Oftentimes running this site means I’m sitting at my computer editing photos rather than heading outside to capture fall’s beauty, myself.
So it is always refreshing to spend a day in the field.
Yesterday I joined intrepid color spotters Betsy Forsyth and Julie Faber from Visit Bishop for several hours out in Bishop Creek Canyon to view and photograph the extensive network of fall beauty there. Many locations are in GO NOW! condition.
Our visit reminded me that 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.
It is an area where switching your brain to vacation mode is not an option. You need to be alert and pay attention or you may end up in a fender bender.
It was a Wednesday and the area was already busy. Over the weekend crowds are expected to triple. If you have the option to visit midweek, I recommend you take it. Your experience will be magnified, tenfold.
That being said, I fully understand why people are drawn to this place. Fall colors popping up all around you as the mountain peaks soar above makes for a magical feeling that reminds us how small we are on this planet.
Please protect beautiful places like these by leaving no trace.
More from Betsy:
It was 78 degrees at 1 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, which was both delightful and strange. That said, we are in the prime leaf-peeping season right now. Pretty much every section of the road to either Lake Sabrina or South Lake has beautiful golden and orange sections with other sections still showing plenty of green. You still have some time for those sections but don’t wait too long.
South Fork, Bishop Creek
- South Lake (9,768′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!)
- Weir Pond (9,650′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!)
- Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) Above the resort many of the trees are past peak.
- Willow Campground (9,000′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) There are still stands of trees back in the campground itself that are still waiting.
- Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!)
- Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) There are still green-leafed aspen around the campground that will still turn golden yellow.
- Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) Interestingly this area still has large green areas, as well as trees that are past peak.
- Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) Still lots of green aspen here, as well as some beautiful golden aspen stands.
- Four Jeffries (8,000′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) Closer to 50%, with a large variety of greens, yellows and even a few oranges.
Middle Fork, Bishop Creek
- Lake Sabrina (9,150′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) Absolutely stunning up here!
- Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!)
- Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!)
- Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) Golds and oranges up near the top, and still green just above Cardinal, and below as well, so more colors to come here.
- Intake II (8,000′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) The lake, itself is pretty much past peak, but there are still lots of really beautiful colors nearby, so worth a wander. Please note, they are working on this dam as well, and Intake II is almost empty.
- Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Bishop
The cottonwoods in and around Bishop and the Owens Valley are a mixture of yellows and greens and still lots of trees that are still all green.
- Bishop (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%) Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.
- Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
- Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
- Owens Valley (4,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods. It’s quite beautiful throughout the Owens Valley with the rabbit brush (sorry for those allergic), the golden fields, and changing leaves.
Northern Inyo County
- Lower Rock Creek Rd ((7,087′) – Patchy (10-50%)
- Round Valley (4,692′) – Patchy (10-50%) Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods. This area is at a lower elevation, and will continue to be beautiful for a while. Think “nice drive on a country road.” Incredible views of Mt. Tom, cows, horses, etc., if you like that sort of thing.
- Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)
- Pine Creek Pack Station (7,400′) – Patchy (10-50%)
