I've been out and about in our beautiful country traversing deserts, scaling mountains and navigating some of the worst traffic in the world, LA. 2 weekends ago I was up in Bishop, CA collecting garnets. Usually when I finish up my work I like to take in the scenery of where I am. This time I noticed an interesting spot on the map called the Buttermilk Boulders at the base of the Sierra Nevadas, just over the ridge from where I was. Naturally I had to go check them out.
If you are ever thinking of going here, don't, unless you don't mind the bumpiest road you have ever traveled on. When grading dirt road in California they produce small cuts in the road, probably from the tank treads of the vehicle they are using. These cuts, while good to protect from flooding, are hell on your vehicle and will drive you mad when driving 5 miles over them!
Anyway, the boulders themselves were interesting. Massive, 2 story chunks of granite that probably rolled off of the Sierra Nevada's. I am always amazed when I see boulders like this separated from any sort of outcrop or mountains. The energy needed to move them, the sound of them tumbling around, must be incredible.
These boulders are famous for "bouldering". People come to climb them, then climb down them, then high five each other and go home. Ok, maybe they have a beer or two, but when I climb rocks it's to get to the treasure on the other side. Seriously though, I know how challenging climbing one of these must be. I climb over and around rocks all the time and navigating them can be a challenge. Still, I wouldn't do it without some treasure waiting for me!
In conclusion, The Buttermilk Boulders are located in West Bishop, CA. Bishop is a beautiful, outdoors town in Central, East California. There are tons of things to do there all year round. There's even a Paiute Indian Casino I always stop by! Buffalo!!
I wouldn't mind living there if it wasn't for California's insane taxes and politics. Awesome place to visit though!
Thanks for reading, and I'm sorry if I offended anyone who like to climb rocks for no reason!
Yeow so many pretty boulders all in a row!
Did you hit that big rock just right and split it
open like a melon! lol. I often wonder if some
were cracked open, imagine a giant thunder
egg full of buttermilk! :-)
I agree @rt395, must be some treasure
awaiting the adventures endeavor!
I'm sure enjoying your finds! ❤
That big rock is really interesting. It had a clean split which is really odd. It must have been from a vein of weaker material that eventually gave way after sitting there heating and cooling for thousands of years. Geology is mind boggling!
I forgot to find out why the area is called Buttermilk.
I was curious to see why lol
You will laugh at the reason it's called buttermilk! :-)
Geology is a trip that is for sure, I've always wanted to
know how this and that came about to the way it looks.