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Mano á Mono

Dunderberg Meadow Rd (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler

With Inyo National Forest closed (at least until Oct. 1), the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in northern Mono County is the place to see peak fall color now through this coming week.

One of our color spotters, Bruce Wendler, visited the Virginia Lakes, but found the trees ringing Little Virginia Lake to be blown out.

Upper Summers Meadow Rd. (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler

However, when he continued along California Fall Color’s recommended Driving Tour of the Week, the color along Dunderberg Meadow Rd. was as predicted, with “nice redheads and yellows.”

At the upper terminus of Upper Summers Meadow Rd, color is at peak, though lower down, Wendler noted drought-stressed trees that need a week or two before they get there. Right now, they’re Patchy (10-50%).

  • Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler
  • Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler
Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler

There are several great boulevards in the Eastern Sierra. Among our favorites are North Lake Rd in Bishop Creek Canyon, the June Lake Loop and Lobdell Lake Rd.

Bruce writes that what sets Lobdell apart from the others is that it has big views once you climb out of the valleys. The road (seen above) takes an hour from Bridgeport with peak at the bottom, leading up to trees that are turned and backlight well. It’s a good, unpaved road that is two-wheel drivable. In some places, you can get into the trees.

Driving south of Conway Summit, Bruce passed areas of the Inyo National Forest that are closed to visitation. Bruce was able, however, to take pictures from afar.

Lower Lundy Canyon (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler

Approaching Lundy Canyon, Bruce saw color that was just barely Patchy. That means Lundy Canyon still has a week to two to go. Hopefully, the forest will reopen this week as the Lundy Canyon Trail is one of the finest fall color hikes in California. We estimate it to be at peak in 1.5 to two weeks.

Sagehen (9/26/20) Bruce Wendler

Sagehen looks promising, as seen from a distance (the area remains closed). It appears to be at the lower end of Near Peak conditions. So, plan to head there as soon as the closure is lifted, but not before!

Wendler’s photos show clear skies, but at June Lakes, the area was being smothered by smoke from the Creek Fire (west of June Lakes and Mammoth Lakes). A check this morning has the air quality as good, and it’s even clearer in Mammoth Lakes, though it varies from unhealthy to good. Reports from Inyo County indicate the air quality in Bishop Creek Canyon was good today, though access to Lake Sabrina and North Lake remained closed.

Unhealthy air quality was most likely a contributing reason why Inyo National Forest was closed. As soon as the Creek Fire is doused (now 39% contained), it’s hopeful that restrictions will be lifted, barring another fire.

Please, stay out of closed areas until the closures are lifted. No public access for hiking, biking, camping, fishing and fall color viewing is permitted during Inyo NF’s closure.

  • Virginia Lakes (9,819′) – Peak (75-100%), GO NOW!
  • Dunderberg Meadows Rd (8,845′) – Near Peak (50-75%), Go Now!
  • Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Upper Summers Meadow Rd. (8,500′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now!
  • Upper Summers Meadow Rd. (10,065′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Lundy Lake (7,858′) – INYO NF CLOSED
  • Sagehen Summit (8,139′) – INYO NF CLOSED
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