Sagehen Summit – GO NOW!

Fall color is developing rapidly across Mono County following last week’s storm, which dropped six inches of snow in the higher elevations of the Eastern Sierra, reports Mono County color spotter, Jeff Simpson.

Sagehen Summit is Mono County’s first reported “GO NOW!” peak with vibrant yellows, and oranges. Simpson declares Sagehen Summit as a must-see this week. He estimates it will be photo-worthy for the next 5-7 days.

Color spotter Crys Black drove south on US 395 from Conway Summit to Bishop Creek Canyon just after the dusting of snow this past weekend and found some color along the Virginia Lakes Road, though reported that the yellows were pretty muted. Similarly, Simpson says the upper sections of Rock Creek Road, Lobdell Lake Road and Tioga Pass are worth the trip, but still five days from peak viewing.

 

Convict Lake was starting to light up, though some leaves are spotty and brown. Black predicts the Round Valley to be good next week. Lots of its trees are frosted with yellow.

 

 

Convict Lake (7,850′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Willows are providing bright color around the lake.

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Peak (75-100%)  – Sagehen Summit is currently displaying vibrant yellows, and oranges and is a MUST see this week and should be photo-worthy for the next 5-7 days. GO NOW!

Lobdell Lake Road (8,600”) – Patchy (10-50%) – Lobdell Lake Road is still having trouble getting going. Lots of green and lime green with not much change from last week Note: Burcham Flat Road to Lobdell lake Road are dirt roads – AWD or 4WD vehicles are recommended.

Virginia Lakes (9,819’) –Patchy (10-50%) – Yellow and greens around the lake with more color in higher elevations.  For more adventurous leaf peepers with AWD or 4WD vehicles, take the Dunderberg Meadow Road to Sinnamon Meadows and Green Creek for additional aspen groves and views of Conway Summit.

Tioga Pass & Lee Vining Canyon (9,943′ & 6,781′) -Patchy (10-50%) – Color is just starting to show up around the upper elevations of Hwy 120 – Tioga Pass. Take the road up to Saddlebag Lake for the best viewing spots.

Upper Rock Creek (9,600’) –Patchy (10-50%) – Color is starting to show up nicely around Rock Creek Lake but still a bit patchy. Take the Mosquito Flats trail, Hilton & Davis Lakes Trail or Tamarack Bench Trail into higher elevations for more color.

Mono County is posting extended reports at MonoCounty.org and late pictures on Facebook.com/VisitEasternSierra and Instagram.com/MonoCountyTourism.