Rising above the Owens Valley, the Druid Stones boulders wait quietly, perched almost 2,000 feet above Bishop in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada. For climbers prepared to exchange easy access for solitude and adventure, this is Bishop’s hidden high-elevation playground—a wild, open landscape where endless stones shape a unique bouldering experience away from the crowds.

The journey begins before you even lace up your shoes. The approach is a deliberate filter: expect a solid 25 to 45-minute uphill trek, winding through sparse desert sage and under ancient powerlines, before cresting at about 6,200 feet. The trail—a mix of tight, sandy switchbacks and rugged hillside—quickly leaves behind the bustle of town. Along the way, you’ll pass scattered boulders and tempting outcrops that can distract even the most focused climber. But hold onto your psyche—a concentrated grove of stone further up the hill is your true prize.

Arriving at the core of the Druid Stones, you’re greeted by a panoramic sweep of the Owens Valley, the jagged Eastern Sierra crest looming in the distance. The setting alone is worth the effort. Here, massive boulders cluster around the iconic, monolithic Druid Stone, creating a natural arena packed with lines for every appetite. The coarse-grained monzonite is the same rock as the legendary Buttermilks—sharp, textured, and ready to chew through fresh skin. Don’t forget tape and plan on managing your tips carefully throughout the session.

Though the broader Druid Stones complex offers hundreds of boulder problems scattered across the hillside, it’s the main grove surrounding the central stone that captures most climbers’ attention—an area dense with established classics and potential for new lines alike. From moderate warmups to double-digit testpieces, there’s plenty for both the curious newcomer and the committed boulderer. The climbing here is quintessential Bishop: pure movement on proud, often highball lines that reward commitment but demand respect.

Classic problems stand out in this raw landscape. Seek out the flowing groove of Head Butt (V1), or savor the balance and precision of Blood Kin (V1). For those craving a sustained challenge, Thunder (V3) and Fear of the Unknown (V3) offer engaging sequences not to be missed, while higher-grade climbers can battle with the creative sequences of Kredulf (V5), Arch Drude (V5), or the tough and inspiring All Fired Up (V8). Each problem showcases the monzonite’s unique personality—sticky and gritty, yet sometimes surprisingly subtle.

Bouldering here carries an adventurous atmosphere: the stones may be massive and the lines inviting, but isolation and exposure define the mood. This is not a roadside park and most pads will need to be carried up the hill. That solitude is a blessing, especially during weekends and holidays when Bishop’s other world-famous bouldering areas (like Buttermilks and Happy Boulders) overflow. Here, you’ll often share the field with only a few other motivated climbers—and the occasional hawk drifting overhead.

While the season extends most of the year, the high elevation means cooler temperatures even when the Owens Valley bakes. Early spring, autumn, and cool summer mornings all offer prime conditions, but always come prepared for shifting weather and the strong, high desert sun. The wind can whip up on the open hillside but brings relief from mid-summer heat. Stubborn snow patches occasionally linger after storms, so plan accordingly if visiting in winter or early spring.

Every bit of the Druid Stones experience delivers on what makes Bishop climbing world-class: a unique sense of adventure paired with practical logistics for the self-sufficient climber. The views, the stone, and the timeless sound of wind in the desert combine for a session you won’t soon forget. Pack extra water, bring tough shoes, and prepare for a well-earned day above the crowds—there are few places that reward determination and curiosity like the Druid Stones.