Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2022/2023

2022 Scenic 395 35 Full Service Facility Driving Range 18 Hole Championship Course 19th Hole Bar & Grill Serving breakfast and lunch OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 1325 US Hwy 395, Bishop, CA 93514 (760) 873-5828 bishopcountryclub.com Bishop The Eastern Sierra Nevada has a lot: scenic vistas, solid camp- ing opportunities, an angler’s paradise — and waterfalls aplenty. “Some of our beautiful falls can be seen from vista points along mountain roads that will take you well into the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Sierra Nevada,” according to the Bishop Visitors Center. “Many more can only be seen from hik- ing trails within our national forest and wilderness areas. That means a visit to a wild and scenic waterfall in the Sierra Nevada is an extraordinary experience …You could spend a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime here and every experience will be unique and enchanting.” Some waterfalls can be seen from the roadway or a parking spot, others require a more extensive a walk to reach. “A trip to an Eastern Sierra waterfall can be a solitary experi- ence, a romantic getaway, or a family, fun adventure. It all de- pends on what you or your group need and want,” the Visitor’s Center states. “A quick drive up to a viewing site can be an easy and delightful side trip on a long journey. A lengthy hike or over- night camping trip requires experience and planning. A short hike should also be suitably planned so that all hikers are proper- ly clothed, equipped, have enough snacks and water, and in good enough shape for a couple of miles at altitude.” Backcountry waterfalls are generally only accessible in sum- mer and hikes may take a half-day, full-day, or multiple days – depending on which you choose and how you plan your ad- venture. A late summer or autumn adventure can still offer spectacular views of waterfalls. Late blooming wildflowers or the changing colors of autumn leaves nearby a perennial tum- bling waterfall is magical. Here’s a few to consider visiting, according to the Bishop Vis- itor Center. Darwin Falls, Death Valley Best seen during the fall and winter months (Death Valley summers are understandably brutal), Darwin Falls offers an awesome sight. It does require a hike to reach. Darwin Falls is in Death Valley National Park about 50 miles east of Lone Pine. It is a series of falls and cascades on Darwin Creek, which is one of only four perennial streams in all of Death Valley NP. The lower fall is visible after a hike of about one mile, with a little over 500 feet of elevation gain. It is a surprising oa- sis in this vast, dry country. It’s best to visit this area during the cooler, winter months. Although the hike is fairly easy with the first .7 miles being fairly flat, it is hot and sunbaked. The final quarter-mile is in the treed, riparian area and the trail climbs about 500 feet. Remember you’ll be walking back along this trail too. All in all, it’s a hot, dry hike so cover up and take plenty of water. From US-395 turn east onto CA-136 just south of Lone Pine. Follow the road, which becomes CA-190, for 49.1 miles. At the bottom of a winding grade below Father Crowley Vista Point turn right onto an unmarked dirt road, known as the Old Toll Rd. Stay on this road for 2.4miles until you reach the trailhead park- ing lot. Continue on foot along the trail. Lone Pine Creek Waterfall, Whitney Portal Located in the majestic entrance to Mount Whitney, the wa- terfall is a big cascade and series of small falls drops down Lone Pine Creek. A 20-minute drive of 11.8 miles west of Lone Pine will deliver you to the busy parking lot, hiker trailhead, and campground. Because of its location and the activity it gener- ates, climbing in the Mt. Whitney area requires a permit. As such, finding a parking space on a good summer day can require a little patience, but it will be worth the wait. The main falls, a long, large cascade is obvious from the south-western end of the parking lot loop. It can be heard before it is seen. First Falls and Second Falls, Big Pine Want that iconic image of water under a bridge? First Falls at Big Pine Creek presents that opportunity. These falls are located along Big Pine Creek about 10 miles west of Big Pine. From US-395 turn west on W. Crocker Ave. Continued on Page 36 Waterfall wonders in the Eastern Sierra