Mini-Guide to Bouldering in Bishop, CA (@ Buttermilks, Happies & Sads)
We spent Thanksgiving week in Bishop, CA. You might be thinking why would we want to spend a whole week in Bishop, a small town of about 4000 people with a Main St. that's really just the 'main street'. Well, because it's the launchpad to plenty of world-class bouldering! If you're interested in heading to Bishop for a bouldering trip, here are some of our favorite boulder problems to add your ticklist at the Buttermilks, Happies, and Sads:
This is the most scenic bouldering area. The Buttermilks offers sharp granite rock and many world-class boulder problems. Often big, fall, and sharply featured, the Buttermilks is a great playground of over 300 classic problems.
Top 3 Easy Boulder Problems at the Buttermilks:
Top 3 Intermediate Boulder Problems at the Buttermilks:
Top 3 Advanced Boulder Problems at the Buttermilks:
Bouldering at The Volcanic Tablelands include the Happies and the Sads. The Happies (or Happy Boulders) is the bigger of the two with an open canyon filled with excellent problems.
Top 3 Easy Problems at the Happies:
Top 3 Intermediate Problems at the Happies:
Top 3 Advanced Problems at the Happies:
The Sads
The smaller of the two bouldering areas at the Tablelands. The Sad boulders don't dissapoint though with superb bouldering in a condensed little canyon.
Top 2 Easy Problems at the Sads:
Top 2 Intermediate Problems at the Sads:
Top 3 Advanced Problems at the Sads:
For more ideas, browse Skimble's Bishop section and pick up a copy of the Bishop Bouldering guidebook:
Where to Stay
There are a few options here, with the most popular being camping at 'The Pit':
A more scenic but further away camp site is Horton Creek Campground:
The only caution with both sites is that there are no showers and it can get pretty cold later in the season...
If it's late in the season or you just want some hotel comforts, go with the La Quinta Hotel. it's very centrally located at 651 N. Main St. and offers comfortable beds, free wi-fi, and a very good breakfast! Use Priceline to get it for $50/night.
What to Eat
Erick Schat's Bakkery - This European backery is the little gem of Bishop! They have the best sandwiches and breads in town. Schat's pies and cookies are also insanely delicious!
La Casita Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hearty Mexican food, big portions, and generally friendly service.
Jack's Waffle Shop - Offering traditional American grub, known for waffles, try their Thanksgiving seasonal turkey dinner.
Whiskey Creek At Bishop - The main reason to go here is for their 'happy hour' specials at the bar where all entrees are half off! Service sub-par.
Vons is the main grocery store located at 1190 N. Main St.
If you're driving back to the SF bay area and passing Placerville, CA make sure you stop by Z-Pies! We stock up on these gourmet pot pies by ordering a dozen at a time.
Rest Days
Hot Springs - there are a few hot springs nearby. The nicest one we know of is a little ways away up north:
Getting there is a little tricky (we got a little lost, hehe) so refer to all the details found in the California and Nevada Hot Springs guidebook:
Bishop Twin Theatre - They generally show 2 movies every night (call them at 760.873.3575). It's a small town so don't expect any fandango advanced hook-ups. Just get in line to purchase your tickets a few minutes before the show starts.
Back Alley Bowling - Behind La Quinta, equipped with three lanes and often packed! When we were there, they weren't open on Sunday eve (call ahead of time at 760.873.5777).
Play Games - Pass the time, regenerate those fingertips, and play your favorite games like Settlers of Catan and poker! Here, we are playing Settlers of Catan at La Quinta during a rest day:
Wilson's Eastside Sports - Large store with a great selection of cold weather gear, friendly service.
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply - Excellent selection of climbing gear and snow sports apparel.
Boulder on!
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