bishop Archives

The Best Beginner Boulders in the Buttermilks, Bishop, CA

Paulina DaoMarch 2, 202007K views

If you’re a climber and you don’t visit Payahüünadü (Bishop), do you really even climb? Located in the high desert between the Sierra and the White Mountains, Bishop is a world-class climbing destination with a little bit of something for everyone: bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, and more. Bishop has some of the best bouldering in the country, and possibly the world: the Buttermilks. The rock is sharp. The feet are glassy. The views are unbeatable. Take any newer climber here and they’ll definitely be shut down on the technical climbing that the Milks require. To make their lives easier, here’s a guide to the best beginner boulders in the Buttermilks.

Empowertisement Done Wrong

Paulina DaoApril 26, 20186987 views

Photo: Sasha Turrentine

Empowertisement, the act of using female empowerment as advertisement, is roaring hard right now. I’m not going to knock it because let’s face it, we live in a capitalist society. Companies need money to do good and affect change. Where does the money come from? By selling stuff.

Empowertisement, when done well, can be a beautiful thing. It is incredibly powerful to see diverse faces and voices reflected in marketing material because it shows that you belong. REI believes that women are a Force of Nature. The North Face shows us that She Moves Mountains. Outdoor Research empowers with She Adventures.

Mountain Hardwear? As a sponsor of Flash Foxy’s Women’s Climbing Festival, they want you to buy their jeans.

Staying at the Hostel California

Paulina DaoMarch 1, 20182811 views

Normally when we head to Bishop, we camp. Tent sites are cheap at the Pit and free in the Buttermilks. Camping is easy and close to climbing. It’s kind of a no brainer.

This past trip over the long February weekend was a little different. We were spoiled with a stay at the Hostel California. Their slogan is “Pro climber luxury, dirtbag prices”. Read on to see if the hostel was true to its word.

Protect the California Desert

Paulina DaoFebruary 22, 20180722 views

What do you think of when you hear the word desert? Desolate? Barren? No. The desert is so much more than that. Rugged mountains, spiky trees, dark skies, sharp rock, red cliffs, Native American heritage… these are some of many elements that make the California desert a such place of wonder. These are things worth protecting.

The Department of the Interior and BLM want to reconsider the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, and the California desert needs your help.

What’s in my Kit? Bouldering Kit Essentials

Paulina DaoFebruary 2, 201802.2K views

I talk a lot about hiking and backpacking gear, but climbing gear has taken a bit of a back seat. I’m excited to start sharing some of my favorite climbing gear, starting with bouldering, because it’s winter and I like napping on crash pads in the sun.

Here’s a look at my bouldering kit essentials.