RECOMMENDED BIKE ROUTES
AIRPORT LOOP
The “Airport Loop” is an 8.9 mile loop that starts at the Bishop City Park and is roughy half on pavement and half dirt roads. It is a relatively easy flat route with only about 200 feet of elevation gain. As with riding on any dirt roads be aware of sandy and or rough areas and be prepared for them .
The route (going clockwise from the starting point) will take you by the western edge of the Bishop Airport next to where the fire fighting airplanes are loaded with fire retardant, and then north along the edge of the airport. Along the north edge after passing through a gravel quarry the route will wander through willow and cottonwood trees as you get closer to the Owens River. You will come across some artesian wells, that are a great place to cool off, and maybe even enjoy a rope swing. The route continues south and has many of the roads off the east lead down to the edge of the Owens River where you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, swimming, or bird watching.
When you reach the pavement again, you can continue this route and head back towards the park, or you can continue exploring many other roads on your way back.
BUTTERMILK BOULDERS LOOP
The Buttermilk Boulders Loop is a roughly 8.0 mile loop starting from Starlite…where you can pick-up your e-bikes!
This is a moderate ride with almost 1000 feet of elevation gain with a few sandy and washed out sections that require a bit of attention. It is recommended riding the route clockwise, going up Buttermilk Road first, rather than down it. Riding up Buttermilk Road you will pass an old corral that packers (horse and mule) still use when driving their mules to and from their pack station. Further up the road you’ll come across the world famous rock climbing area known as the Buttermilk Boulders. This is the high point of the ride, from here you will continue down a much less traveled road that will loop around the climbing area. After the next slight uphill there will be a downhill section that has some washouts (dismounting is encouraged), so be prepared. The rest of the route is pretty mild as you pass by some interesting boulders that are great for picnicking or relaxing on. After joining back up to the main Buttermilk Road it is only a short ride back to the starting point in the Starlite community.
There are many roads that branch off that are fun to explore, you can ride by another climbing rock know as “Y-Rock” and if you explore enough you may be able to find a seismic monitoring station, and depending on the time of year it is not uncommon to come across herds of mule dear.
