Bishop Pass to Long Lake: 88/100, Early Season Done Right

Okay, so Bishop Pass to Long Lake is sitting at an 88 out of 100 right now, which is a big green light from me for a perfect early season trek. Seriously, this weekend is your window to get out there before the summer crowds descend.

The numbers don't lie: 43°F, winds at a casual 6 mph, and literally zero chance of rain. The AQI is 29 (that's clear enough to count individual pine needles, by the way), and fire risk is low. What does that actually mean when you’re on the trail? It means crisp, cool air that makes the 1000 feet of gain feel manageable, without any biting wind to make you regret forgetting your gloves. You’re going to be comfortable in layers, and the sun will feel good on your face. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to keep going.

This is the Bishop Pass Trail into the Inyo National Forest, and if you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. The hike to Long Lake is 5.0 miles round trip with 1000 feet of elevation gain, which earns its "moderate" rating. It’s not a flat stroll, but it’s not a full-on sufferfest either. You start at the South Lake trailhead, and from there you’re pretty quickly into this incredible landscape of granite and pines. The trail climbs steadily, giving you peeks of groves and the surrounding peaks before opening up to the deep blue of Long Lake itself. It’s the kind of trail that makes you remember why you started hiking.

Now, a real talk moment about early season hiking at Bishop Pass: you’re going to hit snow. The South Lake Road officially opened mid-May, which is great, but snow lingers above 10,800 feet well into June. The full Bishop Pass will require snow travel for a few more weeks, and if you’re not comfortable with that, it’s genuinely not worth pushing it. This is where the "Long Lake turnaround" comes into play. Long Lake itself is at about 10,600 feet, which means you’ll get to experience the high Sierra without needing microspikes or a route-finding GPS. You’ll see patches of snow on the ground, especially off-trail, but the main path to Long Lake should be clear enough for a standard hike. It’s about being smart and enjoying what the trail offers right now. You don’t need to bag the pass to have an amazing day out.

And speaking of amazing days out, Kipper absolutely loves this trail. I mean, my American Eskimo is basically a walking fluffball with opinions, and she’s usually the first one out the door. The cool 43°F air is perfect for her double coat, and the low wind means she won't be shivering. There are plenty of spots for her to dip her paws (and probably her whole face) in snowmelt streams, and Long Lake itself is a huge payoff for her. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash and pack out everything they pack in. This is a popular trail for a reason, and we want to keep it pristine for everyone, including the wildlife.

Logistics are pretty straightforward. The South Lake Road is open, so you can drive right to the trailhead. Parking can get tight, especially on weekends, so aim to get there early if you can. For a day hike to Long Lake, you'll need to fill out a free wilderness permit at the trailhead — it's a self-registration system, quick and easy, but it’s essential. If you’re planning an overnight trip, that’s a different permit situation, so check the Inyo National Forest website. As for timing, you're looking at about 2-3 hours up and 1.5-2 hours down, depending on how many photos you stop for (and trust me, you will stop for photos).

The forecast for the next three days looks consistent: mid-50s highs, low-40s lows, and basically zero rain chance. So this isn't a one-day wonder. You've got options. If you’re in California this weekend and you’ve been looking for a reason to escape the screen, this is it. We all complain we never have time, but this is time. The conditions for Bishop Pass to Long Lake are exactly what you want for an early season adventure, without the usual early season headaches. Go.