, ,

Drive of the Week: Hope Valley to Bishop

Veins of color spotted in the Eastern Sierra (10/10/23) Peter Robbins

Earlier this week, color spotter Peter Robbins took the drive from the west side of the Sierra up route 50 toward the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing over to Hope Valley, then down US 395, spotting color all along the way. Robbins stated that none of the areas he drove through will disappoint, which is why it’s this week’s “Drive of the Week.”

Following details reported by Robbins:

Coffee stop in South Lake Tahoe (10/9/23) Peter Robbins

First stop to fuel the voyage was my favorite coffee shop in South Lake Tahoe, Cuppa Joe, and their parking lot/seating area showed the promise of what was to come.

Aspens between Tahoe and Meyers 10/9/23 Peter Robbins

There is a nice stand of aspens across from the golf course between Lake Tahoe and Meyers.

Luther Pass was just turning – no pic, but should be nice over the next week or so.
Red Creek Cabin (10/9/23) Peter Robbins
On to Hope Valley where the famous Red Creek Cabin looked lovely, and if you look carefully there is plenty of green aspen to keep this viable – my guess is at least through the weekend or perhaps longer.
 
No pix, but Monitor Pass over to 395 had lots of color, and even the road from Sorensons to Woodfords and Markleeville were quite nice.
Dunderberg Meadows Road (10/9/23) Peter Robbins
The highlight was the Dunderberg portion of the trip, where unbelievably some of the leaves were almost red!
 
I was back the next day exploring that area and the Green Creek area, both of which were full of lovely aspen groves, and the highlight of this particular excursion. I took the following pic so that people might see what the road is like.  There ARE some larger rocks and a few ruts, and most of the vehicles I encountered were SUVs or pickups, and I initially thought, “too bad this is all essentially inaccessible to folks with regular passenger cars” (I have a RAV4).  Then I saw what looked like an oncoming car, it was a Tesla! He had made it through some of the worst based on where I saw him.  I also saw a Prius! Both were cars I thought least likely to encounter.  So….  people with good enough tires/tread to survive the rocks without getting a flat should be able to go to these places. I would not do this near dusk though, people should give themselves plenty of time to get out if they have trouble.  
 
I did go on to explore Bishop Creek and Rock Creek canyons – lots of nice color but no award-winning photo’s here this trip.  The colors were lovely at North Lake though.
 
I did not go up McGee or Sherwin or other creek beds, but the following pic shows what they all look like from the stretch of 395 between Mammoth and Bishop.
 
I didn’t do any exploring of Mammoth, but did go check out June Lake Loop which looks very promising for the coming weekend to a week or so.
 
So there you have my quick report…. all in all it looks like anywhere somebody wants to go between Hope Valley and Bishop, they will find lots of gorgeous color, an awful lot of which requires no more than getting out of your car on a paved road, with of course some of the best still a little off the beaten path. I think if people have to pick a time, this coming weekend deserves a GO NOW for all of it. In my humble opinion, forgive the intentional pun, but all this totally eclipses the visual spectacle of Saturday’s annular solar eclipse (or partial if you stay in California).
 
We appreciate the thorough report and can’t wait to get out there this weekend! We are even considering taking a road trip by camper van like those found at roadsurfer.com. Have you ever experienced fall colors from a camper van?
/1 Comment/by
, , ,

It’s GO Time!

Conway Summit (10/11/23) Jeff Simpson

As of Oct.11, 2023 it is GO time in the Eastern Sierra as well as Plumas County!

All week long photos have been pouring in from leaf peepers in these areas showing vibrant displays of fall color. Plan your trip now for your chance to discover what fall is all about in the Golden State.

Things are changing quickly in the mountains, reports color spotter Betsy Forsyth. With areas that were mostly green last week now being in full-blown fall color mode, all locations in Mono County and the majority of locations in Inyo County are at peak or approaching peak colors!

In Plumas County, Jeff Titcomb reported, ”We’re getting there pretty quickly.”

Michael Beatley added on October 10, “Quincy today, although cloudy, was bursting with fall colors, 70-90%. Behind the historic courthouse on Jackson Street, the trees are full of fall color. In the next few days Quincy and American Valley and the surrounding area will be glorious.”

Mist Falls (10/8/23) Brandon Downey

INYO COUNTY – as of 10/11/23

Southern Inyo County

Lots of yellows on the cottonwoods in the valleys and aspen in the high country. 

  • Lone Pine (3,727′) – (10-50%)
  • Alabama Hills (4,534′) – (10-50%)
  • Whitney Portal (8,375′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
  • Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
  • Independence (3,930′) -(10-50%)
  • Onion Valley (9,600′) – (10-50%)
  • Big Pine Creek (7,660′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
  • Big Pine (3,989′) – (10-50%)

Bishop Creek Canyon

Bishop Creek Canyon is beautiful right now, and may not last for long! The leaves are changing VERY QUICKLY. From last week to this week, so many of the trees have gone from green with a little yellow hue to lots of yellows and some oranges. There are still some green groves of aspen, but lots of yellows and oranges up there, and many leaves already on the ground. 

South Fork, Bishop Creek

  • South Lake (9,768′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Weir Pond (9,650′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) –  Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Willow Campground (9,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. These groves are peaking and absolutely beautiful. 
  • Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. There are some beautiful yellow trees here surrounded by green groves. 
  • Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. Closer to 75% for sure There are still green groves, but most of the aspen are peaking now. 
  • Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! This area changed so much in the past week! 

Middle Fork, Bishop Creek

  • Lake Sabrina (9,150′) –Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! 
  • Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. The upper part of the canyon above Cardinal Village is past peak, and at peak down near Cardinal Village. There are still some green groves in the lower area, but it is uncertain how quickly those will change. 
  • Intake II (8,000′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! Lots of orange and yellow, and leaves on the ground at this point. 
  • Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.

Bishop

  • Bishop (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%) Closer to 50%. Many of the trees in town have some yellows, especially in the upper sections of the trees. There are some trees that have quite a bit of color to them. 
  • Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Owens Valley (4,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods throughout the Owens Valley. Some trees are almost completely yellow. It’s really beautiful. 

Northern Inyo County

  • Lower Rock Creek Rd (7,087′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Round Valley (4,692′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. 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%) There are more yellows throughout the canyon. This is a spectacular canyon when you catch the colors and the light right!
  • Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. Closer to 50%. At the top of the canyon, there are some yellows in the Aspen, and everything else is getting some yellows as well.
Dunderberg Meadow (10/9/23) Peter Robbins

MONO COUNTY 

100% FULL PEAK: Last call for Sagehen Summit, Upper Rock Creek Road, and Lobdell Lake Road. These locations have been brilliant for the past 5-7 days and we are unsure how long they will hold on. GO NOW or you’ll miss your opportunity at these locations. 

75-100%: The high mountain passes of Tioga Pass, Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass were all at full peak on October 10 with orange and yellow leaves from top to bottom. Upper Summers Meadows Road was the most spectacular we have ever seen it this morning – this is a MUST stop for this weekend. Conway Summit had sections of beautiful peaking orange aspens with yellows and greens mixed in and should be perfect for the next 7-10 days. 

50-75%: Virtually every other location in Mono County is approaching peak color with varying degrees of progress. Along the June Lake Loop you’ll find a lot of green with pockets of over-achieving golden trees. Convict Lake has a great section of yellow leaves on the back side of the lake with green foliage still located in other spots. The banks of the West Walker River were about 50% with the towns of Walker, Coleville and Topaz being the only fully green sections left in Mono County.

Past peak: Virginia Lakes was the only place on our list that is officially past peak. The leaves were stripped of their color about 3 miles up the road. Sagehen Summit, Upper Rock Creek and Lobdell Lake road will probably make this list by next week’s report. 

BONUS: We usually don’t report on this area but we had to include it in this week’s report. Take a drive up Little Walker River Road for an intense spectrum of color. For those willing to hike on foot, take Molybdenite Canyon Trail (located at the end of Obsidian Campground on Little Walker River Road) for huge valleys full of peaking aspen. (Trust us on this one!)

Jamison Creek Trail (10/8/23) Anonymous

PLUMAS COUNTY

In Eastern Plumas County, Mark Kidder gave us a peek into the Lakes Basin area. Hikers can explore the 3.7 Jamison Creek Trail. The trailhead can be found several miles up County Road A-14 towards Johnsville and takes you past Jamison Falls, Grass Lake, and on to Rock Lake and Jamison Lake–all, which are ideal for backpacking if you don’t mind the chilly nights. There are beautiful aspen scattered along this trail.

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

From Graeagle, head west on Highway 70 towards Quincy where the colors haven’t peaked, there are some beautiful spots and many pet-friendly backcountry roads. Right before Quincy, take a drive down La Porte Road to see many colorful maples with evergreens in the background, and then head back into Quincy where the dogwoods are turning bright red and maples are looking good. The best drive for those right now is the Big Creek Road towards Bucks Lake.

Big Creek Road to Bucks Lake

From Quincy, head north on Highway 89 towards Indian Valley. The drive along Indian Creek is still nice but the Dixie Fire did do some damage to that area. As you near the turn off to Taylorsville, the hawthorns are turning a vibrant red. Keep going another few miles and you’ll begin to ascend up the road to Antelope Lake (road currently only open on weekends due to construction). Antelope Lake is showing one of the best displays of quaking aspens right now, which were captured by Jeff Titcomb, another avid leaf peeper.

Above Kings Creek Falls

One of our leaf peepers in Chester, Betty Bishop, said that the colors are just starting to turn on the North Fork of the Feather River that runs right through the town. A few miles outside of Chester turn off on Highway 32 and drive along Deer Creek for some lovely scenery. And the aspen are still golden in Lassen Volcanic National Park and in other spots around Lake Almanor along with some very cool waterfalls, like the one on the Kings Creek Falls trail.
/by
,

Wildlife Love Fall Colors, Too

Pika at Virginia Lakes (10/8/23), Gary Skipper II

Color spotter Gary Skipper II captured a few extra special fall color images on Oct. 8 in the Eastern Sierra. In addition to the usual foliage, Skipper had a few guest appearances in his images from Dunderberg Meadow, Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek.

These critters are out and about gathering food for the winter ahead, but we’d also like to think they are enjoying the fall colors around them at the same time! 

Douglas Squirrel at Rock Creek (10/8/23) Gary Skipper II
Deer in the Dunderberg Meadow area (10/8/23) Gary Skipper II
/by
, ,

Bishop Beauty

Bishop Creek area, South Lake (10/2/23) Christopher Adkins

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!

Aspens along South Lake Road (10/2/23) Christopher Adkins
South Lake Road (9/30/23) Gary Young
North Lake before the snow (9/30/23) Christopher Adkins
North Lake (10/2/23) Christopher Adkins
/by
, ,

Wild Weekend

Snow meets color at Upper Virginia Lake (093023) Angie Plaisted

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.

Parker Lake (092923) Angie Plaisted

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.”

Maples near Shingletown (093023) Peter Robbins
Spanish Peak (100123), Michael Beatley

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!

Maples changing near Shingletown (093023) Peter Robbins
Aspen saplings rising out of a pile of lava rock (093023) Peter Robbins
/2 Comments/by
, ,

Changing By the Hour

Bishop Creek Canyon (9/28/23) Betsy Forsyth

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.
South Fork (9/28/23) Betsy Forsyth
South Fork (9/28/23) Betsy Forsyth
/by
,

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Sagehen Summit, typically one of the first locations in CA to kick off fall color is still green (9/26/23), Jeff Simpson

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.

Virginia Lakes (9/26/23) Jeff Simpson
Convict Lake (9/26/23) Robin Roberts

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%)
/6 Comments/by
,

Lakes Basin Loveliness

Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes Basin (9/23/23) Angie Plaisted

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.
/by
,

Fall Starts Tomorrow

Virginia Lakes (9/19/23), Jeff Simpson

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.

North Lake (9/15/23), Betsy Forsyth

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%)
/by
, ,

Tiptoeing Toward Fall

Tioga Pass grasses, (9/18/23), Samantha Lindberg

With just a few more days until the official start of fall, things seem to be lining up nicely for a good color display. Cold nighttime temperatures are on the horizon and colors are slowly progressing.

In Mammoth Lakes color spotter Samantha Lindberg has noticed the bushes in the area working hard to garner attention.

“One of the standout features of this year’s fall season is the early onset of color change in the area’s bushes,” she says. “While the bushes are leading the way, it’s important to note that the overall fall color progression is still in its early stages.”

Tioga Pass (Just starting 0-10%) Elevation: 9,500’

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.

Mammoth Lakes Basin – Twin Lakes (Just starting 0-10%) Elevation: 8,563′

The aspen trees are mostly lime in color, but with a few yellow patches.

Mammoth Lakes Basin (9/19/23), Samantha Lindberg

As we await the full fall glory, it is a good time to remind ourselves how to recreate responsibly while we are out leaf peeping this year.

Please remember to Leave No Trace.

There are seven principles to this concept. We’ve adapted them to fit fall color viewing and photography. They include:

  • Plan Ahead – by planning, you reduce the chance you might harm the environment you visit; bring the proper equipment to capture the scene sustainably;
  • Travel on Durable Surfaces – walk on established trails; use established roads; be cautious not to create new ones or damage the environment;
  • Dispose of Waste Properly – carry a litter bag and put all trash into it and it into a trash container; recycle recyclables;
  • Leave What You Find – every leaf, branch, stone has a purpose; treasure them by leaving them behind; do not prune foliage for a better picture;
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts – Consider fire conditions before starting a fire, only start one when permitted, use only sustainable fuels, use existing fire rings, mind your fire, never leave it smoldering, put it out completely with water and dispose of ashes properly.
  • Respect Wildlife – keep your distance; never approach closer than they are comfortable; do not feed or pick up wildlife; travel quietly (except if necessary to warn animals); 
  • Be Considerate – do not trespass; respect private property; fly drones only where permitted, never over private property; should a drone crash on private property do not retrieve it without permission of the land owner;

To these seven principles, we add these ethical standards of nature and wildlife photography:

  • Limit post processing to: cropping, color and white balance correction, and adjusting contrast, highlights, shadows, vibrance, sharpening and sizing;
  • Do not stage photographs;
  • Do not create composite images;
  • Shoot what exists in reality, as you envision it;
  • Employ caution when using filters; acceptable are polarizing, split neutral density, star and black and white filters (red, orange, yellow and green) when used appropriately, but warming, cooling, sunset and rainbow filters insert unnatural elements;
  • Express your vision, not someone else’s.
/by