Sierra Resort Real Estate Blog

Leading the outdoor life in Bishop, CA

Where can you find the ski resorts at Mammoth Lakes to the north, the gorgeous scenery of Yosemite National Park to the east, and the grandeur of Death Valley to the south?  The rugged little town of Bishop, CA is centrally located in the Owens Valley, within a couple of hours of each of them. If that isn't enough to grab your interest in this rather hidden corner of North America, consider the multitude of activities this valley has to offer.

Bishop, nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east, was named for one of it's first settlers, Samuel A. Bishop.  During the 1860's, when gold mining camps in the area began to require large amounts of beef, Samuel Addison realized that the Owens Valley was a great area for cattle raising.  It also had the great benefit of not having to drive herds of cattle across the mountains from the San Joaquin Valley to serve the miners. The travels of many of the west's most well-known explorers passed through Bishop, including Jedediah Smith, John C. Fremont, and Kit Carson.  

In the early 1900's, much of the ranch land was purchased for water rights and the water from the Owens Valley was diverted to the growing city of Los Angeles via the Los Angeles Aquaduct.  Today this city-owned land is used for many types of recreation including camping, hiking, hunting and fishing in the Owens River.

While Bishop has had it's ups and downs, today it is the center of outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, birdwatching, rock hounding and so much more.  It's central location makes it accessible from north or south along good roads.  With hotels, restaurants and the Eastern...

Hiking, Biking & Skiing In Mammoth: Adventure Awaits

When your home in Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, living an active life full of outdoor adventures is a forgone conclusion.  The forests, lakes and mountains will tug at you to come out and play.  You will find amazing alpine lakes and numerous trails through the forests that offer opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing, all just minutes from your front door.  Of course, Mammoth Mountain is very well-known for it's amazing skiing on over 400 inches of snow a year, on average.Sierra Wave

If you have a chance to come and explore this area, here are some suggestions for adventure to get you started.

  • HIKING

Minaret Vista Trail

From the Mammoth Mountain Inn, this trail is a 3 mile round-trip, moderate hike, through the pine forest and across a ridge covered with volcanic pumice stone.  Your descent into the Reds Meadow Valley offers some of the most incredible scenery in the whole area.  On this hike you will be treated to views of the granite spires of the Minarets and Mt. Banner, which is located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.  Access in the winter requires a snowmobile or snowshoes.   

Twin Lakes Trail

For a more challenging hike, this trail is 5 miles long, one way, so you can consider this a day hike.  You can take a stroll along the forested trail and enjoy views of the scenic Lakes Basin.  You will also see the natural arch formation at the "Bottomless Pit" at Twin Lakes.  Be sure to take photographs of the spectacular view...