Lara Kaylor – Page 9 – California Fall Color

NorCal Colors

We received great reports from Plumas and Siskiyou counties over the weekend from color spotters Jeff Titcomb, Phil Reedy and Ruth Hartman.

Phil reported that in his tenth year of visiting the area along Highway 88 between the famous cabin on down to the Desolation Hotel (formerly Sorenson’s Resort), it is changing like clockwork.

“The aspens behind the cabin seem to peak right about October 8 every year,” he says. “The same is true along Red Lake Creek just across the highway. As usual, the aspens on the mountainside above the cabin are still green and will catch up in a week or two.”

“On to the east many of the aspens are at peak as well, although there are plenty yet to turn across the pasture just east of Blue Lakes Road. Continuing on east between Picketts Junction (highways 88 and 89) and Desolation Hotel, the trees are definitely at peak right now, so don’t wait on that area [he had recommended visiting this past weekend so definitely GO NOW]. Heading toward Tahoe along highway 89, those trees are still green as is normal,” Reedy explains.

The trees above the valley always turn well after those in the valley floor.

Titcomb shared that the trees at the Plumas County Airport are just getting started with the tree on the east changing faster than the tree right next to it on the west. He also sent photos from Taylorsville, Genesee, Quincy and Graeagle all of which are showing some beautiful yellows and even a few reds.

Hartman reported that fall color can be found in and around Etna and driving down Highway 3.

“If people take a drive north or south from Etna to Weaverville they will see lots of fall color right now” she says. “The dogwoods are very muted right now and will probably stay that way as Etna will not hit 32 degrees until Nov 30 and Trinity Center will not have a 32 until sometime in December. The colder the weather the more vibrant the colors!”

October 9, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Cold Temps Flipped the Switch

A wild weather pattern earlier this week brought fall colors in the state to attention. After the most delayed start that color spotters in Mono County have seen in their 12 years of reporting on fall colors, the color change is finally in full swing and several areas are at the GO NOW rating.

Additionally, color spotters in Plumas County have been reporting a bit of an early start with plenty of brilliant colors to come.

In Mono County trees were still green last Friday, Sept. 29 at locations that in past years would be at full peak. The change came fast though – almost overnight, according to color spotter Jeff Simpson. A wintery-weather system moved in on Friday night and lasted through the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, rain, and even 2-6” of light snow to the higher elevations. This was a welcome surprise for photographers as it provided ideal conditions for landscape pictures with fall colors and freshly snow-capped peaks early Monday morning. Thankfully, the leaves held on and warmer temperatures on Monday quickly melted the snow.

As of October 4, Mono County was back on schedule! The forecast for the next 8-10 days shows above-average temperatures with no precipitation in sight. It should be perfect conditions for fall color viewing for the foreseeable future.

Lobdell Lake Road, Virginia Lakes, Rock Creek Lake, and Sagehen Summit are all peaking and are at the top of our list for visiting this weekend with “GO NOW” conditions. All three locations are closer to 75% than 100%, with lots of green mixed in with the yellows and orange, which means they should be perfect for the next seven days or so.

Lobdell Lake Road requires AWD or 4WD, so if you’re comfortable with rougher dirt roads we are sure you’ll love one of our favorite fall color spots in the Eastern Sierra.

Sagehen Summit still had green as of Oct. 4, but the colors should keep progressing there as we approach the weekend. Rock Creek Lake is at full peak around the lake but still green as you head down in elevation along the road. The best color in Virginia Lakes is located around the trailhead parking lot and along Dunderberg Meadows Road (AWD or 4WD recommended here, too).

We’re well on our way with still plenty of color change to come! Plan your trip within the next three weeks to catch the fall brilliance in-person.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) 10-50% – Patchy with the best color near the pass.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) 0-10% Some leaves changing in Walker Canyon with this area usually peaking the last week of October.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) 10-50% We didn’t make it up to the summit this week but could see lots of green around the Leavitt Falls elevation.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) 75-100% GO NOW! Lots of great color all the way up the road to the lake. One section of trees had red, orange, yellow and green leaves within a 100 feet of each other. Lots of contrast and varying degrees of color. This spot should be great for the next 10 days. (The road has been repaired but AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) 0-10% just a few leaves around each lake at this point.
Bodie Hills (9,419′) 10-50% There are great pockets of color and should be approaching peak by next week. (Some sections of road have been washed out from the spring runoff. AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 75-100% GO NOW! The best colors are at the highest elevations. Trust us when we say to take the dirt road detour on Dunderberg Meadows Road as there are some beautiful groves of crimson red happening right now.
Conway Summit (8,143) 10-50% a couple of good groves of yellow up the hill but mostly green near US 395 at the summit.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) 10-50% Full peaking trees at the highest elevations but mostly green along the road.

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) 50-75% Near Peak No new update. While there are few aspen trees in this area, you will still find fall color near peak in the bushes and grasses with scenic views.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) 10-50% Some really great groves near the ranger station and in Lower Lee Vining Campground. This location should be approaching near peak by next update.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) 10-50% some great sections with yellow trees but still mostly green.

BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 75-100% GO NOW – Still maturing in some sections with green on the lower elevations. Maybe 5 days to perfect color. (There are no bathrooms located here. Please drive slowly long the paved and dirt sections to this locations as there are a lot of wild horses in the area)

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) 10-50% A couple groves of color in sections north of Silver Lake but still getting going.

MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) 10-50% Patchy – Colors within the Mammoth Lakes Basin are spreading throughout specially with the bushes. This is a great option for call colors right within Mammoth Lakes!

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 10-50% No big changes from last week. Patchy Shades of yellows and lime are lining the river here, casting colors throughout the canyon. The best colors will be located on foot up the trail.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) 10-150% Some nice color starting to make it’s way down into the town.
Convict Lake (7850′) 10-50% Patchy – Not much change. Golden and lime hues are lining the lakeside, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This location is a perfect choice for those seeking a leisurely stroll among the trees, as a scenic path winds its way along the back of the lake, immersing you in a lush canopy of changing leaves.

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) 75-100% GO NOW! – Rock Creek Lake is spectacular with most of the trees at “peak” around the lake. However, the at “peak” sections are very localized and you will still see greens along Rock Creek Road.

INYO COUNTY

In Inyo County, Bishop Creek Canyon has been a treat for photographers this past week with a mix of snow and color as well. Anyone who was out last weekend was able to capture multiple seasons in one shot. Certain portions of this area are also in GO NOW condition with beautiful weather on the horizon for the next few weeks.

It is important to note this year that while roads are open in the Eastern Sierra for leaf peeping, many are narrow with limited parking. Please take extra care when you stop for photos this year as some of the shoulders of the roads have been impacted/washed out.

Southern Inyo County

Lots of yellows on the cottonwoods in the valleys and aspen in the high country. Little bits of orange here and there.

Lone Pine (3,727′) – (10-25%)
Alabama Hills (4,534′) – (10-25%)
Whitney Portal (8,375′) – (10-25%)
Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”) – (10-25%)
Independence (3,930′) -(10-25%)
Onion Valley (9,600′) – (10-25%)
Big Pine Creek (7,660′) – (10-25%)
Big Pine (3,989′) – (10-25%)

Bishop Creek Canyon

According to color spotter Betsy Forsyth, “Bishop Creek Canyon is beautiful!! We had a really beautiful few days of snow in the high country last weekend which created some incredible contrast of fall colors with the snow. It was short-lived and the snow has pretty much all melted around the lakes in Bishop Creek Canyon. It seems like about half of the Canyon is yellow with an orange hue. There is still lots of green leaves as well.” There is still a lot of rabbitbrush blooming on the way up Highway 168 as well as some mosquitoes. Wildflowers are still visible up in the high country and some can even be found on the road to Lake Sabrina.

South Fork, Bishop Creek

South Lake (9,768′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Weir Pond (9,650′) – Patchy (10-50%) There are a couple of beautiful trees, but mostly green leaves around the pond. Yellow starting up the hills.
Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Willow Campground (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!) Some beautiful yellows here. Closer to 50%. This is one of the more spectacular spots right now.
Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some beautiful yellow trees here surrounded by green groves. Some orange leaves spotted here. And some just going form yellowish to falling off the Aspen. Not super vibrant, but colorful.
Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some beautiful yellow trees here surrounded by green groves.
Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!) Always a stunning spot in the fall!
Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Patchy (10-50%). This section of the road has a yellow-brown hue. Not super spectacular, but changing colors for sure.

Middle Fork, Bishop Creek

Lake Sabrina (9,150′) -Patchy (10-50%). Closer to 50%. There are a few patches of orange, with plenty of yellows and still lots of green. This area will be getting really good VERY SOON.
Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Patchy (10-50%) Mixed yellows and greens along the road. Again, closer to 50%. We’re still hoping to get some oranges along this road, as it is so spectacular.
Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) Still pretty green.
Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – 50-70% GO NOW The upper part of the canyon above Cardinal Village is all yellow, and hopefully the lower part will get some nice bright colors.
Aspendell (8,400′) – Starting (0-10%)
Intake II (8,000′) – 50-70% GO NOW Lots of orange and yellow here.
Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Patchy (10-50%)

North Fork, Bishop Creek

North Lake (9,225′) – Patchy (10-50%) Go Soon!! This seems like it should be really beautiful soon. Still mostly green along the road by the lake, with some yellows. Across the lake there are some yellows starting.
North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)

Bishop

Bishop (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%) Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.
Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Owens Valley (4,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) It’s really beautiful throughout the Owens Valley. There is a fair amount of yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.

Northern Inyo County

Lower Rock Creek Rd (7,087′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Round Valley (4,692′) – Patchy (10-50%) It’s really beautiful throughout the Owens Valley. There is a fair amount of yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.
Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) The lower part of the canyon has some yellows, but still has a ways to go. This is a spectacular canyon when you catch the colors and the light right!
Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) – Patchy (10-50%) At the top of the canyon there are some yellows in the Aspen, but everything else is mostly green.

PLUMAS COUNTY

Quincy is about 25% of peak overall, with some trees showing much more than that, like the Theiler Tree, which is almost at peak.

There are some nice colors on the drive to Meadow Valley (Snake Lake Bridge) but the Aspens at Bucks Lake still haven’t turned.

Indian Valley and Genesee Valley are at about 10% of peak so still more brilliant colors to come.

Antelope Lake is beautiful right now. Photos to come!

PEAK, DRIVE AND HIKE OF THE WEEK

Predicted to have California’s best fall color overall, best fall color drive and best hike in the coming week.

Peak of the Week – Lobdell Lake Road (Mono County)
Drive of the Week – Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) 75-100% GO NOW! Lots of great color all the way up the road to the lake. One section of trees had red, orange, yellow and green leaves within a 100 feet of each other. Lots of contrast and varying degrees of color. This spot should be great for the next 10 days. (The road has been repaired but AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)
Hike of the Week – Rock Creek Lodge to Rock Creek Lake (Mono County) 2 miles round trip – 300 ft. elevation gain. This quiet hike leaves the lodge and meanders beside Rock Creek, through meadows and a lodge pole forest. There is excellent fishing along this stretch and also at the pond, about 3/4 mile from the lodge. Behind the inlet of the pond the trail climbs alongside the creek as it cascades for a couple hundred feet. The trail levels out again, following the tail water of Rock Creek Lake.

October 5, 2023 /4 Comments/by Lara Kaylor

Drive of the Week, Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Bishop Beauty

Additional images from the wild weekend made their way to our inbox yesterday and we just had to share the beauty. Both Christopher Adkins and Gary Young found great color in Bishop.

Adkins is staying in the area this week and went up to Bishop Creek Canyon three days in a row to find the color progressing quickly. “This week seems to be the week for Bishop Creek,” he said.

The stunning photo above was taken along South Lake Road on Oct. 2.

“I’d say it’s patchy but soon to be near peak towards the upper part of the road,” Adkins explained.

Gary Young was also out on South Lake Road over the weekend.

“South Lake Road is looking good already with some serious color in areas,” Young said. “There is still a lot of green that will turn soon.”

He rated the area as 30-50%.

As we stated last Friday, the Bishop Creek area is the drive of the week, so get out there and enjoy!

October 3, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report, Shasta Cascade

Wild Weekend

So far, this fall is a wild one. Not only are areas changing at different rates and times, but a blast of cold weather this past weekend made for extremely interesting photo compositions. Many believe that the huge winter we had and the extra water content may be the reason behind this phenomenon.

Color spotters from the Eastern Sierra to Eastern Shasta County and Meadow Valley are seeing rapid color changes.

In the Eastern Sierra, color spotter Angie Plaisted even got to enjoy the beautiful contrast of fresh snow against the fall colors as a storm rolled through the region on Saturday and Sunday. This was after finding exceptional color at Parker Lake on Friday.

I, myself, was traveling from the Eastside to the West and back again this weekend and went from being in awe of the fall colors really starting to show in June Lake and even on Hwy 120 into Yosemite on Friday to being in shock at the snowfall through Yosemite on Sunday (check our Instagram page for a short video).

Peter Robbins in Eastern Shasta County sent in the following.

“Although it seems too early to expect much between 3000 and 6000 feet, I DID notice a few exotics starting to turn on my way from Redding out east on Highway 44 through Shingletown to my cabin near Lassen Park. So I decided to take a couple hours and document what is to be seen this weekend.”

“First stop was a couple of maples planted in or near Shingletown. My travels then took me about 5 miles or so beyond the north entrance to Lassen park, first to a lovely little impromptu campsite along lost creek, just off 44, and on to a lovely little stand of aspen in the Twin Bridges area about a mile off 44 on forest service roads. In my humble opinion, these guys had no business looking so nice so early at only 5,000 feet. But who am I to argue? Then on my way back to my cabin, I could not help but notice a few aspen saplings arising out of a pile of lava rock.”

Last but definitely not least, we heard from color spotter Michael Beatley out of the Plumas County area.

“Today I shot this photo of Spanish Peak (above) from Meadow Valley, which is just 6 miles west of Quincy. Cottonwoods, aspens and Big leaf maples are showing their color from 70-80%. At just under 3800 feet Meadow Valley is rich in California’s gold mining history. Black Bart robbed a stage coach here at Tollgate. Spanish Peak is a sacred Maidu mountain and the PCT crosses the summit. The road through Meadow Valley to Oroville was a main route for the early gold miners.”

Beatley agreed that the colors are arriving early in his area.

“Yes. It is unusual. I went to Thompson Lake above Bucks Lake and the Aspens had a faint yellow beginning. The Mountain Ash was full red, but at 5420’ not much color. In Meadow Valley at 3800’ nice color in the cottonwoods, maples and aspens. Quincy is early also. Living here for 40 years, October 15 has always been the peak time. We still had snow late May, 205” of rain, way way above normal. Bucks Lake had snow at the end of June. Not sure if this had any effect.”

So it seems we are going from 0 to 100 very quickly this season. If you haven’t already, start making your plans to visit your favorite colors spots!

October 2, 2023 /2 Comments/by Lara Kaylor

Drive of the Week, Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Changing By the Hour

Inyo County color spotter Betsy Forsyth sent in an update this morning that really sums up what we are seeing in the Eastern Sierra this season.

“I made another run up to Bishop Creek yesterday,” Forsyth said. “The colors are changing QUICKLY!! I was up there Sunday and there are so many more yellow leaves as of yesterday (Thursday)!!”

Parchers Resort & South Lake Landing said it best, explained Forsyth.

“It is changing by the hour in some places. Not changing at all in others. Some areas are dull and may not go. Some areas are popping off. Odd year so far with the fall foliage.”

Odd year, indeed, and may only get odder with the first snow predicted this weekend in higher elevations.

Due to these changes we predict Bishop Creek Canyon to be the Drive of the Week in the coming seven days.

September 29, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

As everyone knows, Mother Nature is her own force on her own program, unbothered by human expectations. So it comes as no surprise that she is following her own timeline this year and delaying fall colors until she is good and ready.

Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson put it best today when he said, “We’re officially FALLing behind schedule! This time last year we had locations in full peak with orange and yellow leaves covering the entire landscape. Flip the calendar to the same weekend in 2023 and those locations are still mostly green.”

Sagehen Summit, one of the areas in the Eastern Sierra that usually kicks off the fall color season is still mostly green this week. A few other areas in Mono County, such as Rock Creek Canyon in Mono County at starting to see change in the patchy range. Right now Virginia Lakes is the only area that is 50%+, however Rock Creek is close behind and will definitely be in the 50-70% range by next report if not sooner.

Bishop Creek Canyon and Lake Sabrina are also getting started this week, according to color spotter Betsy Forsyth.

“The lakes are full and the colors are starting. There are a few patches of orange and yellow, but mostly green still, or green with a yellow hue to it.”

What all of this means is that the best is yet to come; and isn’t it nice, in today’s busy world, to have more time for something rather than less? It seems Mother Nature might just know what she is doing.

MONO COUNTY

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) 0-10% – Just starting with color changes at the summit of the pass.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) 0-10% Some leaves changing in Walker Canyon with this area usually peaking the last week of October.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) 0-10% Small changes at the highest elevations.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) 0-10% This location should be in the 10-50% or more by next week. (The road has been repaired but AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) 0-10% just a few leaves around each lake at this point.
Bodie Hills (9,419′) 0-10% Small changes at the highest elevations. (Some sections of road have been washed out from the spring runoff. AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 50-75% Near Peak: The best viewing location will be near the top along the road and around the lakes.
Conway Summit (8,143) 0-10% some yellow at the typical grove up the hill.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) 0-10% Some yellow and lime green happening at the top of the hill.

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) 10-50% Patchy – While there are few aspen trees in this area, you will still find fall color in the bushes and grasses with scenic views.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) 0-10% Just Starting – Still just getting going with only a few leaves/trees changing.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) 0-10% the start of fall is mostly happening up canyon along the trail if you want to hike on foot.

BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 10-50% Patchy – Virtually no change from last week. We were certain this location would be covered in orange and yellow leaves since it is always the first spot in California to go full peak. Stay tuned…. (There are no bathrooms located here. Please drive slowly long the paved and dirt sections to this locations as there are a lot of wild horses in the area)

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) 0-10% just starting with some yellow leaves on Parker Bench right now.

MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) 10-50% Patchy – Colors within the Mammoth Lakes Basin are spreading throughout specially with the bushes. This is a great option for call colors right within Mammoth Lakes!

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 10-50% Patchy Shades of yellows and lime are lining the river here, casting colors throughout the canyon. The best colors will be located on foot up the trail.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) 0-10% Some nice changes visible from US 395 yesterday. These colors will slowly cascade down the hill into the town area in the next few weeks.
Convict Lake (7850′) 10-50% Patchy – Golden and lime hues are lining the lakeside, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This location is a perfect choice for those seeking a leisurely stroll among the trees, as a scenic path winds its way along the back of the lake, immersing you in a lush canopy of changing leaves. Closer to 10% than 50%.

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) 10-50% Patchy – If you take a drive-up Rock Creek, the whole canyon is now showing off colors of yellows/oranges. This location will certainly be in the 50-75% category by next report. (or sooner…)

INYO COUNTY

SOUTHERN INYO COUNTY

● Lone Pine (3,727′) – No report.

● Alabama Hills (4,534′) – Still waiting

● Whitney Portal (8,375′) – No report.

● Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”) – No report.

● Independence (3,930′) -Still waiting.

● Onion Valley (9,600′) – No report.

● Big Pine Creek (7,660′) – No report.

● Big Pine (3,989′) – Still waiting

BISHOP CREEK CANYON

Bishop Creek Canyon is starting. There are a few oranges and bright yellow patches, and a yellow hue to many of the trees, but mostly green up there. There is lots of rabbitbrush blooming on the way up Highway 168. There are still wildflowers up in the high country and some can even be found on the road to Lake Sabrina! It will be interesting to see what the cooler temps later this week do.

SOUTH FORK, BISHOP CREEK

● South Lake (9,768′) – Starting (0-10%)

● Weir Pond (9,650′) – Still waiting

● Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Still waiting

● Willow Campground (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)

● Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some beautiful yellows starting here, but still mostly green.

● Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Patchy (10-50%) Just starting with a yellow hue.

● Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some beautiful yellows starting here, but still mostly green.

● Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Still waiting

● Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)

MIDDLE FORK, BISHOP CREEK

● Lake Sabrina (9,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)

● Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Starting (0-10%)

● Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Still waiting

● Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – Starting (0-10%)

● Aspendell (8,400′) – Still waiting

● Intake II (8,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some orange and yellow here.

● Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Starting (0-10%)

NORTH FORK, BISHOP CREEK

● North Lake (9,225′) – Starting (0-10%)

● North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Starting (0-10%)

BISHOP

● 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.

NORTHERN INYO COUNTY

● Lower Rock Creek Rd ((7,087′) – No report

● Round Valley (4,692′) – Patchy (10-50%)

● Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)

● Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) – Patchy (10-50%)

September 27, 2023 /6 Comments/by Lara Kaylor

CaliforniaFallColor.com, Eastern Sierra

Lakes Basin Loveliness

Color spotter Angie Plaisted may have already submitted the best email subject line of the season with her weekend report on “George’s Beautiful Backside.”

Angie participated in the Mammoth Lakes Basin Cleanup on Saturday and couldn’t help but notice colors starting to change on the backside of Lake George, one of several lakes you can access by car in the area.

“A few lovely red and yellow colors are popping on the backside of Lake George,” she says. “Past experience is that the colors on the backside change, then disappear quickly.”

It is just another one of the many great little pockets of color that California has to offer.

September 25, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, First Report, Shasta Cascade

Waking Up in Plumas County

We were excited to hear from color spotter Michael Beatley out of Quincy/Meaadow Valley in Plumas County, where the “fall color is just starting to awaken,” he says.

Beatley traveled to Bucks Lake this week via Big Creek Road just out of Meadow Valley. Alongside of Big Creek Road, is Big Creek and Beatley explains that t is lined by Darmera, or Indian Rhubarb, as well as Bigleaf maples, Dogwoods, and Alder.

The Darmera is also known as the umbrella plant due to its large leaves. It displays a variety of beautiful color in the fall. As of Thursday, when Beatley was in the area, very little color was showing but that can quickly change.

September 23, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, Statewide

Peak Fall Predictions

It’s the first day of fall and while we wait for the colors to really kick off throughout the state, we thought we’d give our answer to the million dollar question: When and where will fall color peak in California?

Late September to late October – the Eastern Sierra (Inyo and Mono Counties, US-395);
October – the Northern Sierra (Hope Valley/Carson Pass, Lake Tahoe, CA-89);
October – Southern California’s mountains (San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and Laguna mountains, Angeles National Forest);
Mid October to early November – the Shasta Cascade (Plumas County, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Trinity Alps, CA-299, Redding, Chico);
Mid October to early November – the North Coast (Redwood National & State Parks), Elk rut late September to mid October;
Late October to early November – California’s vineyards (peaking by grape variety);
Mid October to mid November – Central Coast (wineries, Salinas Valley, Monarch butterflies);
Late October to mid November – Gold Country (Calaveras Big Trees SP, Apple Hill, wineries, Hwy 49 and its chain of 1850s Gold Rush towns);
Mid October to Thanksgiving Day – Western & Southern Sierra (Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks);
November – the Central Valley (walnut and pistachio orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wildlife refuges);
November to early December – California’s urban forests (Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Stockton, Modesto and arboreta and botanic gardens); and
December – The Deserts and Coastal Islands.

September 22, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Fall Starts Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the first day of autumn (Sept. 22, 2023), and while reporting locations are just at the start of their colorful transformations, fall conditions are definitely in the air.

The Eastern Sierra will have three straight days of below-average temperatures starting today through Saturday evening, with Bridgeport reaching a low of 23 degrees. The National Weather Service in Reno is forecasting localized showers with snow showers possible down to 8,000 feet. Let’s hope this mini-storm kickstarts the season.

Patchy color is seen presently at Sagehen Summit (8,139′) on State Highway 120, east of Lee Vining at Sagehen Meadows Rd. This is often the first location to peak in California. Sagehen Summit was still very green when color spotter Jeff Simpson was there on Tuesday but he is bumping it to the 10-50% category due to some full patches of yellow down the road at Johnny Meadows. Sagehen Summit started peaking in 2022 on September 27 so we are (still) anticipating rapid changes by the next update. The location as of Tuesday was closer to 10% than 50%.

Only a few more leaves appeared at Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek Lake this week, but it should reach the 10-50% by next week’s report.

Convict Lake and McGee Creek also are stuck in the 0-10% category with anticipation of peaking in early to mid-October.

Tioga Pass, Lower Lee Vining Canyon and the Mammoth Lakes Basin were also starting to show some signs of fall with a few leaves and bushes slowly starting to turn. These are our only additional locations this week to reach the 0-10% category.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) 0%
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) 0%
Sonora Pass (9,623′) 0%
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) 0% – The road has been repaired but AWD/4WD is highly recommended.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) 0%
Bodie Hills (9,419′) 0%r – Some sections of road have been washed out from the spring runoff. AWD/4WD is highly recommended.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 0-10% Just Starting: Only a few trees with a few leaves but we anticipate this to accelerate by the time the weekend is here.
Conway Summit (8,143) 0%
Summers Meadow (7,200′) 0%

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) 0-10% Just Starting – Surrounding grasses near the Tioga Pass area have undergone a magical transformation, with blades of grass turning into golden strands. Around the area, you’ll notice the start of vibrant foliage of the bushes and shrubs that will eventually erupt into a symphony of yellows and oranges.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) 0-10% Just Starting – Local color spotter Paul McFarland emailed us today that a few trees have changed with only small hints throughout the rest of the canyon.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) 0%

BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 10-50% Patchy – Closer to 10% but mostly lime-green coverage. We saw a few pockets of gold down the road at Johnny Meadows if you want to continue down the road. There are no bathroom facilities at this location. Please do not park on the side of the road blocking access.

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) 0%

MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) 0-10% Just Starting – One of the standout features of this year’s fall season is the early onset of color change in the area’s bushes. While the bushes are leading the way, it’s important to note that the overall fall color progression is still in its early stages. The aspen trees are mostly lime in color, but with a few yellow patches.

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 0-10% Just Starting: The trees along McGee Creek are turning lime green and the tops are starting to show yellow leaves.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) 0%
Convict Lake (7850′) 0-10% Just Starting: These trees seem to have a mind of their own this year. On the left side of the lake, near the parking area many trees are a mix of yellow and lime green. Towards the back of the lake are a few trees that are mostly orange already.

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) 0-10% Just Starting: At Rock Creek, you will find a few small patches of yellow Aspen leaves, but the Sierra Willows are certainly showing more color.

INYO COUNTY

Color spotter Betsy Forsyth sent in the following report from Inyo County, where they are mostly still waiting on significant color changes. It is important to note this year that while roads are open in the Eastern Sierra for leaf peeping, many are narrow with limited parking. Please take extra care when you stop for photos this year as some of the shoulders of the roads have been impacted/washed out.

SOUTHERN INYO COUNTY

Lone Pine (3,727′) – No report.
Alabama Hills (4,534′) – No report.
Whitney Portal (8,375′) – No report.
Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”) – No report.
Independence (3,930′) – No report.
Onion Valley (9,600′) – No report.
Big Pine Creek (7,660′) – No report.
Big Pine (3,989′) – No report.

BISHOP CREEK CANYON

Bishop Creek Canyon (9,500’) is just starting (0-10%). North Lake has a few yellow leaves, but mostly green. The willows are starting to have a yellow tint, so things will be getting started soon!!

SOUTH FORK, BISHOP CREEK

South Lake (9,768′) – Starting (0-10%)
Weir Pond (9,650′) – Still waiting
Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Still waiting
Willow Campground (9,000′) – Still waiting
Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Still waiting
Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Still waiting
Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – Still waiting
Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Still waiting
Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Still waiting

MIDDLE FORK, BISHOP CREEK

Lake Sabrina (9,150′) -Hints of starting
Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Hints of starting
Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Still waiting
Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – Still waiting
Aspendell (8,400′) – Still waiting
Intake II (8,000′) – Still waiting
Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Still waiting

NORTH FORK, BISHOP CREEK

North Lake (9,225′) – Starting (0-10%).
North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Still waiting

BISHOP

Bishop (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Just starting
Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Owens Valley (4,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

NORTHERN INYO COUNTY

Lower Rock Creek Rd ((7,087′) – No report
Round Valley (4,692′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

September 21, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

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