Bishop Creek – Beautiful Beyond Words

Fall Color Report

NorthLake
North Lake (10/5/26) Lucas Yan

It was a bountiful weekend at Bishop Creek Canyon for color spotters who made the trek.

We received our annual fix of North Lake photos, among other locations in the Canyon, and of course they did not disappoint. However, after visiting the area myself last week, I wanted to repeat what I highlighted from the experience.

This canyon is spectacular but it is also fragile. Roads can be narrow, steep or in need of repair. Parking is extremely limited and on busy days you may find it difficult to even turn your vehicle around if you realize you need to head to another location.

The road to North Lake can be especially gripping for some people. Please do not go unprepared. Check out the video from Betsy Forsyth at Visit Bishop below to see what we mean.

In the meantime, enjoy the updates and beautiful images from some very talented photographers.

North Lake – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

“I would say this is right at peak but it’s losing leaves fast,” reported color spotter Lucas Yan. “It seems that the lack of rainfall from this past season has stressed the aspens compared to previous seasons.”

Lucas also added the following:

North Lake Road – Aspens on the start of the North Lake approach are at peak and vibrant.

Groves above Cardinal Village – Mostly yellow aspens with some green aspens mixed in.

South Lake – Aspens when you turn off CA-168 are a mix of yellow and green, transitioning to dull yellow further up, and past peak near the lake.

Gary Skipper II also reported from Bishop Creek Canyon with the following:

“North Lake was exceptional on Sunday. Going on a day with clouds made all the difference.”

Bishop Creek Canyon is definitely at Peak – GO NOW!

Bishop creek (3)
North Lake (10/4/26) Gary Skipper II
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Pond at Cardinal Village (10/1/26) Angie Plaisted

Aspendell
Groves above Cardinal Village (10/5/26) Lucas Yan
Bishop creek (1)
Bishop Creek Canyon (10/4/26) Gary Skipper II
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Bishop Creek Canyon (10/1/26) Angie Plaisted

NorthLakeApproachTowardLakeSabrina
North Lake approach – toward Sabrina (10/5/26) Lucas Yan
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North Lake shore reflection (10/5/26) Lucas Yan

SouthFork
South Fork (10/5/26) Lucas Yan
Bishop creek (2)
Bishop Creek Canyon (10/4/26) Gary Skipper II
Bishop creeka (2)
Bishop Creek Canyon (10/4/26) Gary Skipper II
Bishop creeka (1)
Bird enjoying Bishop Creek (10/4/26) Gary Skipper II

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California Fall Color

CaliforniaFallColor.com is a seasonal news site that reports on autumn’s show throughout California. The site is written, edited and published by Lara Kaylor, a travel and outdoor journalist based in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

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