More than Just Climbing: Economic Impact of Climbers in Bishop

The BACC partnered with the Access Fund and Dr. James Maples of Eastern Kentucky University to conduct an economic impact study of rock climbing in the Bishop Area. Dr. James Maples is an Associate Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Division of Regional Economic Assessment and Modeling (DREAM) at Eastern Kentucky University. More information on Dr. Maples' research and methodology can be found HERE.

The purpose of this study was to better understand how visiting climbers impact the local economy to help inform decision-making around sustainable recreation and economic growth in the Bishop Area.

Data collection kicked off at the end of 2019 and ran through the pandemic closures in May 2020. The results of this study were released to the public summer of 2020. Surveying was conducted in person by BACC volunteers to capture data on climber expenditures, use patterns, and Leave-No-Trace (LNT) knowledge as it pertains to climbing impacts.
Key findings from the study are listed here, and summarized in the video below by Dr. Maples:

  • Climbers visiting Bishop/Inyo County spend an estimated $15.6 million annually in Bishop and Inyo County in a typical year.

  • Climbers are an important contributor to the Bishop and Inyo County economy, spending an estimated $155 per person per trip not including lodging. Climbers reported spending around $83 per person per trip when staying in hotels, $20 when camping, and $71 when choosing rental cabins/homes.

  • Climber expenditures support $5.1 million in local wages and an estimated 127 total jobs in a typical year.

  • Due to COVID-19’s impacts on visitation, Bishop and Inyo County lost over $10 million in potential climber expenditures.

  • Climbers are aware of Leave No Trace knowledge which helps protect climbing areas from environmental impacts.

  • Climbers are well-educated, with 54% holding a bachelor’s degree and 24% holding advanced degrees.

  • Climbers possess high personal incomes, with nearly one in three having incomes over $75K annually.

The full report is available for download HERE!