Sad Boulders
Discover Sad Boulders, a Bishop gem with unique volcanic tuff, classic bouldering, and scenic hikes for all levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal temperatures for climbing
Sad Boulders
Best Time
Ideal temperatures for climbing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sad Boulders, a Bishop gem with unique volcanic tuff, classic bouldering, and scenic hikes for all levels.
"Rad volcanic tuff that sits in a sweet little valley...plenty of shade in the ice caves for those hot days."
🚗 Parking is Limited
Upper lot fits ~8 cars. If full, use lower lot & hike in. Don't park outside designated areas. 🚗
🧗♀️ All Skill Levels Welcome
Great for beginners and experienced climbers alike, with easy hikes and fun rock play. 🧗
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 50 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Strength in Numbers (V5)
Sad Boulders
A highly-rated, fun, and techy bouldering problem with a notoriously scary top-out. A must-repeat for many visitors.
The Fang (V4)
Sad Boulders
An incredible, natural masterpiece of a boulder problem that leaves climbers feeling grateful and full of heart.
Roof Problems
Sad Boulders
Classic volcanic tuff roof problems that are a highlight of the area, offering a unique challenge and great scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Sad Boulders
Best Bouldering Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
Upper lot fits ~8 cars. If full, use lower lot & hike in. Don't park outside designated areas. 🚗
🧗♀️ All Skill Levels Welcome
Great for beginners and experienced climbers alike, with easy hikes and fun rock play. 🧗
⛰️ Explore Beyond the Milks
A good alternative if the Buttermilks are too crowded or frosty. Offers unique volcanic tuff formations. ⛰️
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bishop can be hot. Carry plenty of water, especially when bouldering or hiking. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Upper lot fits ~8 cars. If full, use lower lot & hike in. Don't park outside designated areas. 🚗
🧗♀️ All Skill Levels Welcome
Great for beginners and experienced climbers alike, with easy hikes and fun rock play. 🧗
⛰️ Explore Beyond the Milks
A good alternative if the Buttermilks are too crowded or frosty. Offers unique volcanic tuff formations. ⛰️
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bishop can be hot. Carry plenty of water, especially when bouldering or hiking. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful views and unique rock formations make for great photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sad Boulders for its unique volcanic tuff, classic bouldering problems like 'Strength in Numbers,' and scenic valley setting. It's praised as a great spot for all skill levels, offering enjoyable hikes and rock play. Some note limited parking and the potential for heat during summer months.
"Sad Boulders is a great shorter trail to hike or go bouldering at. The trail.is.located down a dirt road and is easily accessible, just a few miles outside of Bishop. Worth the short detour for great scenery and views."
Brendan Kiely
"Personally I enjoy the Volcanic rock in the Sad Boulders. I feel that the roof problems are classics worth checking out. It does take a bit more time navigating through to the next area but it's well worth the effort."
Ben White
"I love going through the sads, whether it's just to hike or to attempt some boulders I've always had a great time"
Matt S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sad Boulders is located a few miles outside Bishop, CA, down a dirt road. Most vehicles can access it, though the upper parking lot is small. If it's full, use the lower lot and enjoy a short hike in.
The dirt road is generally manageable for most cars. Some sections might be a bit rough, but it's usually not an issue for standard vehicles.
There's a small upper parking lot that fits about 8 cars. If this is full, there's a lower parking lot that requires a short hike to reach the bouldering areas.
While not directly at Sad Boulders, the 'Pit' campground just outside Bishop is a highly recommended spot for climbers.
Yes, Sad Boulders is a feasible day trip from Sacramento, though it's a significant drive. Many climbers opt to stay longer to fully explore Bishop's bouldering.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sad Boulders is a natural outdoor area and does not require tickets for entry or bouldering.
There are no entrance fees for Sad Boulders. It's a free-to-access natural climbing area.
Sad Boulders is an outdoor climbing area and is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
Fall offers ideal temperatures for bouldering. While accessible year-round, summers can be very hot, and winter can bring frost.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check local regulations for pets in outdoor recreation areas. Always keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
🎫 🧗♀️ Onsite Experience
Sad Boulders is primarily a bouldering area, known for its volcanic tuff rock and a variety of problems for all skill levels. +1
Yes, Sad Boulders has many V0 and easier problems, making it great for beginners and those new to bouldering.
Popular problems include 'Strength in Numbers' (V5), 'The Fang' (V4), and various roof problems, all praised for their quality and fun factor. +1
Absolutely! Even if you're not bouldering, Sad Boulders offers a great short trail with beautiful scenery and rock formations to explore.
Sad Boulders is a natural area with limited amenities. There are no restrooms or facilities directly at the bouldering sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique volcanic rock formations, the climbing action itself, and the scenic valley views offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, the varied terrain and dynamic climbing movements provide excellent subjects. Capturing the scale and effort of a climb can be very rewarding.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing climbers from a distance. A wide-angle lens can capture the landscape.
Problems like 'The Fang' and 'Strength in Numbers' are visually striking due to their unique shapes and the challenge they present.
Yes, many visitors share bouldering videos from Sad Boulders on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the climbs and the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit