The “Happies” are part of the Volcanic Tablelands located just north of Bishop, California. The area contains hundreds of bouldering problems. There are lots of nice traverses and a lot of high problems too. Make sure you bring that extra thick crash pad. There are problems rated from VB to V14.

The video below is an extremely watchable bouldering video based in the Bishop area. Gives you a great idea of the best problems, and maybe a few tips for how to complete them too.

Also right by the Happies is the Buttermilks, at a higher elevation. In fact the name Buttermilks often refers to the Happies too. Bishop is just a bit of a climbing mecca really. Check out this awesome video by Momentum Video Magazine. Unfortunately the link won’t take you straight there (grrrr flash sites). You’ll have to hunt for it. I’m sure you’ll get distracted by the multitude of other awesome content though. Interestingly, despite the website being www.momentumvm.com, while we’re www.outdoorvm.com….there is no relation between us at all! I just came across their site the other day. Its a great site, keep it up guys.

Be warned….summer is very very hot for climbing. The rock is black, you’re in the desert, in full sun. Fall, winter and spring are considered the best times to boulder in Bishop.

Location
Getting there from Bishop: Go North on Highway 6 about a mile. Take a left on Five Bridges Road and continue until you get to the gravel plant, then take a left on Chalk Bluff road and go 2.3 miles. Park next to the kiosk and washroom.

Getting there from Yosemite: Take 395 south to Pleasant Valley Dam Road. Take a left on PVD and drive for a couple of miles until you hit Chalk Bluff road, just after the camping area on the left. Take a right on Chalk Bluff Road, parking is a mile or so further on by the kiosk and washroom.

Once parked the trail leading into the canyon is behind you going uphill.

Bishop Bouldering details more than 2000 problems at this internationally popular climbing destination, providing complete coverage of the Buttermilk Country (including outlying areas like Dales Camp and the Pollen Grains), The Happy and Sad Boulders, The Druid Stones, and Rock Creek and The Sherwin Plateau (north toward Mammoth). Bishop Bouldering also showcases the region s bouldering with hundreds of color photographs, including stunning action shots from pro shooters like Dan Pattitucci, Jim Thornburg, Stephan Denys, Simon Carter, and Wills Young.

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