The best road cycling routes around Bishop

This guide details 6 road cycling routes around Bishop, offering a range of experiences from easy valley rides to challenging mountain ascents. These routes showcase the diverse landscapes of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and the Owens Valley.

Road cycling around Bishop offers incredibly diverse terrain. You'll find routes traversing flat valley floors, ascending into dramatic mountain canyons, and winding through high desert landscapes. The region transitions from high desert to lush pine forests, with well-maintained roads featuring significant elevation changes, catering to both gentle rides and strenuous climbs.

Yes, Bishop offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. The Warm Springs loop is an easy 16.2-mile path with gentle gradients. Another great option is the Warm Springs extended loop, which is 40.9 miles and also considered easy, providing a longer, gentle ride.

For advanced cyclists seeking significant elevation gain, routes like Lake Sabrina are ideal. This 39.2-mile trail leads through mountain canyons with over 1500 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is South Lake — Bishop, a 45.1-mile route with over 1700 meters of climbing.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and the Owens Valley. Specific scenic highlights include the unique Benton Crags visible from Benton Crossing Road, and the pristine alpine lakes and vibrant wildflowers in Bishop Creek Canyon. You can also explore natural monuments like Druid Stones and Chalk Bluff, which are accessible in the wider Bishop area.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Bishop, with mild temperatures and clear skies. While summer is also popular, some higher elevation routes can be quite warm. Winter cycling is possible on lower elevation routes, with the region offering specific options for cooler weather rides.

Yes, Bishop has family-friendly road cycling options, particularly on the easier, flatter valley routes. The Warm Springs loop is an excellent choice due to its gentle gradients and manageable distance, making it suitable for a family outing.

Parking is generally accessible near the start points of many popular routes in Bishop. Given the region's outdoor focus, various trailheads and public access points often provide parking. For specific route parking, it's advisable to check the individual route details on komoot or local visitor information.

Road cyclists frequently praise Bishop for its dramatic mountain backdrops, high desert landscapes, and alpine canyons. The minimal traffic on hundreds of miles of paved roads is a significant draw, allowing for uninterrupted cycling through breathtaking vistas. The diversity of routes, from gentle valley rides to challenging mountain ascents, also receives high acclaim.

While many routes venture into natural, undeveloped areas, the town of Bishop itself offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. For routes that start or end near town, or pass through smaller communities, you may find places to refuel. It's always a good idea to plan your stops and carry sufficient supplies, especially on longer or more remote rides.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Bishop are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Warm Springs loop and its extended version are popular circular routes. The region also features the Round Valley/Pleasant Valley Loop, which offers a mix of terrain and panoramic views.

The routes around Bishop vary significantly in distance and duration. You can find shorter, easier rides like the Warm Springs loop at 16.2 miles (26 km) taking about 1 hour 12 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as South Lake — Bishop, can be up to 45.1 miles (72.6 km) and take over 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and elevation gain.