29.3
PDI
15.7 mi
DISTANCE
4,824 ft
GAINED
5.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Lake Sabrina climbs 15.7 miles and 4,824 ft at a 5.7% average grade from the western edge of Bishop to 9,150 ft, following Highway 168 up Bishop Creek Canyon into the Inyo National Forest. The finish is the dam at the foot of Lake Sabrina, a reservoir on the middle fork of Bishop Creek completed in 1908 and ringed by granite peaks. (It's Sah-BRY-nuh, not suh-BREE-nuh - the locals will correct you. We keep forgetting, and we keep getting corrected.)
"A very big hill on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, this one is fairly shallow over the first two miles, the grade steadily increasing up toward Lake Sabrina with big views down into the valley. Soon a big S curve indicates increasing grade on its upper end as you gain altitude. After the curve the road straightens a bit and again heads towards the mountains to continue over solid grade, the most extended stretch of continuous solid grade on the hill..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in California, pg. 118.)
The first 11.7 miles are shared with South Lake; at the junction, Lake Sabrina keeps straight on Highway 168 through the small community of Aspendell, and the highway ends a half-mile before the finish, where a narrow paved road continues up to the dam. Fall colors in the aspens here are spectacular - and it's one of the fastest descents in the country. Through October 2026, Southern California Edison is repairing the dam's spillway: the lake is drawn down and the day-use parking area and dam embankment close intermittently (Mon-Sat), so the very last stretch may be busier or briefly restricted.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The average grade is 5.7%, but the climb comes in stages. The first four miles across the open valley are the gentlest, averaging 5.1% as you ride toward mountains that seem to take forever to reach. From there it's 11.6 miles at 6.0% to the top. The steepest quarter-mile (10.6%) begins around mile 4.9 at the big S curve, and the steepest mile (9.0%) comes just below the South Lake junction, starting around mile 10.8.
After the junction at mile 11.7, the final 3.9 miles average 6.1%, with a steeper pitch past Aspendell, a short dip, and a last climb on the narrow road through the trees to the dam. 58% of the climb is at 5-10% and 6% at 10-15%.
Roadway: Highway 168 is wide, well-paved, and in excellent condition all the way to the South Lake junction and on through Aspendell. Where the highway ends a half-mile below the lake, the last stretch is a narrower, rougher (but easily manageable) paved road up to the dam. Through October 2026, expect heavy equipment on that final stretch while Southern California Edison repairs the Lake Sabrina Dam spillway. Winter storms can close the upper canyon, so check the Inyo County Road Open/Closed Status and Inyo National Forest's Lake Sabrina page before riding outside of summer.
Traffic: Moderate for the first half of the climb, with cars passing at highway speeds - those who are traffic averse may be uncomfortable here. Traffic thins steadily as you climb and isn't a problem over the last third, though summer weekends bring anglers, hikers, and boat trailers heading to the lake.
Parking: The climb starts right where Bishop's West Line Street becomes Highway 168, so if you're staying in town it's easiest to just ride out from your hotel. If you're driving in, there's roadside parking just off the highway and along Red Hill Road at the start - Map; Street View.
Provisions: None on the route until the finish. At the top, The Waterfront Cafe at Lake Sabrina Boat Landing serves breakfast, burgers, cold drinks, and famous from-scratch pie during its summer season (roughly Memorial Day weekend through September; hours vary, so check their site). There's no potable water at the day-use area.
Altitude: You climb above 9,000 ft, where there's roughly 27% less oxygen than at sea level, so expect the upper miles to feel harder than the grade suggests.
Weather: Bishop can be hot while the lake is much cooler and often windy, and the long, fast descent chills quickly. Pack a jacket, and check conditions at the finish with our Weather tool before you go.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Bishop is the hub for the central Owens Valley climbs, and this one starts right on the edge of town. Stock up before or after at Erick Schat's Bakkery on Main Street - a Bishop institution for sheepherder bread and pastries. Bishop has plenty of hotels and motels, and there are cabins and small resorts higher up in Bishop Creek Canyon if you'd rather stay in the mountains.
Since the first 11.7 miles are shared, many riders knock out South Lake on a separate day or turn it into a double. Late September through mid-October is prime time for the aspen color in the canyon - but storms can close the upper road any time after early fall, so check conditions before planning an off-season ride.
See our Owens Valley page, or use our Routes in the Area tool to find other climbs nearby.
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Skotscott
September 5, 2023
Lots of separation cracks the entire way up - last mile is better and a nice punchy climb to finish. A bit jarring on the way down but the high speed helps with the cracks. Moderate traffic whizzing past at high speeds with narrow shoulder and 55mph speed limit. Mostly courteous drivers passing wide. Great views on the way up and at the lake. There is a small cafe/shop on top with basics. Hot climbing up and chilly on the top. Used a wind jacket on the way down.
carlinguernsey
This is a long difficult climb with varying gradient. I did it in late May and there was significant snow on the ground at the lake (but the road was clear). You can start from anywhere in Bishop.
