Sometime in mid-May, the whole town shifts gears. The fairgrounds fill up, the streets smell like leather and sawdust, the sound of hooves on pavement echoes down Main Street, and thousands of visitors pour in from across the country — all to celebrate one very hardworking animal: the mule.
The Biggest Mule Show on Earth, Right in Our Backyard
Mule Days is not a small local fair. It draws competitors, pack station outfitters, Western lifestyle enthusiasts, and visitors from all 50 states and beyond. These aren't props — these are real working animals, real ranchers, real packers who depend on their mules to carry loads through wilderness terrain that no machine can reach.
World-class mule showing, packing, and working events
One of the most iconic Western parades in the country
Real outfitters showing authentic backcountry techniques
Music, vendors, and Western lifestyle all week long
Competitors travel from across the country to compete
One of the most stunning backdrops on the planet
What Mule Days Means for the Roads Around Bishop
If you've driven through Bishop during Mule Days week, you know the roads look different. US-395 sees a significant uptick in traffic — and the fairgrounds, campgrounds, and side streets fill up with a very specific type of vehicle: diesel trucks pulling horse and mule trailers. Duramaxes, Power Strokes, and Cummins-powered rigs that have hauled their owners and animals hundreds — sometimes thousands — of miles to get here.
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip: Don't Let the Drive Home Be the Problem
Towing a loaded mule or horse trailer is one of the most demanding things you can ask of a diesel truck. Mountain passes on US-395 put serious strain going both up and down — transmission, turbocharger, cooling system, brakes, and tires all take a hit. Before you load up and head home, take a few minutes to check the basics:
- Tire pressure on both truck and trailer — cold, before you pull out.
- Brake function — trailer brakes especially after a long downgrade.
- Fluid levels — oil, coolant, DEF, and transmission fluid.
- Any warning lights that came on during the drive in.
- Any handling or pulling that felt different than normal on the grade.
A diesel showing symptoms in Bishop is far easier to deal with here than broken down on the side of the highway at night with a trailer full of mules behind you. If something felt off on the way in — get it looked at before you leave.
We're Right Here in Bishop — Come See Us
Britt's Diesel is located at 383 Joe Smith Rd, Bishop, CA. We service all the major diesel brands you'll see in the Mule Days parking lot:
Slow leak, warning light, brake concern, tires that don't look right — give us a call and we'll get you taken care of so you can enjoy the show and get home safely.
See You at Mule Days
Whether you're a lifelong regular or making the trip for the first time — welcome to Bishop. If your truck needs any attention while you're here, you know where to find us. Open Monday through Friday at 383 Joe Smith Rd.
(760) 872-1883MON – FRI | 383 JOE SMITH RD, BISHOP, CA