Just east of Bishop, the Owens River flows through open sagebrush and grassy banks, curving gently beneath the tall ridge of the Sierra Nevada. This wide, open landscape—just a few minutes from downtown Bishop—is one of the most rewarding dog-friendly walks in the Eastern Sierra. The terrain is gentle, the views are expansive, and the sound of water follows you the whole way.
To reach it, head east from Bishop via South Main Street (Highway 395) and turn onto Owens River Road. There’s no official entrance—just a dirt pull-off near the river, where you can park and step right into the landscape. That’s part of what makes this place feel like a secret. There are no signs or fences, just open space and the slow rhythm of a high-desert river. Dogs love it here. The banks are wide and accessible, with plenty of places to sniff, splash, or just sit beside you in the sun.
The walk itself is easy—flat, informal trails follow the river’s path for as long as you like. It’s not a loop or a paved path, but that’s the charm. You can go out a half-mile and turn around, or follow the river for miles. The Sierra Nevada towers to the west, while the Inyo Mountains rise in dusty blue to the east. In the mornings and evenings, the light is soft and golden, and the only sounds are birds in the willows and the breeze through dry grass.
You won’t find restrooms here, so plan ahead. The nearest facilities are back in Bishop, or at Pleasant Valley Campground a few miles away. But what this stretch of the Owens River offers is rare: space, stillness, and a sense of being a little bit removed from the rush of the world.
Is Owens River dog friendly? Absolutely. While leashes are recommended near the road and during nesting season, dogs under voice control are welcome along most of the trail. It’s a favorite among local pet owners looking for off-leash areas near Bishop.
