When it comes to leaf-peeping, California may not have the abundant golden forests of New England, but it does have Bishop: an Eastern Sierra escape where sprawling aspen groves burst into yellow and orange beneath dramatic granite peaks.
Named the best place to see fall foliage last year by Travel + Leisure, Bishop makes for a spectacularly scenic escape in Inyo County. And luckily for San Francisco travelers, the SFO-BIH route is now officially available year-round with United, meaning you can say goodbye to the six-hour drive.
While previously available only seasonally, the direct flights are now a permanent offering, coming just in time for peak fall foliage season in the Owens Valley and Bishop Creek Canyon.
The area isn’t far from other spectacular destinations in the Eastern Sierra, like Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes.
Visiting Bishop in the fall
The aspen groves lining Bishop Creek Canyon light up intoa brilliant range of warm hues that make for a dramatic view against several large lakes. The colors peak from mid-September into November, but you can keep an eye on the latest foliage reports at California Fall Color.
The small mountain town also hosts ongoing seasonal events during the fall, including the recurring Bishop Paiute Community Market on Tuesdays through October, and the Farm to Table Market on Thursdays. Save the dates for the Bishop Pabanamanina Pow Wow from September 25-27, 2026, and the Fall Colors Car Show from October 2-4, 2026.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be right at home in this part of the Eastern Sierra with plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. If you time it right, you’re in for a treat with the fall colors at their peak.
🌐 Learn more: BishopVisitor.com