Silver Lake sunrise, Mono County (10/14/17) Jennifer Franklin
McGee Creek day’s end, Mono County (10/14/17) Jennifer Franklin
Photographers are both story-tellers and artists, as these photographs by Jennifer Franklin show.
There is a moodiness to each image, caused by the early or late afternoon light and by the shutter speed she chose for the latter, which accentuates both motion and emotion.
Jennifer (@msnightfall) stopped at Silver Lake (June Lake Loop) at sunrise on Saturday, and ended the day in McGee Creek Canyon in the late afternoon.
Photographers call the hour shortly after sunrise or before sunset, “the golden hour,” because then, sunlight is warmer than when the sun is high in the sky.
However, in autumn the golden hour lasts much longer because the lower angle of the sun causes light to warm each scene. That is particularly noticeable when such light touches warm colors, as in these scenes (click on photo to enlarge).
Using digital darkrooms like Adobe Lightroom, photographers have many tools today that make it possible to emphasize vibrance, highlights, shadows and contrast. Years ago, we would spend endless hours in the dark working to express what we saw, experienced or imagined. Now, it happens in the light.
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Tuli, a miniature Labradoodle, enjoys the fall color at McGee Creek (10/15/17) Maggie Huang
Mono County was peaking gloriously this past weekend, while areas above 8,500′ in the eastern Sierra Nevada, including most of Bishop Creek Canyon had peaked.
Color spotters Maggie Huang and Anirudh Natekar found beauty at McGee Creek, Lundy Lake, the June Lake Loop and Convict Lake.
Maggie captured her dog, Tuli’s, joy over being able to hike off-leash on posted Eastern Sierra trails, saying she was, “enjoying the moment of her life!”
Aspendell, Bishop Creek Canyon (10/15/17) Anirudh Natekar
Anidrudh’s shot of Aspendell shows the last of the color at this elevation along the Sabrina fork of Bishop Creek. There is peak beauty still there to be seen, but it is fading quickly.
Niven Le followed our advice and traveled to the same areas, finding peak color wherever we advised going.
Here’s what they saw.
Aspendell, Bishop Creek Canyon – Peak to Past Peak – You Almost Missed It.
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The Whitney Portal trail in southern Inyo County often gets overlooked by color spotters because it takes some effort to get to it, but as these images from Blair Lockhart attest, it shouldn’t be missed when it’s peaking.
This is definitely the Hike of the Week, though strenuous.
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Oh, to be Phillip Reedy. He always seems to be at beautiful places.
This past week, Reedy and Ben Waterman visited Mono County, sending back these wonderful images.
Phillip reported that while Bishop Creek is basically Past Peak at higher elevations, it’s still nice at lower elevations, but the real trophy winner is McGee Creek in southern Mono County with lush Peak color.
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Dogwood, Bigleaf Maple, Yosemite National Park (10/11/17) Michael Caffey
Splashes of bright pink and yellow are painting the hillsides of Yosemite National Park.
Siesta Lake, Yosemite National Park (10/11/17) Michael Caffey
Ranger Allen of the National Park Service public affairs office said a general estimate would be that about half the deciduous trees in Yosemite Valley are now showing color, though the famous eastern sugar maple near Yosemite Chapel is at full peak. GO NOW! as peak on this tree is very short lived. It’ll be gone next week.
Yosemite’s color comes primarily from willows (orange), dogwood (rose), bigleaf maple (yellow) and black oak (orange). The black oak are the last to change – typically around Halloween.
Colorful reflections of yellow, rose and orange can be seen in lakes and the Merced River where trees are near the water.
Caffey’s photograph of Siesta Lake is reminiscent of Ansel Adams’ photograph of the same water, taken in 1958. In both images, the fallen remains of a tree lies in the same lake. There, of course, the similarity ends, as an original gelatin silver print by Adams is sold by The Ansel Adams Gallery for $9,500.
The best location for fall color viewing in the national park is Yosemite Valley, with favorite spots being Fern Spring (at the entrance to the Valley), riparian areas in the Valley and Superintendent’s meadow and the base of Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite National Park (4,000′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – All species except black oak are now peaking. Black oak will peak at the end of October. GO NOW!
Caffey continued across Tioga Pass to the Eastern Sierra, reporting:
South Lake Rd. (10/12/17) Michael Caffey
Mono County
Lee Vining Canyon – Peak (75-100%) – On the drive down from Tuolumne Meadows, foliage in Lee Vining Canyon is at full peak. The aspen in this area are in the best shape of any Caffey saw, having benefitted greatly from last winter’s heavy snows. The deer have come out of the mountains to winter at lower elevations, so look for them amid the Aspen. GO NOW!
Lundy Canyon -Peak (75-100%) – Fall color is pretty consistent; pretty much everywhere you look the Aspens have turned. This is a must-do, now.By next weekend you’ll have missed it. GO NOW!
June Lake Loop – Peak (75-100%) – Michael has been visiting June Lake for years, but classifies it right now as the nicest “I’ve ever seen there. It is definitely at peak so this is the best weekend to go there, but there are a few areas where Aspen are still green, so I’d say you’ll find something interesting there for another 10 days.” GO NOW!
Inyo County – Bishop Creek Canyon
North Lake – Past Peak – You Missed It.
Sabrina Lake -Past Peak – You Missed It. – There are spots of nice color along Sabrina Approach, but in a couple of days they will all be gone.
Aspendell – Peak (75-100%) – Aspendell is the Show Stopper in Bishop Creek Canyon for the moment. The trees have been very healthy, full of leaves and draped with color. GO NOW!
South Lake Rd., Bishop Creek Canyon (10/12/17) Michael Caffey
South Lake Road – Peak to Past Peak – Surprisingly, there is still good color along the road to South Lake. Parts are past peak but some other areas are still very nice. Still worth a trip up there at least this weekend. You Almost Missed It.
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Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Whoa, if ever there were a weekend to get Outside on the Eastside, this is it in Mono County.
Peak color can be found anywhere you go and whichever direction you drive. We’ll be posting an update on Lake Tahoe and the Hope Valley, after returning to scout those locations (Oct. 12) and fully expect the color to be great, just as it is in Mono and Inyo Counties right now.
Part of the reason this autumn is so good is why it is so confusing. On the exact same day for the same location we’ve received conflicting reports stating, “It’s gone” or “it’s spectacular” or “not yet there.”
What’s happening is that the aspen forest, for the first time in anyone’s memory, is turning by grove. Stands of aspen are different genetically, and they’re demonstrating their individuality this autumn. In past years, the genetic differences between the groves seemed to make little difference, as the trees at least acted as if they were on the same clock. Not this year.
What that means for fall color viewing is that the show is lasting longer, but not as uniformly at any given location.
The big change this past week occurred at the highest elevations, which for the most part went Past Peak. Places like Upper Rock Creek (10,300′), Tioga Pass (9,943′) and Sagehen Meadows (8,139′ – High Desert, so it’s drier there) are now Past Peak. Though, that’s not universally true. Some of the groves at “you’ll-get-winded walking there” heights are still green.
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Some spotters began declaring calamity after seeing stripped stands at some locations, posting on Facebook and elsewhere that high winds had stripped the color. So, I called Mono County fall color guru Jeff Simpson (Yes, you’ve now achieved guru status in your life, Jeff).
Jeff lives on the eastside and has been reporting autumn color for years. He seemed to be offended by the suggestion that fall had ended, saying, “in no way have all the leaves blown off.”
OK, Jeff, OK. I believe you, especially since you’re now a guru and after seeing your photos, taken as late as yesterday.
So, count on it.
This weekend, there’ll be lots of gorgeous color to be seen at: Twin Lakes Bridgeport, Lundy Canyon, Convict Lake, Rock Creek Road, McGee Creek Canyon, Conway Summit, Summers Meadow Road, Lobdell Lake Road, Lee Vining Canyon, Monitor Pass and the June Lake Loop, even if a few leaves have fallen, as seen at right.
Here’s a detailed report from Mono County, a go-to destination for great fall color this week:
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Peak (75-100%) – Aspen on the summit are perfect, right now. Look for the large grove of trees on the east side of the summit to have the best display of color. GO NOW!
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) – This area has never looked as good. Lots of peaking trees with deep reds and yellows. Get here fast, as some stands are past peak or will not last much longer. Note: Burcham Flat Road to Lobdell lake Road are dirt roads – AWD or 4WD vehicles are recommended. GO NOW!
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/10/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
Walker Canyon (5,200′)- Patchy (10-50%) – Walker canyon has slowed since last reported. There are stands with great yellows and lime greens while others are just getting started. Give it a week and it’ll be rating “Go Now!”, but not just yet.
Towns of Walker & Coleville – Just Starting (0-10%) – A few cottonwoods have started to turn but this is traditionally the last place to peak in Mono County. Look to go here in the 3rd or 4th week in October. Nevertheless, there are spots where the tall cottonwood are crowned with yellow in the midday sun.
Sonora Pass (9,623′)- Peak (75-100%) – It’s a fall color inversion here, as colors are looking nice around Leavitt Meadows Pack station and the lower sections of Sonora Pass, whereas aspen near the summit never seemed to get going. You’ll find peak to past peak groves along the road and is still worth the trip this weekend. See our earlier report about Obsidian Campground – glorious! GO NOW!
Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/9/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes(7,000′) -Peak (75-100%) – The biggest change in Mono County this week has occurred at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport. Wonderful color has appeared along the upper and lower lakes, and up the mountainside toward Horse Creek. GO NOW!
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) –Peak (75-100%) to Past Peak – The leaves never got going at Virginia Lakes, this year. Though, there’s still some great color along Lower Virginia Lakes Road. GO NOW! as You’re About to Miss It.
Conway Summit (8,143′)- Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – There is lot’s of great color at Conway Summit right now. A few stands are a little green while most of the mountainside is at full peak. Tip: visit in the late afternoon, as shadows make this difficult to photograph in morning light. GO NOW!
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Peak (75-100%) – – Simply spectacular. Entire groves of peaking aspens make this location a must stop. NOTE: The Summers Meadow bridge sustained significant damage during the spring runoff. The bridge has been reduced to one lane traffic but is currently open to visitors traveling to Summers Meadow. GO NOW!
Conway Summit (10/11/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass & Lee Vining Canyon(9,943′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – There is great color to be found in Lee Vining Canyon, especially along Log Cabin Mine Road. Higher up, Tioga Pass and Saddlebag Lake are past peak. GO NOW!
Lundy Lake & Canyon(7,858′)- Peak (75-100%) – Be prepared for brilliant color up Lee Vining Canyon at the first set of waterfalls. Color along the road and campground is our peak as Peak of the Week.GO NOW!
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak (You Missed It.)
JUNE LAKE LOOP
Silver Lake, June Lake Loop (10/11/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158(7,654′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – There is lots of bright lime, yellow and orange in the aspen around the June Lake Loop. There are peak trees just about everywhere. And yet, the June Lake Loop will last another week or two. We do not recommend delaying, but if you only can visit in two weeks, you should still find spots of good color. GO NOW!
Parker Lake(8,000′) – 50-100% Go Now! – Wow. From Parker Bench to Parker Lake be prepared to drop your jaw. You will find a mix of color from Patchy to Near Peak, to Peaking, to Past Peak, but overall it’s lovely. GO NOW!
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin(8,996′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – Mammoth has come into its own, with good color along Mammoth Creek Road and Sherwin Creek Road and among bright orange willows at the Mammoth Lakes Basin. GO NOW!
Summers Meadow Rd. (10/9/17) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism
CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – – McGee Creek Canyon is at full peak and has wonderful color right now while the road is still a bit patchy. GO NOW!
Around Crowley Community(6,781′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – Poke around the community and you’ll find bright color there and along the hillsides beside U.S. 395. Take the “old US 395” road from McGee Creek to Tom’s Place for great views of the color change that’s occurring up the mountain. GO NOW!
Convict Lake (7850′) – Peak (75-100%) – Convict Lake is a “must” stop this week. Colors are at their peak along the lake and up Convict Canyon. Take the 2.5 mile “Convict Lake Loop Trail” around the lake for a close up view of the leaves and different angles of Mt. Morrison. GO NOW!
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) –Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) – – Wonderful color along the lower section of Rock Creek Road from Tom’s Place. There are sections of great Yellows and Oranges while other areas above the lake may be past peak. GO NOW!
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The West Walker River is often overlooked as a fall color location. Mark Harding didn’t make that mistake.
Instead, he drove along a dirt road, 15 miles north of Bridgeport, to Obsidian Campground in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest yesterday to find aspen and willows in all stages of peak, coloring the dense forest near the stream with avocado green, gold, orange and rose. And, yes, it’s a First Report for this location on the West Walker River.
West Walker River (7,800′) – Near Peak 50-75%) GO NOW!
The Mammoth Lakes Basin has few aspen. Nevertheless, it should be on any color spotter’s must-see list because of its willows.
Near Lake Mary, Lake George and along the west shore of the basin, they are putting on a show of orange splendor, right now. The lakes basin is impressive any time of year. A dramatic bowl of sawtooth peaks cups a necklace of lakes that are favorites of anglers, hikers, cyclists and people out to be inspired by this planet’s glory.
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,500′) – Peak (75-100%) – GO NOW!
Laurel Creek (10/10/17) Josh Wray
Laurel Creek (8,000′) – Peak (75-100%) – A golden vein of aspen winds along Laurel Creek down from the High Sierra to near US 395, south of Mammoth Lakes. It is absolutely breathtaking.
As you drive north on US 395, the aspen look like a gigantic golden chain that has been laid upon the land. Brilliant yellow and orange foliage flows down the mountain like a twisted flume ride.
To see it up close a high-clearance SUV is required. As, you’re on a dirt road that is littered with stones and boulders in places. However, with a capable off-road vehicle, it’s soft adventure with a beautiful view and just minutes south of Mammoth Lakes. GO NOW!
Snowcreek Meadow – Peak (75-100%) – This is the go-to spot for fall color in Mammoth Lakes.Its meadow, ponds, and golf course are full of color and vistas. Hike of the Week is the Mammoth Lakes Town Loop… very easy and inspiring. GO NOW!
Mammoth Rock (9,100′) – Past Peak – You Missed It.
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Jean Pan reports that she and her husband, Dylan Ren, visited Bishop, the June Lake loop and Lundy Canyon this past weekend. And, “It was really nice!”
Of these areas, they chose to linger in Lundy Canyon, because of its luscious color. They stopped at a day use area, about a mile or two up the canyon, where they entered an aspen grove that was cloaked in golden and red leaves.
Jean reported that the Lundy Canyon Campground had the best color she saw and estimates Lundy Canyon to be at peak, so we’re gonna declare it Peak of the Week.
However, please note that these photographs were taken before this week’s wind event. Today, winds gusting to 30 mph are predicted for the Eastern Sierra and days will remain breezy for the rest of the week.
So, we caution that areas that have turned color will lose some color, but those in the process of turning will continue to hold color. Jeff Simpson from Mono County affirms this reporting that while higher elevations (Sagehen, Virginia Lakes, Sonora Pass) have lost some of their leaves, lower elevations – including areas like the June Lake Loop and Lundy Canyon are still prime for a big show this weekend.
The June Lake Loop is nearing peak and should peak this weekend. Some locations, like Gull Lake, are already at Peak.
Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
June Lake Loop (7,654′)- Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Mammoth Lakes is flecked with gold, Trent Vierra’s photographs show.
He was there this past weekend and found Near Peak aspen throughout town and along Mammoth Creek Trail and the Sherwin Creek Trail which leads to the Sherwin Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes (8,500′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
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