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.
eastern sierra
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.
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.
Last October, my Feral Female Weekend crew and I reunited to chase fall colors in the Eastern Sierra. The best thing about hiking with these ladies–aside from the belly laughs and conversation–is we all absolutely love food, because I am 98.3% sure that I hike so I can eat.
After deciding to hike no further than the closest spot we could camp, we made the prettiest snack board imaginable. Now you can create your own, too!