01
Best overall pick
Lower Rock Creek Trail
Lower Rock Creek Canyon • Shaded Creekside Singletrack • Best For Mixed-Distance Options
A rolling trail along a clear mountain creek with shady forest, granite walls, and options for short or long outings.
The multi-use Lower Rock Creek Trail starts just minutes from Swall Meadows and follows the creek through a cool, winding canyon. Hikers can sample a mellow out-and-back from the upper trailheads or commit to a longer descent with a car shuttle to the lower end. Expect bikes on weekends, but the scenery and sound of the water make it feel surprisingly wild.
02
Closest-to-home escape
Sand Canyon Trail
Above Swall Meadows • Steep Neighborhood Canyon Route • Best Quick Outing
A quieter, steeper route climbing straight from the neighborhood into open views of the Sierra crest.
From the end of Swall Meadows, a rough track heads into Sand Canyon along the edge of the high country. Hikers can walk the old road or pick up side use-trails that climb into pine forest and open shelves with sweeping views back over the Owens Valley. It is exposed in places, so start early on hot days and bring plenty of water.
03
Best offbeat landscape
Owens River Gorge
North Of Bishop • Rugged River Gorge Ramble • Best Shoulder-Season Option
A volcanic gorge with a year-round river, towering cliffs, and plenty of nooks to explore on foot.
The Owens River Gorge sits down off Highway 395 and offers a different feel from the high-country lakes. Short, steep access roads drop you to the river, where informal paths follow the water between basalt walls favored by local climbers. It is a great shoulder-season hike when higher trails are snowy, but summer afternoons can be very hot in the canyon.
04
Best full-day adventure
Hilton Lakes Trail
Rock Creek Canyon • Forest-And-Lakes Backcountry Route • Best For Strong Hikers
A classic Eastern Sierra approach into a chain of quiet alpine lakes tucked off Rock Creek Road.
Starting near Rock Creek Lake, the Hilton Lakes Trail wastes little time climbing into cool forest and granite outcrops. After a steady ascent, the grade eases as you wander past meadows and a string of lakes ideal for lunch, fishing, or a swim if you are brave. It feels backcountry without being technical, making it a sweet step up from shorter day hikes.
05
Most photogenic climb
Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake Trail
Bishop Creek Canyon • High-Alpine Lake Trail • Best For Big Scenery
A well-built trail from a road-end reservoir to a turquoise alpine lake ringed by granite peaks.
Drive up Bishop Creek to Lake Sabrina and pick up the trail heading into the basin above the dam. The climb to Blue Lake is steady but straightforward, with big views opening up as you leave the crowds near the parking lot. Once at the lake, you can poke around the shoreline or continue farther into the basin if you have extra energy.