Bishop sits at the foot of some of the finest hiking terrain in North America.
Within an hour of town, hikers can access alpine lakes, granite basins, high mountain passes, waterfalls, glacial valleys, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierra Nevada. Many of the trails begin above 9,000 feet, climbing quickly into landscapes that feel far removed from the desert floor below.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending the entire summer exploring the Eastern Sierra, these are ten hikes that belong on the list.
1. Bishop Pass (~11.5 Miles)
If there is a signature hike near Bishop, this is it.
Starting at South Lake, the trail climbs past a chain of alpine lakes before reaching Bishop Pass at 11,972 feet. Along the way you’ll pass Long Lake, Saddlerock Lake, and Dusy Basin’s granite backdrop.
The views from the pass stretch deep into Kings Canyon National Park and the Sierra crest beyond.
2. Piute Pass (~9.5 Miles)
Piute Pass delivers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the Sierra.
Beginning at North Lake, the trail winds through forests, meadows, and lakes before reaching Piute Pass at 11,423 feet. Beyond the pass lies Humphreys Basin, a sprawling alpine landscape filled with granite, tarns, and wide-open views.
It’s difficult to take a bad photo here.
3. Lamarck Lakes (~5 Miles)
Tucked beneath Mount Lamarck, these lakes feel surprisingly wild despite their relatively short distance from the trailhead.
The route climbs steadily through lodgepole forest before opening to a pair of beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by granite walls and high peaks.
Photographers love this hike for good reason.
4. Gable Lakes (~8 Miles)
Gable Lakes packs a surprising amount of scenery into a relatively short hike.
The trail climbs steeply through pine forest and granite slabs before reaching a pair of alpine lakes tucked beneath the rugged walls of Gable Peak and the surrounding Sierra crest. Clear water, polished granite, and fewer crowds than neighboring destinations make this one of the area’s hidden gems.
5. Treasure Lakes (~5.6 Miles)
Treasure Lakes feels like a natural extension of the Bishop Pass Trail.
After passing Long Lake, hikers branch off toward a quieter basin filled with crystal-clear water, polished granite, and excellent views back toward the surrounding peaks.
It receives fewer visitors than Bishop Pass but offers equally impressive scenery.
6. Long Lake (~5 Miles)
Not every great hike requires an all-day commitment.
Long Lake is one of the most accessible alpine destinations in the Bishop area, making it a favorite for families, photographers, anglers, and anyone looking for a shorter day in the mountains.
Wildflowers are particularly impressive during early summer.
7. Blue Lake (~6 Miles)
Starting from North Lake, the trail climbs steadily toward Blue Lake beneath the dramatic walls of Mount Emerson.
The lake’s deep blue water and mountain backdrop create one of the most scenic destinations in the canyon.
8. Tyee Lakes (~6.5 Miles)
One of the lesser-known gems in Bishop Creek Canyon.
The trail climbs through forest and granite terrain before reaching a chain of alpine lakes tucked beneath the Sierra crest. Because it sits outside the more heavily traveled North Lake and South Lake corridors, it often feels quieter.
9. Pine Creek Pass (~12 Miles)
Before it became known for hiking, Pine Creek Canyon was a mining district.
Today the trail follows the creek into a dramatic granite canyon filled with waterfalls, historic remnants, and increasingly impressive mountain scenery. Strong hikers can continue to Pine Lakes, Honeymoon Lake, or Pine Creek Pass.
10. Chocolate Lakes (~7 Miles)
Overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Chocolate Lakes remains one of the most underrated hikes in the Eastern Sierra.
The route climbs from South Lake into a beautiful alpine basin where granite slabs, wildflowers, and clear water create a classic Sierra landscape without the crowds often found on nearby trails.
Honorable Mentions
A few hikes narrowly missed the list:
- Sabrina Basin
- George Lake
- Green Lake
- Horton Lakes
- Table Mountain
- Mt. Agassiz
- Mt. Goode
- Hungry Packer Lake
Before You Go
Most of these trailheads sit above 9,000 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer, and weather can change quickly. Start early, carry plenty of water, and be prepared for mountain conditions. Respect trail closures, stay on established routes, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
