The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management manages over 245 million acres of federal land with the goal of providing the public with diverse land enjoyment options throughout the nation for the present and future. Wherever you are in the United States, you might be surprised just how close you are to Bureau of Land Management camping options when you search "BLM camping near me" online. The Sad Boulders is a Bureau of Land Management site that is located about 7 miles north of Bishop, CA. The boulders are a popular climbing destination and are part of a nearly mile-long canyon in the Volcanic Tableland. The area is composed of volcanic rock-derived channels, underhangs, and cracks that are favorites of experienced climbers. When combined with the Happy Boulders in the same canyon, there are literally hundreds of problems and routes available for climbers of various skill levels to be challenged with. The area is also a fairly short distance from Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.
The Old Sherwin Grade Road is a well-maintained and paved trail. It follows part of a road that was once used by wagons and dates back to 1870. It starts with 3 miles of flatland before beginning a steady climb. Length: 18.6 miles Intensity: Intermediate
This route will be a hard workout for some hikers and cyclists. It can trick you into thinking it will be a breeze for the first mile before a steady climb engages for the next eight. Fall and spring are the best times for this ride since summer temperatures and road conditions during the winter can prove difficult to manage. Length: 18 miles Intensity: Difficult
There is a wealth of lakes and creeks near the Sad Boulders. The Bishop area is well-known for having many choices for trout fishing, some of which are open year-round. Some options worth checking out that are only about 30 minutes from the Sad Boulders are Bishop Creek Canyon, Lake Sabrina, and the Cardinal Village Resort. For year-round trout fishing, nearby options include the Owens River and Pleasant Valley Reservoir.
There are many routes to choose from at both Happy and Sad Boulders for climbers of various experience levels. Should you need refuge from the hot summer or cold winter weather conditions but still want to get climbing in, you can do indoor climbing at the Sage to Summit Climbing Gym in Bishop. For other outdoor climbing options near the Sad Boulders, try the Buttermilk Boulders, Alabama Hills, and Owens River Gorge.
Just an hour's drive from the Sad Boulders is Inyo National Forest. Here, you can spot Sierra bighorn sheep, various species of salamanders, and black toads. Some of the wildlife in Inyo National Forest are so rare that they cannot be found anywhere else. About two hours southeast of the Sad Boulders, you can reach the Eastern Sierra region. This is a great bird-watching area where you can find songbirds, owls, hawks, and water birds.
For a one-of-a-kind picnicking opportunity, travel from the Sad Boulders to the Owens River Gorge. In a canyon at its edge, you will find a mass of boulders called the Catacombs. This is an ideal spot to picnic and spend a day marveling at the wonders of nature. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful locales in the Eastern Sierra.
For Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that can accommodate RV camping, a good option is to head 5 miles from the Sad Boulders to the Pleasant Valley Campground. Amenities at this site include potable water, fire rings, grills, and vault toilets. Spaces are available for RVs, with the number of camping spaces available totaling 75. Six people are typically allowed per site, but the campground does have one site that can accommodate up to 36 campers. The site can sometimes flood, so it is worth checking in advance if the campground is open. Reservations are available from November to May, while June through October operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are Bureau of Land Management free camping areas near the Sad Boulders along Chalk Bluff Rd. It is important to be aware, however, that there is only one highway that is able to handle RV traffic, and it provides limited access to these sites.
If you are planning on taking a BLM camping trip to the Sad Boulders, understand that access to camping sites with an RV at the actual site will be limited. For camping spots that can accommodate RVs, look to nearby spots like the Pleasant Valley Campground. Whenever embarking on a trip such as this, it is important to make sure that you share your plans with someone you trust so that you can be located should anything occur. Also, be sure to bring a hard copy of the route you are taking, as access to data and cell service will likely be difficult in some areas. Be mindful when packing that you will be prepared for weather changes, limited food and water availability, insects, and sun exposure. BLM camping is much more cost-effective than other camping options, while also bringing you closer to nature. It also provides you with the opportunity to encounter other campers who are looking for the same type of experience as you are. Before you head out on your adventure, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM aims to maintain a pristine natural environment at its sites. Therefore, it is a requirement for all visitors to clean up after themselves. You will know that the cleaning is up to spec if it appears as if no one has been there for the guests that come after you.
In order to reach the Sad Boulders from Bishop, take US-6 East for 1.4 miles. From there, you will turn left onto 5 Bridges Road. This road will merge onto Jean Blanc Road after 1.8 miles. Follow Jean Blanc Road for about half a mile and turn onto Chalk Bluff Road. The Sad Boulders will be about 1.4 miles down. Address: Chalk Bluff Road, Bishop, CA 93514 Ready to visit the Sad Boulders? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
