The best MTB trails around West Bishop

The Buckley Ponds are a hidden gem just east of downtown Bishop along the west side of the Owens River. These ponds have been revitalized over the past decade and now provide warm-water fishing and a peaceful spot to relax. There are a few fishing platforms, and the dirt roads around here are great for hiking, jogging, or mountain biking. The Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background and gorgeous as well.

Buttermilk Country Wildlife Area is a 325-acre high desert meadow surrounded by Inyo National Forest. Mostly made up of Great Basin vegetation like sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands, this area is home to so much wildlife. McGee Creek runs along the eastern boundary, providing important habitat for the migrating Round Valley deer herd.

Explore Buttermilk Road, a popular spot for free dispersed camping on BLM land. The road, which closes seasonally, attracts climbers, off road drivers and mountain bikers. Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with views of this high-desert landscape, and peaks like Mount Tom and Basin Mountain. Be cautious of snow and mud in higher elevations.

Bike through the Tungsten Hills, the low, reddish hills west of the town of Bishop. This area was once home to a major tungsten mining site until the late 1940s and still has numerous old mines and an open pit. Keep an eye out for shiny rocks; they could be semi-precious minerals like red garnet, epidote, and quartz crystals while riding.

Take a look into the old Jackrabbit Mine, but it is not recommended to go exploring here. This mine is a historic tungsten mine located along Deep Canyon. Sitting within the Deep Creek-Tungsten Hills Mining District of Inyo National Forest, the area features Mesozoic granitic rocks. This mine also has amazing views around it.

The Owens River is a gently flowing and scenic river that runs through Owens Valley. Today, the river is known for its world-class fishing. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping along the river.

Rock formations similar to those in Joshua Tree National Park, but with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada in the background. The boulders are a popular climbing area. All around there are many dispersed campsites.

Coyote Valley Road is a fairly wide, sand and gravel road that heads south from West Bishop toward Peterson Mill. The road starts in a sandy wash, which can be challenging without fat/large tires. Once you reach the switchbacks, the terrain improves, though the incline can still be tough in places. At 8,000 feet, you arrive at the top of Chipmunk Canyon, which might also require hiking due to sand, but you're close to the top. After the sandy wash, you will soon see the first chance to turn left onto the Coyote Flat connector which links up with the popular Waganobe Trail. If continue right past this junction, you descend to the creek, and climb up to the summit of Coyote Flat, where you finally begin to descend.