Fall From the Sky
Color spotter Dave Pabinquit sent us a special treat this week with his fall color report from the sky. Dave took aerial images from the Bishop and Mammoth Lakes areas for a unique take on fall colors. As he says, “Aerial images provide such a unique perspective than when our feet are planted on terra ferma and taking images.” His report follows.
In my opinion, there is still a mixture of fall colors to see in the Eastern Sierra. I’ll detail what I observed in the areas that I visited on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 16 and 17). Some areas are past peak, others at peak and a few areas starting to peak. Most notably, the majestic Cottonwoods around Bishop and Round Valley are starting to show color starting at their top branches.
Bishop Creek Tributary: South and North Lake, Sabrina
The majority of North Lake and the surrounding area is past peak. There is still a little bit of color to emerge on the north slope of the lake….just a bit. From the North Lake Rd. up to Sabrina, there are still pockets of color mixed in with areas that are past peak. The best peak color to be seen is on South Lake Rd around Mist Falls (above and below) and will not last long, maybe not into next week. Pockets of color in Surveyor Meadow, along with past peak.
Pine Creek: Is on the west edge of Round Valley just outside of Bishop and Sherwin Grade. Aspens and Cottonwoods are mixed together all along Pine Creek up to the Italy Pass Trailhead. The glacial carve is impressive.
McGee Creek: Is at peak, go now. Color may be past peak next week.
Crowley Lake Rd: West side of 395 opposite Crowley Lake all the way down to Tom’s Place is a colorful drive showing color in those communities along Crowley Lake Rd.
Laurel Creek: A ribbon of peak color is just south of Mammoth in Laurel Creek where groves of Aspens are in peak color. There are some no trespassing areas but that does not apply to airspace.
