Sonora to Lobdell and Back

It’s a long drive, but worth it. Bay Area color spotter Lucas Yan admitted that heading to the east side is “a bit far for me, but the allure of California’s vibant color has always enticed me to make the 5-hour drive.”

And, on every trip he’s “been impressed by the mix of yellow and orange hues that our native trees showcase.” Yesterday was no exception.

He found aspen peaking above 8,000′ and noticed as he approached Sonora Pass that “nearly all the quaking aspen in the canyon had turned color. There seemed to be a lot more of them peaking simultaneously as well compared to last year. Another photographer I encountered at the turnoff agreed. He mentioned that when he camped in the area in the 1970s, there were only a few aspen trees, but they have since multiplied.”

Yan is correct in noting that weather has been perfect for fall color, with warm days and cool nights. He found color continuing “up beyond (Sonora) pass and near Sardine falls” where “the grove in the canyon is the most easily accessible and unique due to its size.”

Sonora Pass (10/8/22) Lucas Yan

The route Lucas took is one all too few Northern Californians take …CA-108 to US 395 and Lobdell Lake Rd. Yan was lucky, as Sonora Pass can be disappointing if your timing is off, but at peak it’s beautiful and nuanced. Because of this, Yan’s beautiful photographs and commentary have elevated the route to becoming California Fall Color Drive of the Week.

Lobdell Lake Rd (10/8/22) Lucas Yan

He continued, “When I reached Lobdell Lake Road two hours later, I found similar conditions, as well. While some clusters were still green and others were past peak with no leaves, there were many aspen groves that embodied that optimal autumn color.

“This first grove, along the road on the right, is a great example. While Sonora Pass provides a good perspective of seeing California fall color at scale, Lobdell Lake provides a great way to see that color in detail.

“When you pull into one of the turnoffs, you are surrounded in all directions by yellow aspen trees. My suggestion is to go on a clear or partly cloudy day (for a bit of texture in the sky) so the sun can illuminate the leaves and add an ethereal glow to the scene.

“Lobdell Lake Road is a dirt road that narrows as it approaches the wooded area so drive carefully (a SUV would be nice, but not required),” he reported.

Yan was extremely pleased with the fall color he found and definitely recommends visiting this week. He advises that should you travel Sonora Pass, time your return at sunset, “since the sun lines up with the canyon for a beautiful sunset.”

Indeed, some of the most spectacular sunset shots posted on this website have been of the Sonora Pass at sunset. CLICK HERE to see Elliot McGucken’s take. Though Lucas Yan’s signature shot of the pass, seen above, makes this week’s Best of the Week.