Bigleaf maple, LaPorte Rd., Quincy (10/9/17) Jeff Luke Titcomb
Dogwood, LaPorte Rd., Quincy (10/9/17) Jeff Luke Titcomb
The LaPorte Road, just out of Quincy, “is ripe for color drives, all along the road,” reports Plumas County color spotter Jeff Luke Titcomb.
Yellow bigleaf maple, rosy dogwood and black oak, their big leaves splotched with orange, yellow and lime, “are just stunning right now,” Jeff writes, “It’s a great drive, especially when the sun changes direction and just makes the yellow glow.”
LaPorte Rd., Quincy (3,432′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Whoa, if ever there were a weekend to get Outside on the Eastside, this is it in Mono County.
Peak color can be found anywhere you go and whichever direction you drive. We’ll be posting an update on Lake Tahoe and the Hope Valley, after returning to scout those locations (Oct. 12) and fully expect the color to be great, just as it is in Mono and Inyo Counties right now.
Part of the reason this autumn is so good is why it is so confusing. On the exact same day for the same location we’ve received conflicting reports stating, “It’s gone” or “it’s spectacular” or “not yet there.”
What’s happening is that the aspen forest, for the first time in anyone’s memory, is turning by grove. Stands of aspen are different genetically, and they’re demonstrating their individuality this autumn. In past years, the genetic differences between the groves seemed to make little difference, as the trees at least acted as if they were on the same clock. Not this year.
What that means for fall color viewing is that the show is lasting longer, but not as uniformly at any given location.
The big change this past week occurred at the highest elevations, which for the most part went Past Peak. Places like Upper Rock Creek (10,300′), Tioga Pass (9,943′) and Sagehen Meadows (8,139′ – High Desert, so it’s drier there) are now Past Peak. Though, that’s not universally true. Some of the groves at “you’ll-get-winded walking there” heights are still green.
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Some spotters began declaring calamity after seeing stripped stands at some locations, posting on Facebook and elsewhere that high winds had stripped the color. So, I called Mono County fall color guru Jeff Simpson (Yes, you’ve now achieved guru status in your life, Jeff).
Jeff lives on the eastside and has been reporting autumn color for years. He seemed to be offended by the suggestion that fall had ended, saying, “in no way have all the leaves blown off.”
OK, Jeff, OK. I believe you, especially since you’re now a guru and after seeing your photos, taken as late as yesterday.
So, count on it.
This weekend, there’ll be lots of gorgeous color to be seen at: Twin Lakes Bridgeport, Lundy Canyon, Convict Lake, Rock Creek Road, McGee Creek Canyon, Conway Summit, Summers Meadow Road, Lobdell Lake Road, Lee Vining Canyon, Monitor Pass and the June Lake Loop, even if a few leaves have fallen, as seen at right.
Here’s a detailed report from Mono County, a go-to destination for great fall color this week:
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Peak (75-100%) – Aspen on the summit are perfect, right now. Look for the large grove of trees on the east side of the summit to have the best display of color. GO NOW!
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) – This area has never looked as good. Lots of peaking trees with deep reds and yellows. Get here fast, as some stands are past peak or will not last much longer. Note: Burcham Flat Road to Lobdell lake Road are dirt roads – AWD or 4WD vehicles are recommended. GO NOW!
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Walker Canyon (5,200′)- Patchy (10-50%) – Walker canyon has slowed since last reported. There are stands with great yellows and lime greens while others are just getting started. Give it a week and it’ll be rating “Go Now!”, but not just yet.
Towns of Walker & Coleville – Just Starting (0-10%) – A few cottonwoods have started to turn but this is traditionally the last place to peak in Mono County. Look to go here in the 3rd or 4th week in October. Nevertheless, there are spots where the tall cottonwood are crowned with yellow in the midday sun.
Sonora Pass (9,623′)- Peak (75-100%) – It’s a fall color inversion here, as colors are looking nice around Leavitt Meadows Pack station and the lower sections of Sonora Pass, whereas aspen near the summit never seemed to get going. You’ll find peak to past peak groves along the road and is still worth the trip this weekend. See our earlier report about Obsidian Campground – glorious! GO NOW!
Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/9/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes(7,000′) -Peak (75-100%) – The biggest change in Mono County this week has occurred at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport. Wonderful color has appeared along the upper and lower lakes, and up the mountainside toward Horse Creek. GO NOW!
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) –Peak (75-100%) to Past Peak – The leaves never got going at Virginia Lakes, this year. Though, there’s still some great color along Lower Virginia Lakes Road. GO NOW! as You’re About to Miss It.
Conway Summit (8,143′)- Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – There is lot’s of great color at Conway Summit right now. A few stands are a little green while most of the mountainside is at full peak. Tip: visit in the late afternoon, as shadows make this difficult to photograph in morning light. GO NOW!
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Peak (75-100%) – – Simply spectacular. Entire groves of peaking aspens make this location a must stop. NOTE: The Summers Meadow bridge sustained significant damage during the spring runoff. The bridge has been reduced to one lane traffic but is currently open to visitors traveling to Summers Meadow. GO NOW!
Conway Summit (10/11/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass & Lee Vining Canyon(9,943′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – There is great color to be found in Lee Vining Canyon, especially along Log Cabin Mine Road. Higher up, Tioga Pass and Saddlebag Lake are past peak. GO NOW!
Lundy Lake & Canyon(7,858′)- Peak (75-100%) – Be prepared for brilliant color up Lee Vining Canyon at the first set of waterfalls. Color along the road and campground is our peak as Peak of the Week.GO NOW!
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak (You Missed It.)
JUNE LAKE LOOP
Silver Lake, June Lake Loop (10/11/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158(7,654′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – There is lots of bright lime, yellow and orange in the aspen around the June Lake Loop. There are peak trees just about everywhere. And yet, the June Lake Loop will last another week or two. We do not recommend delaying, but if you only can visit in two weeks, you should still find spots of good color. GO NOW!
Parker Lake(8,000′) – 50-100% Go Now! – Wow. From Parker Bench to Parker Lake be prepared to drop your jaw. You will find a mix of color from Patchy to Near Peak, to Peaking, to Past Peak, but overall it’s lovely. GO NOW!
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin(8,996′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – Mammoth has come into its own, with good color along Mammoth Creek Road and Sherwin Creek Road and among bright orange willows at the Mammoth Lakes Basin. GO NOW!
Summers Meadow Rd. (10/9/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – – McGee Creek Canyon is at full peak and has wonderful color right now while the road is still a bit patchy. GO NOW!
Around Crowley Community(6,781′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – Poke around the community and you’ll find bright color there and along the hillsides beside U.S. 395. Take the “old US 395” road from McGee Creek to Tom’s Place for great views of the color change that’s occurring up the mountain. GO NOW!
Convict Lake (7850′) – Peak (75-100%) – Convict Lake is a “must” stop this week. Colors are at their peak along the lake and up Convict Canyon. Take the 2.5 mile “Convict Lake Loop Trail” around the lake for a close up view of the leaves and different angles of Mt. Morrison. GO NOW!
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) –Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – – Wonderful color along the lower section of Rock Creek Road from Tom’s Place. There are sections of great Yellows and Oranges while other areas above the lake may be past peak. GO NOW!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-10-11 23:48:002017-10-12 10:01:52Time to be Outside on the Eastside
The West Walker River is often overlooked as a fall color location. Mark Harding didn’t make that mistake.
Instead, he drove along a dirt road, 15 miles north of Bridgeport, to Obsidian Campground in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest yesterday to find aspen and willows in all stages of peak, coloring the dense forest near the stream with avocado green, gold, orange and rose. And, yes, it’s a First Report for this location on the West Walker River.
West Walker River (7,800′) – Near Peak 50-75%) GO NOW!
I sure hadn’t. Henness Pass Road travels east/west across the Northern Sierra, south of CA-49, roughly between Camptonville and Downieville, but slightly to the south.
As the lowest pass through the Sierra Nevada, you’d think everyone would drive it, but don’t expect to jump in your sedan for a leisurely Sunday drive, as only high clearance off-road vehicles can operate on it. This is wild country dotted with ranches, wildlife, spots of fall color and not much else.
Bridget and Bruce Locken traveled it on Saturday to score a First Report with these snapshots of the color to be seen in this remote area of California.
Henness Pass (6,920′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
The Mammoth Lakes Basin has few aspen. Nevertheless, it should be on any color spotter’s must-see list because of its willows.
Near Lake Mary, Lake George and along the west shore of the basin, they are putting on a show of orange splendor, right now. The lakes basin is impressive any time of year. A dramatic bowl of sawtooth peaks cups a necklace of lakes that are favorites of anglers, hikers, cyclists and people out to be inspired by this planet’s glory.
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,500′) – Peak (75-100%) – GO NOW!
Laurel Creek (10/10/17) Josh Wray
Laurel Creek (8,000′) – Peak (75-100%) – A golden vein of aspen winds along Laurel Creek down from the High Sierra to near US 395, south of Mammoth Lakes. It is absolutely breathtaking.
As you drive north on US 395, the aspen look like a gigantic golden chain that has been laid upon the land. Brilliant yellow and orange foliage flows down the mountain like a twisted flume ride.
To see it up close a high-clearance SUV is required. As, you’re on a dirt road that is littered with stones and boulders in places. However, with a capable off-road vehicle, it’s soft adventure with a beautiful view and just minutes south of Mammoth Lakes. GO NOW!
Snowcreek Meadow – Peak (75-100%) – This is the go-to spot for fall color in Mammoth Lakes.Its meadow, ponds, and golf course are full of color and vistas. Hike of the Week is the Mammoth Lakes Town Loop… very easy and inspiring. GO NOW!
Mammoth Rock (9,100′) – Past Peak – You Missed It.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-10-11 14:53:322017-10-11 22:15:02Mammoth Is Massive - GO NOW!
Pink Floss-Silk Tree, Southern California (10/11/17) Kathy Jonokuchi
Pink Floss-Silk Tree, Southern California (10/11/17) Kathy Jonokuchi
Color spotter Kathy Jonokuchi shared these images on our Facebook page (@CalifFallColor) of the Pink Floss-Silk tree, an exotic that blooms in mid autumn.
It is another aspect of fall color that is seen only in California and other Mediterranean climates, during autumn.
Jean Pan reports that she and her husband, Dylan Ren, visited Bishop, the June Lake loop and Lundy Canyon this past weekend. And, “It was really nice!”
Of these areas, they chose to linger in Lundy Canyon, because of its luscious color. They stopped at a day use area, about a mile or two up the canyon, where they entered an aspen grove that was cloaked in golden and red leaves.
Jean reported that the Lundy Canyon Campground had the best color she saw and estimates Lundy Canyon to be at peak, so we’re gonna declare it Peak of the Week.
However, please note that these photographs were taken before this week’s wind event. Today, winds gusting to 30 mph are predicted for the Eastern Sierra and days will remain breezy for the rest of the week.
So, we caution that areas that have turned color will lose some color, but those in the process of turning will continue to hold color. Jeff Simpson from Mono County affirms this reporting that while higher elevations (Sagehen, Virginia Lakes, Sonora Pass) have lost some of their leaves, lower elevations – including areas like the June Lake Loop and Lundy Canyon are still prime for a big show this weekend.
The June Lake Loop is nearing peak and should peak this weekend. Some locations, like Gull Lake, are already at Peak.
Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
June Lake Loop (7,654′)- Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Mammoth Lakes is flecked with gold, Trent Vierra’s photographs show.
He was there this past weekend and found Near Peak aspen throughout town and along Mammoth Creek Trail and the Sherwin Creek Trail which leads to the Sherwin Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes (8,500′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-10-10 15:38:562017-10-10 15:38:56Mammoth Lakes Now Flecked With Gold
Quaking Aspen, Sagehen Meadows (10/9/17) Mark Harding
The moment has arrived when enough Peak color has fallen at a given location to classify the location as Past Peak. When that happens, we report, “You Missed It.”
That’s occurred at Sagehen Meadows Road in Mono County (13 mi. east of US 395, south of Mono Lake on CA-120), where this past week the color was gloriously rich and textured. Today, most of it is on the ground.
Yet, for the die-hard color spotter, like Mark Harding, there is beauty to be seen in the last weathered leaves of autumn. And, if you still visit Sagehen, you’ll find lovely glimpses of it, as he did.
Sagehen Meadows, Mono County – Past Peak (You Missed It.)
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-10-10 14:53:382017-10-10 15:03:51Sagehen Meadows - You Missed It.
Aspen, Sky Park at Santa’s Village (10/7/17) Alena Nicholas
Red maple, Skyforest (10/7/17) Alena Nicholas
Santa’s Village has been unwrapping a new identity. The venerable children’s attraction has become Sky Park, a place of adventures in nature.
Part of that transformation has been the addition of seasonal autumn color. Aspen and maple have been planted throughout the park’s fantasy village, and though the trees are young, they promise a show of fall color that will improve each autumn.
The Christmastide theme park in Skyforest near Lake Arrowhead (CA-18) still has its gingerbread houses, ice/roller rink, excursion train and gift shops, but now also a glacier-like climbing wall, roar-down-the mountain bike trail and thrill rides.
It’s a mix of updated 1955 nostalgia with 2017 soft adventure.
Santa’s Village, Skyforest (5,174′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Jenks Lake (10/7/17) Alena Nicholas
Red maple, Green Valley Lake (10/7/17) Alena Nicholas
Alena Nicholas writes that she focused on the upper part of the San Bernardino Mountains, from Green Valley Lake to Big Bear, to Jenks Lake.
“All had wonderful color, with aspen, maple, and some cottonwood trees. They are at peak, to maybe a bit past, while the black oak are still developing.” Alena wrote.
“Still, great amounts of color still remain to turn across the upper mountain range. Big Bear had a lot of color around the lake, and in town,” but it was so busy with people up for the weekend that Alena was unable to maneuver around to take images.
At Jenks lake, “people were out enjoying their weekend boating and fishing along the shore,” providing for an enhanced experience with all the bigleaf maple (yellow), cottonwood (golden), aspen (yellow), black oak (orange) and exotics (orange and red) dressed in their finest.
Alena enjoyed a similar panorama at Green Valley Lake (between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear) and at a slightly higher elevation than Jenks.
At Lake Arrowhead, Robin and Chris Gago found dogwood Peaking along trails, with black oak Just Starting.
Jenks Lake (6,739′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Green Valley Lake (7,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Lake Arrowhead (5,174′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
