The Buttermilks Area

The Buttermilks is a well-known bouldering area of granite outcrops and talus fields on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada near Bishop, California. It is valued in the climbing community for a dense concentration of problems ranging from short technical boulders to large highball routes.

The field consists of many isolated granite boulders and slabs scattered across an open, high-desert landscape; problems vary widely in difficulty and style and attract climbers from around the world. The area sits at roughly high-desert elevation near the Owens Valley and is exposed to sun and wind, so conditions change seasonally.

Climbing use grew through the late 20th century as bouldering developed as a distinct discipline; the area is now one of the signature bouldering locations in California and is managed informally as part of the regional outdoor-recreation landscape.

The Buttermilks are located just west of the town of Bishop in the Owens Valley at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, within easy driving distance of Bishop and its services.

• Climbing advice: Best climbing conditions are typically in cooler months and early morning or late afternoon when sun exposure on the open slopes is reduced; bring crash pads and spotters for highball problems.