Bishop is a four-season destination, though each season has different strengths. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the prime bouldering seasons — temperatures are comfortable and the rock is dry. Summer brings serious heat to the valley floor (regularly above 100°F/38°C) but the mountains are cool and the wilderness is accessible; this is the main backpacking and mountaineering season. Winter brings snow to the Sierra and the White Mountains but the valley floor often stays clear; skiing at Mammoth Mountain, 45 miles north, is superb.
The Mule Days festival over Memorial Day weekend in late May is a major event in the Owens Valley, drawing cowboy culture enthusiasts from across the West. It is worth attending if you enjoy rodeo and Western tradition, or avoiding if you dislike large crowds and prefer quieter visits.