Copyright: Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office rock art

Description - The Bishop Field Office manages approximately 750,000 acres of public land. This region lies between the Bodie Hills to the north, the White / Inyo mountains to the east, Owens Lake to the south, and the eastern Sierra to the west. The Bureau´s public lands in the eastern Sierra uniquely occupy portions of a region dominated by other public agency lands. The Inyo National Forest, the major federal land administrator in the area, manages 1.6 million acres while the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power (DWP) manages 310,000 acres. Private land ownership comprises only about 2% in Inyo County and 6% in Mono County.

Attractions - Discover the beauty within Bishop BLM resource area by venturing into the Alabama Hills Recreation Area, a region nearly 30,000 acres large featuring an outstanding environment that has attracted moviemakers, commercial companies and tourists from all over the world. Hiking and rock climbers challenge the terrain, which was shaped by cataclysmic uplifting 100 million years ago. Mountain bike or horseback ride in areas near Tuttle and Goodale Creeks where open desert campgrounds rest alongside trout streams. Enjoy scenic drives where the Sierra Nevada Range is the backdrop including the impressive peaks of Mt. Whitney, Lone Fine and Mt. Williamson. Or enjoy rock hounding, hunting, and OHV riding at the allure of the Inyo Mountain Range and Owens Valley.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities in this area include archeological and cultural sites, bird watching, camping, fishing, hunting, OHV use, river sports, rock hounding, scenic driving, multi-use trails wildlife viewing and wilderness.

Climate - The High Sierra generally experiences warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. The precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, it comes mostly in the form of snow. A snowpack from 5 - 10 feet or more is usually present from December to May at elevations above 6,500 feet. Winter temperatures below zero and summer temperatures above 100 degrees indicate the normal seasonal spread. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered," ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.

Location - The Bishop Field Office area is located along the Nevada state line in the High Sierras of California.

LAT: 37.3635404
LONG: -118.3951101