Heading to Bishop to go bouldering at the Happy Boulders, or the Sads? Be sure to get the beta before you go.
Welcome to Part 2 of our Bishop Bouldering Guide. In case you missed it, check out our Bishop Bouldering Guide Part 1: The Buttermilks to get the scoop on travel tips, climbing etiquette, and the history of the Payahuunadü.
Ok, so you checked out The Buttermilks and you've had your fill of crispy temps and high balls? Time to explore the Volcanic Table Lands, which includes The Happy Boulders and The Sads. Get ready for some powerful pulling, balancey face climbs, and yea, a few more high balls. Hope you like pockets! - Bridget Kilgallon @bkall.day
The rock in the tablelands is volcanic, which means LOTS of pockets. Prepare your fingers and don't forget to warm up with some tendon gliding exercises.
Classic volcanic stone in the Happies. 
Well, there's still a few high balls.
Photos contributed by Amanda Jaramillo @amandarjara
Trip Beta: Travel Tips for Bishop bouldering
Head up the 395 until you see the mountains. The town of Bishop is one of the small mountain towns you'll encounter on the way. While in town, don't forget to visit us at Têra Kaia Bishop! Our new home base is set to open Spring of 2020. Follow our progress on Instagram at @terakaiabishop.
Bishop bouldering is divided into three main areas:
- The Buttermilks: Huge highballs with a backdrop of snowy mountains.
- The Sads: Steep pocketed caves and shade from the desert heat.
- The Happies: Volcanic and dynamic problems on pockets.
Access: Climbing Etiquette for Bishop Bouldering
As always, be sure to educate yourself on leave no trace principles for the area. Read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) in our article: What is the Leave No Trace Philosophy?
Looking for some nearby Southern California bouldering destinations? Check out the guides below:
Bishop Bouldering Part 1: The Buttermilks
Joshua Tree Bouldering
Black Mountain Bouldering
Tramway Bouldering
Girl Beta: Bouldering Videos for Bishop
Sometimes it helps to get another woman's perspective on which boulder problems to get on. Below you'll find a selection of female favorites, and a great roadmap on which routes to add to your tick list when visiting Bishop.
Warning: If you're climbing onsight, scroll no further. Spoilers ahead!
Happy Boulders
Had your fill of crispy temps and high balls? Head to the Happies for some powerful pulling on pockets.
Corner - V0
Jackie Trejo climbs Corner V0 in Bishop, CA
Monkey Hang - V3
Maggie Gierard climbs Monkey Hang V3 in Bishop, CA
Black Magic - V3 *High Ball*
Amanda Jaramillo climbs the classic high ball Black Magic V3 in Bishop, CA
Joseph - V3
Jackie Trejo climbs Joseph V3 in Bishop, CA
Solarium - V4 *Classic*
Amanda Jaramillo climbs the classic Solarium V4 in Bishop, CA
Rene - V5 *High Ball*
Amanda Jaramillo climbs the high ball Rene V5 in Bishop, CA
The Gleaner - V6
Amanda Jaramillo climbs The Gleaner V6 in Bishop, CA
Every Color You Are - V6
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Every Color You Are V6 in Bishop, CA
Hamtaro - V8
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Hamtaro V8 in Bishop, CA
Disco Diva - V8
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Disco Diva V8 in Bishop, CA
Bishop Bouldering: The Sads
On warmer days the Sads can be a great way to beat the heat, and avoid the crowds. Those looking for high grades will find lots of steep, hard problems in the shade.
Strength in Numbers - V5 *Classic*
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Strength in Numbers V5 in Bishop, CA
Molly - V5
Sonia Rackelmann climbs Molly V5 in Bishop CA
Erotic Terrorist - V6
Sonia Rackelmann climbs Erotic Terrorist V6 in Bishop, CA
Feeding Frenzy aka Green Room - V7
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Feeding Frenzy aka Green Room V7 in Bishop, CA
Pow Pow - V8
Can you say holy heel hook? Amanda Jaramillo climbs Pow Pow V8 in Bishop, CA
Water Hazard Right - V8
Sonia Rackelmann climbs Water Hazard Right V8 in Bishop, CA
Water Hazard - V10
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Water Hazard V10 in Bishop, CA
Beefcake - V10
Amanda Jaramillo climbs Beef Cake V10 in Bishop, CA
Heading back to the milks? Get the beta with our Bishop Bouldering Guide Part 1: The Buttermilks
Big shout out to the climbers who provided videos for our bouldering beta pages! You can follow their sends on the following links:
Amanda Jaramillo: Youtube Channel / Instagram @amandarjara
Sonia Rackelmann: Youtube Channel / Instagram @soniarackelmann
Maddy Voloshin: Youtube Channel / Instagram @maddyvolo
Jackie Lukianov: Youtube Channel / Instagram @jackielukianov
Maggie Gierard: Youtube Channel / Instagram @mags.at.crags
Bridget Kilgallon: Youtube Channel / Instagram @bkall.day
Kim McGrenere: Youtube Channel / Instagram @kimstagraham.mcg
Kristi “Good Beta” Buckley: Youtube Channel / Instagram @kristi.buckley
Would you like to contribute a beta video for your favorite bouldering area? If so, just contact us!
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