A world of “emotions” await those who are willing to spend a couple (or more) hours driving and enjoying the scenery on the eastside of the Sierra Mountains.  Located just outside of Bishop California off of Highway 395 sit The Happy, The Sad, and Buttermilk bouldering sites. 

The Happy Boulders claim 400+ highly featured routes ranging up to V10.  The volcanic “problems” include slabs and roofs along the canyon rim along with several free standing boulders.   Those in a more “somber” mood the Sad Boulders are located near the Happy’s Boulders and are not as developed but just as challenging.  Both are located about north of Bishop and accessed off of Five Bridges Road. 

The Buttermilks, located off of Buttermilk Road, are somewhat divided into two areas The Peabody’s and the Pollen Grains.  The “Grains” are made up of approximately 20 free standing boulders ranging from VB to V9 all named as only climbers can:  Jedi Mind Tricks, Beekepers Apprentice, etc… The other half of the Buttermilk, known as ”The Peabodys”  is larger and higher trafficked with over 300 problems of all levels including a couple at V12. 

If your grip gets tired you can burn the quads skiing Mammoth (Still open) or burn some single track followed by a soak in the natural hot springs.

Partner Suggestion from our friends at REI.COM:

Crack Climbing! . Authors: Lisa Gnade and Steve Petro. Softcover; 140 pages; color photgraphs. Falcon Guides; copyright 2009. Offers an overview of the unique crack types found at the world’s most famous climbing areas. Explains jamming techniques with the fingers, hand, fist, foot and even your body. Differentiates between chimneys, liebacks, underclings and roof cracks, and offers strategies to climb them. Shows you how to safely lead cracks, place protection, move efficiently and recover strength while climbing. Learn to gain a psychological edge in order to become a successful crack climber.