While California’s fall foliage can be hard to find, it can also be very rewarding if you know where to go. And word on the street is that Bishop, California is the best destination to see brilliant fall colors reminiscent of New England right in our backyard mountains.
Cu Fleshman of Travel + Leisure, an East Coaster who has spent two decades traveling through California, named Bishop the state’s best place to see fall foliage — writing that it “could give the East Coast a run for its money.”
Bishop is a six-hour drive from San Francisco, but it’s not far from Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and more popular destinations in the Eastern Sierra. Would you make the trip?
Leaf-peeping in Bishop, California
Fall is an ideal time of year to experience Bishop at its best, thanks to its spectacular blend of autumn colors and ample outdoor activities.
The aspen groves throughout Bishop Creek Canyon display a brilliant range of warm hues that look even more vibrant against several large lakes and the sky-high mountainous backdrop. You can reach the area via State Route 168.
Bishop’s fall foliage peaks from mid-September through November, but you can keep an eye on the latest foliage reports at California Fall Color.
Things to do in Bishop
The small mountain town of Bishop hosts ongoing seasonal events during the fall. Consider picking up some autumnal produce at the recurring Bishop Paiute Community Market on Tuesdays or the Farm to Table Market on Thursdays.
Most people who visit Bishop are also avid outdoor enthusiasts, and the Eastern Sierra is rife with hiking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities. If you time it right, you’re in for a treat with the fall colors at their peak.
🌐 Learn more: BishopVisitor.com