Drives California The Eastern Sierra
Highway 168: Bishop to Lake Sabrina
CA 168, Lake Sabrina Road · Bishop → Lake Sabrina
The drive
Highway 168 climbs from the floor of the Owens Valley almost to the crest of the Sierra in 18 miles. It leaves Main Street in Bishop as West Line Street and runs dead straight across the valley and up the long alluvial fan toward the mountains, a state scenic highway from Brockman Lane up to Camp Sabrina.
Then it enters the canyon of Bishop Creek and follows the creek's middle fork up through aspen and willow, past the turnoff for South Lake Road, the small community of Aspendell and the North Lake Road turnoff, to Lake Sabrina, cupped below the high peaks at about 9,000 feet. In late September and October the canyon is one of California's best-known places for fall color: the aspens above about 8,500 feet turn yellow, orange and red, and photographers line the road near the best views.
It's driven uphill from Bishop, so the mountains grow in front of you the whole way.
Along the way
- Bishop (Main Street)
- Lake Sabrina
Good to know
- The last stretch from Aspendell to Lake Sabrina closes to most vehicles in winter, at a gate south-west of Aspendell; it usually reopens in mid or late April.
- Peak fall color moves up and down the canyon from week to week; check a current fall color report before you go.
- Fall color weekends bring crowds and photographers stopping along the road; pull fully off the pavement to stop.
Aspendell to Lake Sabrina closed by snow in winter, usually until mid or late April. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 168 conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 168 take from Bishop to Lake Sabrina?
Highway 168 from Main Street in Bishop to Lake Sabrina is 18.3 miles and takes about 30 minutes without stops, climbing about 5,000 feet.
When is the best time to see fall colors on Highway 168?
Fall color in Bishop Creek Canyon along Highway 168 usually peaks from late September into October, starting high near Lake Sabrina and working down the canyon toward Aspendell.
Is Highway 168 to Lake Sabrina open in winter?
Not all of it. Highway 168 is closed to most vehicles from Aspendell to Lake Sabrina in winter and usually reopens in mid or late April; the road from Bishop to Aspendell stays open.
Is Highway 168 to Lake Sabrina twisty?
No. Highway 168 from Bishop is mostly gentle: a long straight climb up the valley, then easy curves up Bishop Creek canyon.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.