Bishop Lake

The hike to Bishop Lake from South Lake is an 8.5-mile out-and-back route that showcases the dramatic alpine scenery of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Starting at the South Lake Trailhead at an elevation of 9,782 feet, the trail climbs 1,754 feet to reach Bishop Lake at 11,241 feet, offering a moderately challenging day hike or a scenic segment of the Bishop Pass Trail. The route begins with a steady climb through lodgepole pine forest, offering occasional views down toward South Lake. It soon enters the John Muir Wilderness and passes the eastern shore of Long Lake, a prominent body of water framed by Hurd Peak and Mount Goode. Beyond Long Lake, the trail meanders through subalpine meadows and follows the inlet creek past Saddlerock Lake. The final approach to Bishop Lake becomes steeper and rockier as the trail ascends above the tree line. Bishop Lake lies in a stark, granite-carved basin directly below Bishop Pass, surrounded by towering peaks including Mount Agassiz. This high-altitude environment is home to wildlife such as pikas and marmots, and is adorned with vibrant wildflowers like lupine and Indian paintbrush during the summer months.