Virginia Lakes Approaching Peak

Mono County color spotter Alicia Vennos stopped by the Virginia Lakes Resort yesterday, raved about the apple pie, and sends this report… it’s approaching peak near the Virginia Lakes.  This area should be spectacular this weekend.

Virginia Lakes Road (10/4/2011) © 2011 Alicia Vennos

30 – 50% – Virginia Lakes Road – Colors are approaching peak along the lower part of Virginia Lakes Rd. at the top of Conway Summit off US 395 between Bridgeport and Lee Vining.

Virginia Lakes Road (10/4/2011) © 2011 Alicia Vennos

Past Peak – Beyond the Virginia Lakes Resort, the aspen are now largely done.  Winds have knocked off turned leaves.

Conway Summit - Storm Approaching (10/4/2011) © 2011 Alicia Vennos

50 – 75% – Road 139 and Dunderberg Rd. both offer great views of brilliant aspen groves right now.

Virginia Lakes Road (10/4/2011) © 2011 Alicia Vennos

50 – 75% – Conway Summit – Views of US 395 and Conway Summit of the higher alpine to the east will have you stopping at every pull-out.

Approaching Storm - Virginia Lakes Road (10/4/2011) © 2011 Alicia Vennos

0 – 15% – US 395 Approaching Conway Summit – The lower elevations on both sides of the pass leading to the summit have yet to turn.

Alicia is predicting that last night’s and today’s cold temperatures and precipitation may trigger color in areas that are still yellow-green, including Lower Rock Creek, Convict Lake, McGee Creek, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, Lundy, lower Conway Summit, Bridgeport and the Walker areas, as the days are sunny and warm… ideal conditions (other than the rain) for a colorful show.  Sunny skies and warm days are expected to return quickly after the storm, treating us to what should be a beautiful snow-capped fall weekend with intense color in the lower canyons (7,000 to 8,000 ft).