range of lower-elevation recreation such as hiking and fishing, it’s also well-located for skiing, snowshoeing, and snow play.
The Lower Owens River and Pleasant Valley Reservoir offer world-class fly fishing all year round, and low-elevation hiking trails such as Gem Lakes Trail or Pine Creek Crags remain accessible. You can even take a dip in the steamy water at Keough’s Ditch hot spring.
Skiers and snowboarders often make the 45-minute drive to Mammoth Mountain, which is one of the best ski destinations in California. Other options include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at hiking areas like South Lake Road, Lake Sabrina, and North Lake.
The town of Bishop itself also hosts a handful of charming seasonal events each winter. Look out for the lively Lighted Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, the Laws Railroad Express day on Dec. 13, and the Sage to Summit Winter Race Series on Dec. 13 and Jan. 10.
🌐 Learn more: BishopVisitor.com