How To...Fix 4 Common Problems Seen on Climbing Trips to Bishop

Moderate Bishop Bouldering Club founder Brayden works Ironman on a crisp fall evening in the Buttermilks.

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Every year, as the temperatures drop and climbing season in the Sierra shifts from the mountains down to the Owens Valley, we see a new wave of climbers arriving in Bishop ready for crisp rock, endless granite, and world-class bouldering and sport climbing in iconic areas like the Buttermilks, Owens River Gorge, the Happy Boulders and Volcanic Tablelands, and beyond. But for all the glory and high-quality rock, winter climbing here brings its own quirks and traps. Over the years we’ve noticed the same four issues come up again and again for visiting crews. If you can head into your trip with these in mind, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration - and squeeze in more time for adventure whatever your preference.

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Problem #1: Traveling with Too Much Gear (Pads, Lights, Fans, etc.)

Why it’s a headache:
On paper, it sounds simple: pack your crash pad, stick clip, headlamp, maybe a fan or light for night bouldering. But between airline baggage fees, cramped car trunks, and trying to cram in all your other life stuff, suddenly your “just bring everything” plan becomes a logistical monster. Many visitors end up shipping gear or leaving good pieces behind.

Prevention / Fix:
Rent - don’t haul. Eastside Sports stocks and rents crash pads, battery-powered lights & fans, climbing shoes, and even select out-of-print guidebooks. Use our rental fleet and lighten your load. If you prefer to own, buy and consign at the end of your trip (we’re open to helping with that). That way you don’t have to jam gear into airline limits or risk damage in transit.

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Problem #2: Beat-Up Skin & Frozen Fingers

Why it bites:
Bishop’s winter air is dry and cold. Rock surfaces—especially in the Happies and Buttermilks—are abrasive. Between colder temps, dehydration, and overzealous sends, fingers tear faster and heal slower. Once your skin fails, your day stops.

Prevention / Fix:
Come prepared. We carry a full arsenal: Rhino Skin products, Joshua Tree salve, crack gloves, tape, and hand warmers (both disposable one-time and the Occopa rechargeable hand warmers). Pair those with good hydration, rest between pushes, and finger care every evening. Bonus: wear a thin liner glove during approach or when not climbing to preserve warmth and prevent microtears.

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Problem #3: Missing Key Gear or Local Beta

Why many trips stumble:
You roll into town wide-eyed but missing that extra pad, a long enough rope, or the book that unlocks the crag you wanted. Or worse, you aim for a classic route but don’t realize snow or closure conditions make access sketchy. Meanwhile, your buddies are already cruising in a zone you didn’t even know existed.

Prevention / Fix:
Plan your rack and your roadmap locally. (1) Bring or rent extra crash pads for dense boulder zones. (2) For routes in the Gorge which are often very long, a 70m (or longer) rope is standard for locals so you do not have to think twice when lowering your partner from almost all routes. (3) Swing by and pick up local guidebooks - we carry the High Sierra guide series and the Owens River Gorge guide (and offer it for rent). (4) Ask us for off-the-beaten-path suggestions: Little Egypt, the Druid Stones, or the Alabama Hills sometimes have better access, less snow interference, and almost always fewer people. Our blog and staff are always plugged into what’s currently climbable.

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Problem #4: Not Layering Right for the High Desert

Why this one sneaks up on you:
Bishop is a high desert. In the shade, it can feel like November; in the sun, midsummer. Many climbers underestimate how fast temperature swings can wreck a day - starting in a puffy and ending soaked in a tee. Too light, you freeze. Too heavy, you roast.

Prevention / Fix:
Think modular. Start with a breathable base layer, add a warm mid-layer, and carry a puffy for when the sun dips or the wind kicks up. Check out options for Men and Women that are built for exactly this kind of weather. Don’t forget sun protection (skin & lips) - even in January, the sun hits hard in the valley despite the air temps being potentially frigid. Also bring a buff, sun gloves, and sunglasses. That “micro-on/off” layering is the difference between a miserable freeze and a perfect session.

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Fall and winter are prime time for Bishop and the Owens Valley. The climbing during the colder months is magical - but only if you don’t let avoidable problems derail your day. Skip the gear and logistics stress, keep your fingers alive, get the right beta, and dress smart. Avoid these four common pitfalls and you'll spend more time climbing and less time troubleshooting your trip.

Need beta, gear, or just want to talk conditions? Stop by Eastside Sports on Main St in downtown Bishop, give us a call, or shoot us an email at info@eastsidesports.com—we live and breathe these crags and love helping climbers get more out of their trip. You can also check out the Bishop Area Climber's Coalition for some planning beta as well!

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Need Gear for Your Adventure? If you're in need of sleeping bags, hiking boots (Men/Women), trekking poles, crampons, ice axes, or other gear (backpacks, tents, etc.) for your adventures, you can rent or buy everything that you would need with us here at Eastside Sports.

Got a More Specific Question? As always, don't hesitate to call us at store (760-873-7520) if ever in need of adventure ideas or conditions information!

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