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Timing is Everything

Convict Lake (10/7/13) Susan Morning

Here’s a list of fall events happening near Mammoth Lakes. Since timing is everything when it comes to seeing fall color, should you plan to be Outside on the Eastside for these events, here’s what should be showing. Click on name of event for link to its website.

Now, through Nov. 15 – Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby – This annual fall fishing derby occurs at Convict Lake in Autumn. If you love fly fishing and nature (as I do), what better way to combine the two than participating in Ambush at the Lake? The aspen should be peaking around Convict Lake between Oct. 6 and 15. Stay tuned to our updates.

Sept. 14 – 17 – Mammoth Kamikaze Bike Games – Subalpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra are beginning to show spots of color, though it’s still early for peak color. The Mammoth Kamikaze Bike Games is a mountain bike event on Mammoth Mountain – big league. If you’re up for a vigorous hike, trek up to any lake above 9,000′ for views of early color.

Sept. 17 – Tails & Trails Dog Fest – You’re probably not gonna hike uphill to see fall color, if you’re traveling with your best friend. High Sierra trails can be rough on their pads, unless protected. So, after you participate in the easy walks in this dog-friendly event, drive up Bishop Creek Canyon on your way to/from Mammoth Lakes to see what’s happening at South Lake, Sabrina Lake or North Lake.

Sept. 22 – 24 – Mammoth Oktoberfest – Again, the high subalpine lakes are where to see the best fall color, made even better with a picnic and beer purchased at the Mammoth Oktoberfest. Upper Rock Creek, south of Mammoth Lakes, should be near peak.

Oct. 27 – 29 – Morrison’s Bonus Fishing Derby – Whoa, Nelli! 14 fish will be tagged on this weekend, as part of Ambush at the Lake, and worth $2,000 each, to any angler who lands ’em. By the end of October, most of the areas near Mammoth Lakes have peaked, though good color should still be available north of town, along US 395 between Lee Vining and Topaz.

 

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Record-Breaking Heat: Is Autumn Even Close?

Quaking Aspen, Agate Bay, North Lake Tahoe (9/4/17) John Poimiroo

With California experiencing record-breaking temperatures statewide this past week (Death Valley recorded 129.72 degrees – tying its previous record), one has to wonder whether all that hot air will delay the appearance of fall color.

There was certainly little of it to be seen in the Northern Sierra this past weekend. On a getaway at North Lake Tahoe, only a few spots of color could be found.

So, I called Parcher’s Resort at 9,290′ near South Lake in Bishop Creek Canyon (Inyo County), which is about the highest and earliest reporting location in our network of color spotters. The desk clerk at Parchers (Jared Smith was out fishing, lucky guy) said “just tiny splotches of yellow” can be seen in the aspen groves that surround the resort and along South Lake Road.

As can be seen in this photo, the aspen appear to be healthy and vibrant. Last winter’s heavy snowfall has kept them nourished. So, when they do begin turning lime, yellow, orange, pink and red, the show should be long-lasting and brilliant.

Soon, the hot days of summer will vanish and the golden days of autumn will be here.

Bishop Creek Canyon – Just Starting

June Lake – Just Starting

Ebbett’s Pass – Just Starting

Lake Tahoe – Just Starting

Shasta Cascade – Just Starting

Big Bear/So. Calif – Just Starting

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New Year Surprise

Cottonwood, Whitney Portal Rd, Lone Pine (12/23/16) Clayton Peoples

My New Year resolution has been fulfilled and color spotter Clayton Peoples made it possible.

I’d resolved to post in January and accomplish the resolution today with Clayton’s report from the Alabama Hills in the Eastern Sierra, west of Lone Pine, where (just before Christmas) he was surprised to find one of his favorite cottonwoods, “still hanging on to its fall-hued, honey/gold leaves.”

Clayton had only seen the tree in summer, previously. So, he was delighted to see it in its fall coat of golden glory.

If you’re driving north on US 395 to Mammoth Mountain to carve S-turns in its powder, you’ll find it by taking a detour onto the Whitney Portal Rd.

It’s visible behind the “face” (painted rock along the Whitney Portal Rd) which locals dubbed “Brenda” before it received a KISS-themed makeover (C’mon folks, there’s no way we mortals can improve upon nature).  Mt. Whitney is seen in the background.

Now, if only losing 20 pounds were as easy.

Whitney Portal – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!

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Bishop: Look East to See the Sunset

Videographer Skandar Reid shows how to watch sunsets in the Eastern Sierra… turn toward the east.

That’s because sunset light bends through the atmosphere at high elevations to create a phenomenon called alpenglow that colors high peaks to the east.

That happens in Bishop where sunsets beyond the Sierra illuminate the eastern White Mountains with their alpenglow.  So, at sunset in the Eastern Sierra, look east.

The reverse happens at sunrise… look west.

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Bishop: Eastern Sierra Prize

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

Bishop (11/2/16) William Croce

William Croce calls Bishop, the Round Valley and US Hwy 6, a “Nice consolation prize for those of us who missed the good stuff in the high country.”

Indeed it is.  Too many color spotters give up on Bishop once the aspen have peaked up Bishop Creek Canyon, but they’re missing out on the beauty that William found… tall Frémont cottonwood carrying loads of yellow, gold and lime color in Bishop and along US 6, past Laws.

Bishop color spotter Gigi deJong reported today that there’s “a mix of color, ranging from light yellow, to burnt orange, to a few small patches of crimson & red,” in and around Bishop with “a lovely line of trees glowing gold bordering Bishop Middle School at W. Line & Home Streets.”

That hardly resembles a consolation prize, and neither do William Croce’s photographs.

Bishop – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

 

 

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Mono Lake to Topaz is Golden

Fremont cottonwood, Topaz, CA (10/24/16) Jeff Simpson

Fremont cottonwood, Topaz, CA (10/24/16) Jeff Simpson

Mono Lake (10/24/16) Jeff Simpson

Mono Lake (10/24/16) Jeff Simpson

The northern end of US 395 in the Eastern Sierra, before it passes through Nevada, is in its glory.

Tall Fremont cottonwood that grow beside the Walker River and in the towns of Walker, Coleville and Topaz are loaded with golden leaves.

Walker Canyon – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! The banks of the West Walker River are lined with gold! Plan your viewing for mid-day as the shadows will be out early in the morning and late afternoon.

Towns of Walker & Coleville – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! Lots of great color in Antelope Valley. The cottonwoods around Topaz Lane and gold and orange. Make sure to head up to the shores of topaz lake for some spectacular views.

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Gone With The Wind

Old Mammoth Rd. (10/22/16) Crys Black

Old Mammoth Rd. (10/22/16) Crys Black

High winds finished what was left of fall color in Mono County, reports color spotter Crys Black who visited Mammoth Lakes and June Lakes, this past weekend.  Here’s her report:

Saturday, Oct 22
I started Saturday in the Mammoth Lakes Basin where almost all color was stripped with the exception of Old Mammoth Rd, between the ghost town and Sherwin Creek Rd. Hoping that lower elevations would be better, I headed towards Bishop. I stopped at Convict Lake and there is a little color left but it’s past peak. Thanks to last weekend’s report, I took Lower Creek Rd and it is Peak Go Now. At the lower elevations, Bishop and Big Pine were at Peak with great color especially at Round Valley. Aspendell was full peak but all areas around it were completely stripped and past peak.

Twin Lakes(10/23/16) Crys Black

Twin Lakes(10/23/16) Crys Black

Old Mammoth Rd. (10/23/16) Crys Black

Lundy Canyon (10/22/16) Crys Black

Aspendell (10/23/16) Crys Black

Aspendell (10/22/16) Crys Black

Walker River (10/23/16) Crys Black

Walker River (10/23/16) Crys Black

Sunday, Oct 23
June Lake is almost completely past peak with some areas where color is clinging through the wind. Lundy Canyon was still peak, go now, with the color nicely contrasted against the snowcapped mountains. A huge surprise was Twin Lakes, Bridgeport. This was spectacular in most places so peak, go now! Antelope Valley color is getting worn but still great from Coleville to Topaz lake, peak, go now. There are splashes of color on 89 around 7000 ft and around Poor Boy Creek east of Markeeville, which is especially striking against the charred earth, and on 88, especially at Crystal Springs. Hope Valley is still ablaze but the color is getting muted. Still warrants a Peak but it’ll likely not survive the next storm.

Mammoth Lakes Basin – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!

June Lakes – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!

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Still Mammoth, but Fading

Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes (10/19/16)

Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes (10/19/16) Gene Miller

June Lake Loop (10/19/16) Gene Miller

June Lake Loop (10/19/16) Gene Miller

June Lake Loop (10/19/16) Gene Miller

June Lake Loop (10/19/16) Gene Miller

Log Cabin Rd., Mono County (10/19/16) Gene Miller

Log Cabin Rd., Mono County (10/19/16) Gene Miller

Sherwin Creek Campground, Mammoth Lakes (10/19/16) Gene Miller

Sherwin Creek Campground, Mammoth Lakes (10/19/16) Gene Miller

Spots in the Eastern Sierra are still mammoth, though fading. Gene Miller, sent these shots from Mono County, taken last Wednesday.

Apologies for the delay posting them, due to travel and receiving them initially in too large a format to post, right away.

Still, they illustrate what can be found along the byways in Mono County as peak color subsides.

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Fall Color to Colorful Events

Convict Lake (10/18/16) Josh Wray

Convict Lake (10/18/16) Josh Wray

Opening Day, Mammoth Mountain (File Photo)

Opening Day, Mammoth Mountain (File Photo)

Spots of fall color can still be found and enjoyed in and near Mammoth Lakes, though the energy there has shifted from enjoying autumn adventures to colorful events happening from late-October to mid-November, leading up to the reopening of Mammoth Mountain and the start of winter sports.

Nevertheless, Mammoth Lakes color spotter Josh Wray had to get in one more photo of how he and his buds enjoy autumn, with the preceding shot of hiking at Convict Lake, just south of Mammoth Lakes. Don’t you just want to be there? I sure do.

Fall color still rings the lake trail and picnic areas, though the stands running up the mountainside no longer carry color.

Convict Lake (10/18/16) Josh Wray

Convict Lake (10/18/16) Josh Wray

Convict Lake (10/18/16) Josh Wray

Convict Lake (10/18/16) Josh Wray

Josh anticipates that next week will be the last for a fall color report from Mammoth Lakes. Though, it’s evident from this list of upcoming happenings that the fun never stops there.

Oct – 21/22 – Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour Festival

Oct. 22 – Outside on The Eastside Fall Symphony Concert 

Oct. 28/29/30 – Morrison’s Bonus Fishing Derby Weekend

Oct. 28 – Halloween Party & Haunted Roller Rink

Oct. 29 – Wine Dinner at Jimmy’s Taverna

Nov. 5 – The Felici Trio presents “A Winning Ticket”

Nov. 10 – Opening Day – Mammoth Mountain

Convict Lake – Peak (75-10%) GO NOW! – The color has mostly fallen around the lake, though color near the campground and in spots along the trail remains at peak. This is the last week of peak color, there.

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Fall Color Survives in Mono County – GO NOW!

Silver Lake View (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

Silver Lake View (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

June Lake Loop (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

June Lake Loop (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

June Lake Loop (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

June Lake Loop (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

To all those photographers, color spotters and leaf peepers who were concerned about how this past weekend’s strong winds, rain and snow affected the High Sierra, rest easy and GO NOW!

Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson reports that the storm and major wind event that occurred over the weekend has past, leaving the mountain peaks shining with snow, and providing for spectacular fall photo opportunities.

Conway Summit (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

Conway Summit (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

Summers Meadow (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

Summers Meadow (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

Ideal conditions for fall color are now to be found on the east side, with warm days and cold nights.  These conditions are predicted to persist until next week.

All areas above 8,500′ in the Eastern Sierra are now mostly past peak, though there’s way, way lots of color left to be enjoyed along the June Lake Loop, Walker Canyon, Twin Lakes and Lundy Lake. So, “GO NOW,” Jeff exclaims.

Photo tip: Fallen leaves that wash up beside creeks and on rocks accent the scene.  So, even though many leaves have fallen, good photographs remain to be taken. Shoot big waterfalls with a fast shutter speed, small waterfalls with a slow shutter speed and with camera mounted on a tripod.

These areas were affected by the storm, but still have groves of fantastic color: Conway Summit, Convict Lake, Summers Meadow, McGee Creek and Rock Creek.

As of posting this report, Tioga Pass, Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass were closed. However, road conditions change. CLICK HERE for the latest in California road road conditions and pass openings/closures. Simpson reports:

Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

  • Monitor Pass – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Lobdell Lake – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Walker Canyon – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – The banks of the West Walker River are lined with gold! Plan your viewing for mid-day as the shadows will be out early in the morning and late afternoon.
  • Towns of Walker & Coleville – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! Lots of great color in Antelope Valley. The cottonwood around Topaz Lane should be spectacular this weekend.
  • Sonora Pass – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

  • Twin Lakes – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Still plenty of excellent color around both lakes and through Robinson Creek. Make sure to take the dirt round around Lower Twin Lakes for the best fall color experience.
  • Virginia Lakes – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!

    Summers Meadow (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Summers Meadow (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

  • Conway Summit – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – A lot of leaves were blown off during the storm but around 35% of the leaves still remain. It’s a fantastic photo opp with the snowy mountains in the background.
    Green Creek – Past Peak
  • Summers Meadow – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Still a few groves handing on with brilliant color with some sections being past peak. 

LEE VINING 

  • Tioga Pass & Lee Vining Canyon – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Lee Vining Canyon has amazing color in all the campground down to US 395. Anything above Lee Vining Canyon is past peak with Tioga Pass currently closed.
    Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Mule deer, Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    Mule deer, Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    West Walker River (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

    West Walker River (10/18/16) Jeff Simpson

  • Lundy Lake & Canyon – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Brilliant oranges and reds along the campground and in the creek down to US 395.  Anything Lundy Lake and into Lundy Canyon is past peak.

OLD BENTON

  • Sagehen Meadows – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!

JUNE LAKE LOOP

  • June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Groves of brilliant yellow, gold and red in some locations while others are past peak. Fantastic color around Gull Lake and in between Grant and Silver Lake.
  • Parker Lake -Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Little Walker Lake -Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!

MAMMOTH LAKES

  • Devil’s Postpile National Monument – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Mammoth Lakes Basin – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Mammoth Creek Rd. – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Snowcreek Golf Course – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!

CONVICT LAKE / LAUREL CANYON / ROCK CREEK / McGEE CREEK

  • Laurel Canyon – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Convict Lake – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
  • Rock Creek – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Pockets of bright color can still be found.
  • McGee Creek – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Pockets of bright color can still be found.

CROWLEY / TOM’S PLACE

  • Crowley – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Tom’s Place –  – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Bold yellow aspen surround the community, though much has fallen.
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