Scenic Flights

The Eastern Sierra is easily one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, so if you haven’t seen it from the air, you’re missing one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. Even after 25 years of flying in this area, I still find it exhilarating. Fly with me and see some these beautiful sights.

Below are just a few of the flights you can take with Black Mountain Air Service.
All flights start and end at the Bishop Airport. Up to 3 passengers for the same fare.
(Weight restrictions apply)

Mt Whitney – 1 hour - $270

Follow the Sierra Crest south to Mt. Whitney, for great views of the highest peak in the lower 48 states at 14,495 feet. Then, cross the Sierras and return to Bishop via the west side of the crest with views of Kings Canyon and the Palisades.

White Mountains – 1 hour - $270

Fly north along the west side of the White Mountains past White Mountain Peak (over 14,000 feet high). The desert basins and ranges of Nevada stretch to the horizon as you turn east around Montgomery and Boundary Peaks. Fly south down the eastern side of the range, and past the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home of the 4,800 year old Methusela Tree, the oldest in the world.

Yosemite Valley – 1.2 hours - $325

Cross the Sierra Crest near Mammoth Lakes for a breathtaking view of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, and Ritter and Banner Peaks. See Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and Half Dome from the air. On the return trip fly east over Tioga Pass for a view of Mono Lake. This trip is beautiful in all seasons, but especially spectacular in the spring when the rivers and waterfalls are swollen with spring runoff. 

Mono Lake and Bodie – 1.2 hours - $325

Fly over Crowley Lake, past Mammoth Lakes and the Mono Craters for a panorama of Mono Lake, including Paoha and Negit Islands. Cross the lake and see the historic ghost town of Bodie, the wildest gold camp in the west. Return via Adobe Valley (where John C. Fremont and Kit Carson passed through in the 1800’s) and the northern Owens Valley.

Death Valley – 2 hrs - $540

Fly across Inyo Mountains to Eureka Valley and see the largest sand dunes in the country, the Eureka Dunes. Then fly south through Death Valley, past Scotty’s Castle and Furnace Creek to Badwater, the lowest point in the country at 282 feet below sea level. Then cross the Panamint Range near Telescope Peak (over 11,000 EL) and turn north over the Devil’s Racetrack. Cross Saline Valley and fly past the old salt tram at the crest of the Inyo’s, on your way back to Bishop.

Highest and Lowest – 2 hours - $540

See the highest and the lowest points in the continental US in one flight! Follow the Sierra Crest from Bishop to Mt Whitney (14,494 EL). Turn east and cross the Owens Dry Lake, the Inyo mountains, past Telescope Peak (over 11,000 EL) to Badwater (-282 EL). Returning to Bishop, the flight will follow Death Valley north crossing Eureka Valley and the Eureka Dunes.

Black Mountain Air Service can also create a custom flight to match your specifications. Just call 760-937-1300 and let me know what you would like to do.