Bishop, California is arguably one of the most scenic and historic bouldering areas in the United States. Bishop is a must-see destination for any climber, known for its beautiful mountain views, imposing highballs, and hard patina. KAYA Guide authors Dan Beall and Eric Bissell collected data for over 1,800 problems in the Tablelands and Buttermilks.
Below you’ll find the top ten most popular problems in Bishop.
10. High Plains Drifter V7, Buttermilks
High Plains Drifter, v7
High Plains Drifter v7, Bishop. 138 ascents logged, 4.7/5 rating – The classic of the boulder, and one of the best v7s around! Start on a pair of incut edges and climb diagonally right on edges and slopers to a heartbreak finish. Don’t fear the top out, which is a wonderful victory staircase of incut flakes.
9. Ketron Classic V4, Tablelands
Ketron Classic, v4
Ketron Classic v4, Bishop. 164 ascents logged, 4.4/5 rating – Sit start on a positive, vertical, pinch. Climb up to a good left undercling before powering through right handed slopers. An area classic! – View more climbs and beta videos for Tablelands, Bishop on KAYA.
8. Seven Spanish Angels V6, Buttermilks
Seven Spanish Angels, v6
Seven Spanish Angels v6, Bishop. 180 ascents logged, 4.8/5 rating – The Classic! Climb straight up the beloved wall of blobby goodness. Depending on your height and style, you may want to go for the typical direct dyno finish, or veer slightly left for a more prolonged but less reachy option off a gaston.
7. Fly Boy Arete V5, Buttermilks
Fly Boy Arete, v5
Fly Boy Arete v5, Bishop. 197 ascents logged, 4.1/5 rating – A very approachable and rewarding climb, this one is a perennial favorite. Sit start at the flat jug, track left to the arete and up. A rite of passage for many. – View more climbs and beta videos for Buttermilks, Bishop on KAYA.
6. Heavenly Path V1, Tablelands
Heavenly Path, v1
Heavenly Path v1, Bishop. 206 ascents logged, 4.8/5 rating – One of the classics of the canyon! Adventurous climbing on beautiful plates and patina. Be warned, the difficulty increases at the angle change, and many many less experienced climbers have suffered serious injury here.
5. The Hulk V6, Tablelands
The Hulk, v6
The Hulk v6, Bishop. 178 ascents logged, 4.6/5 rating – Excellent and varied steep climbing. The rock has become rather slick from years of climber love, but it remains a justifiable favorite, and a proud tick for the grade. – View more climbs and beta videos for Tablelands, Bishop on KAYA.
4. Monkey Hang V3, Tablelands
Monkey Hang, v3
Monkey Hang v3, Bishop. 224 ascents logged, 4.0/5 rating – Climb the small roof from a stand start at a large right facing sidepull. Climb out directly, or for continued fun, traverse right along the lip of the roof before topping out. – View more climbs and beta videos for Tablelands, Bishop on KAYA.
3. Serengeti V5, Tablelands
Serengeti, v5
Serengeti v5, Bishop. 215 ascents logged, 4.2/5 rating – One of the best! From a good left facing flake, angle up and right through the overhang on dishes and crimps. – View more climbs and beta videos for Tablelands, Bishop on KAYA.
2. Iron Man V4, Buttermilks
Iron Man, v4
Iron Man v4, Bishop. 234 ascents logged, 4.5/5 rating – Climbing the iconic rail feature is a perennial classic. The comfortable grips and approachable nature of the climb make it an all time favorite at the grade. If large crowds aren’t your thing, you may want to visit this one early in the morning or later at night.
1. Solarium V4, Tablelands
Solarium, v4
Solarium v4, Bishop. 343 ascents logged, 4.2/5 rating – Loved and hated, but an area classic nonetheless! From low huecos, climb the well chalked line of pockets with widely varying beta. Memorable. – View more climbs and beta videos for Tablelands, Bishop on KAYA.
Top 10 Popular Boulder Problems in Bishop, California
Bishop, California is arguably one of the most scenic and historic bouldering areas in the United States. Known for it’s beautiful mountain views, imposing highballs, and hard patina, Bishop is a must-see destination for any climber. Together, KAYA Guide authors Dan Beall and Eric Bissell collected data for over 1,800 problems in the Tablelands and Buttermilks.
Find these classic problems and more in the Bishop Bouldering Guidebook on KAYA.
