Buckley Ponds Loop

The Buckley Ponds are a surprising find located just east of downtown Bishop, California. This string of small ponds are picturesque and offer great warm water fishing, as well as a lovely place to recreate or relax. The ponds are as nice as they are today thanks in large part to rehabilitation efforts that have taken place over the last decade.

One of the best ways to explore the ponds is to hike the roughly 3 mile loop that will take you around the 3 main ponds.

This loop follows dirt roads almost the entire way. Although you may see a vehicle or two, traffic is rare. There are also a few short sections where you can get off the road and hike closer to the ponds.

The southernmost pond is arguably the nicest. All the ponds have accessible platforms for fishing, with one featuring a picnic table that makes for a great place to have a break.

Along the hike you’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance.

After walking around the ponds you’ll loop back around to your vehicle and finish the hike.