Bishop Pass California
Hike to stunning alpine lakes and panoramic vistas in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, a challenging yet rewarding journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Snow-free trails, ideal weather
Bishop Pass California
Best Time
Snow-free trails, ideal weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to stunning alpine lakes and panoramic vistas in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, a challenging yet rewarding journey.
"One of the best spots in the world."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The road to South Lake Trailhead can be rough. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smoother ride.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at South Lake fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for sunrise or weekdays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit of Bishop Pass
Bishop Pass Summit
Reach 11,972 feet for breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada range and surrounding alpine lakes.
Chocolate Lakes
Off Bishop Pass Trail
A series of stunning, turquoise alpine lakes offering incredible reflections and photo opportunities.
Long Lake
Bishop Pass Trail
A picturesque alpine lake providing a serene spot for a break or a picnic with majestic mountain backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Access & Timing
Permits & Regulations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The road to South Lake Trailhead can be rough. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smoother ride.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at South Lake fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for sunrise or weekdays.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
While there are lakes, water sources can be spread out. Always carry enough water or a reliable filter.
🐻 Bear Canisters Required
Overnight hikers must use approved bear canisters for food storage in the wilderness.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The road to South Lake Trailhead can be rough. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smoother ride.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at South Lake fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for sunrise or weekdays.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
While there are lakes, water sources can be spread out. Always carry enough water or a reliable filter.
🐻 Bear Canisters Required
Overnight hikers must use approved bear canisters for food storage in the wilderness.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail involves rocky terrain and elevation changes. Good ankle support is crucial for comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bishop Pass for its breathtaking alpine scenery, numerous lakes, and challenging yet rewarding hike. The summit views are described as epic, and the Chocolate Lakes are a particular highlight. Some note the trail is longer than advertised and can be crowded during peak season.
"This thing is actually 13 miles, but overall it’s ok and pretty :)"
Unicorn
"Epic at 13,000’ enroute to Tehipite Valley"
Erik Newsholme
"There are numerous lakes enroute to the pass from the north, but a surprising lack of them on the south side. Big views, but I find the Kearsarge Pass trail a more rewarding hike in the area."
Science According to Mr. B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bishop Pass Trailhead is located at South Lake, accessible via a paved but sometimes rough road from Bishop, California. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from Bishop. 
The road to South Lake is typically open from late May or June through October, depending on snow conditions. It's best to check current road status before your trip.
If you're on a longer trek like the PCT, you can resupply in Bishop by leaving the trail at Kearsarge Pass or Bishop Pass Trail and hitchhiking or taking a bus into town.
You can drive to the South Lake Trailhead, which is the starting point for Bishop Pass. The pass itself is a hiking destination, not accessible by car.
The South Lake Trailhead, where Bishop Pass begins, is situated at an elevation of approximately 9,760 feet (2,975 meters).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. Day hiking does not require a permit.
There is no entrance fee for day hiking. Overnight permits may have a small reservation fee if booked in advance.
Bishop Pass is an outdoor natural area and is accessible 24/7. However, the best hiking conditions are during daylight hours, typically from late spring to early fall.
Permits can be obtained through the Inyo National Forest website or Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to reserve them in advance, especially for popular dates.
While Bishop Pass itself is in the Inyo National Forest, the trail leads into Kings Canyon National Park. Standard national park entrance fees may apply if you plan to visit other areas of the park, but not for the trail itself.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Bishop Pass is considered strenuous due to its length (around 10.78 miles roundtrip) and significant elevation gain (around 2400 feet).
A day hike to Bishop Pass can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views.
Yes, the trail passes by several beautiful alpine lakes, including the popular Chocolate Lakes and Long Lake.
Pack essentials like plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit, a map, and layers of clothing. Sturdy hiking boots are a must.
Absolutely! Bishop Pass is a popular route for multi-day backpacking trips, often connecting to the John Muir Trail or exploring the Chocolate Lakes loop.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Bishop Pass offers sweeping vistas. The Chocolate Lakes and Long Lake provide stunning reflections and opportunities for landscape photography.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, but midday can also be beautiful with clear blue skies. The alpine lakes are particularly photogenic when the water is calm.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and lakes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other hikers and avoid disturbing wildlife. Drone usage may be restricted in national park areas.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and wilderness areas. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for Kings Canyon National Park and Inyo National Forest before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Bishop Pass Trail
The trail itself is approximately 10.78 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet, making it a strenuous day hike or a rewarding segment of a longer backpacking trip. The path is well-defined for much of the way, but can become rocky and uneven, especially as you gain elevation. Proper hiking footwear with good ankle support is essential.
As you ascend, the landscape transforms from pine forests to open granite slopes dotted with spectacular alpine lakes. The Chocolate Lakes and Long Lake are particular highlights, offering breathtaking reflections and serene spots to rest and refuel.
+1 Reaching the summit of Bishop Pass at 11,972 feet provides unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, a true reward for the effort. Backpacking and Overnight Adventures
Popular backpacking routes include the Chocolate Lakes loop, which allows for exploration of multiple pristine alpine lakes, and longer treks that connect to the John Muir Trail (JMT) or extend towards Tehipite Valley.
+2 For overnight stays, bear canisters are mandatory to protect both your food and the local wildlife. Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the pristine nature of this high-alpine environment.When planning an overnight trip, consider the weather carefully. While summer offers the most stable conditions, afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early fall can provide beautiful colors and fewer crowds, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential early snow.
Photography Opportunities
+1The summit of Bishop Pass itself provides a dramatic backdrop for landscape photography, with sweeping panoramic views that capture the grandeur of the Eastern Sierra. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for encompassing the vastness of the scenery, while telephoto lenses can isolate distant peaks and add depth to your compositions.
Consider bringing a sturdy tripod for capturing sharp images during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, or for long exposures of the lakes.Remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors when taking photos. While drone photography is popular, be aware that drone usage is often restricted in national parks and wilderness areas. Always check the latest regulations for Kings Canyon National Park and Inyo National Forest before flying.
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