Eastern Sierra – Page 8 – California Fall Color

Angie Plaisted went in search of a rainbow and found gold, instead.

She and her husband drove from Mammoth Lakes to Rainbow Falls (road closes 10/11) for a hike near Devil’s Postpile National Monument, the middle fork of the San Joaquin River and Red Creek. They found Patchy color set against deep blue and cloud-strewn skies.

Picnic Area, Devil's Postpile (9/25/22) Angie Plaisted

Devil's Postpile (9/25/22) Angie Plaisted

Rainbow Falls (9/25/22) Angie Plaisted

Rainbow Falls Trail (9/25/22) Angie Plaisted

The previous day, they’d visited Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes Basin where there were mixed rewards. The South Shore was at Peak (though disappointing), while the North Shore was Just Starting.

Lake George, North Shore (9/24/22) Angie Plaisted

Lake George, South Shore (9/24/22) Angie Plaisted

Lake George, North Shore (9/24/22) Angie Plaisted

Rainbow Falls (7,415′) – Patchy (10 – 50%)
Devil’s Postpile (7,500′) – Patchy (10 – 50%)
Lake George (9,000′) – Just Starting to Peak (0 – 100%) GO NOW!

September 26, 2022/by John Poimiroo

Drive of the Week, Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report, Hike of the Week, Peak of the Week

Mono County – Still Waiting

“Still waiting” are the words Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson used to describe this week’s update, as many favorite fall color destinations in the Eastern Sierra are still green.

He reports “Groves of yellow/green aspens above the 9,500′ foot level that include destinations at Lobdell Lake Road, Bodie Hills, Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek Lake.”

As was reported yesterday from Bishop Creek Canyon in Inyo County to the south, everything above 9,000′ is “not yet” ready to be called Patchy (10 – 50%), and yet one location below 9,000′ is.

Sagehen Summit is the only location in California now classified as Patchy and, as Jeff comments, “it will be the best bet for significant color this weekend.” It is likely to be the first location in California to peak, as an early peak is its normal pattern, despite being only at 8,139′ in elevation. Therefore Sagehen scores the hat trick of Peak of the Week, Hike of the Week and Drive of the Week.

Conway Summit (9/21/22) Patrick Griley

A factor indicating change is the overnight temperature predicted for the coming week. Jeff said it was 32 degrees in Bridgeport on Tuesday morning at dawn, and as seen in Patrick Griley’s photograph, taken on Wednesday, there was a dusting of snow at Mammoth Lakes and surrounding mountain peaks above 10,500′. However, freezing overnight temps only last until Friday. Next week, the overnight lows at Mammoth Lakes will be in the mid to high 30s.

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Lightly tinted with yellow/lime at lake level and higher elevations. The best color will be found on the trails heading to higher elevations.

CROWLEY / McGEE CREEK / CONVICT LAKE

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Convict Lake (7850′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

MAMMOTH LAKES

Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

BENTON & 120 EAST

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Patchy (10-50%) – Presently, this is the best spot in all of California to see fall color. It will approach Near Peak next week, so be prepared to GO NOW! And, why should you go? Use the magnifying glass in the top nav bar and search for “Sagehen Summit.” You will find gorgeous photographs of past peak color there – which doesn’t last long. It is well worth an early trip when at its best.

LEE VINING / LUNDY

Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES / DUNDERBERG / SUMMERS

Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Bodie Hills (9,419′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Just Starting (0-10%) Decent changes at both Little and Big Virginia Lakes. Please remember to be respectful of your parking locations along the road and don’t block entrances to private residences. Hunting season is also in full swing here and along Dunderberg Meadow/Green Creek/Summers Meadow roads.
Conway Summit (8,143) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

LOBDELL / SONORA PASS/ WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Just Starting (0-10%) Just starting along the road with the best color being found just below the lake.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

September 22, 2022/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Bishop Creek – Not Yet

As seen in these pictures, Bishop Creek Canyon is not yet ready for prime time.

While there are hints of color up the canyon, it is Just Starting and a week away from a report of Patchy color.

Though little color can be seen, there are light splashes of yellow and orange along the hillsides and at the turnoff to North Lake.

The effect of drought is apparent at South Lake and among the willows circling North Lake.

Table Mountain Camp, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/20/22) Betsy Forsyth

North Lake Rd, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/20/22) Betsy Forsyth

Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/20/22) Betsy Forsyth

Southern Inyo County

Whitney Portal (8,375′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Onion Valley (9,600′) – – Just Starting (0-10%)

South Fork, Bishop Creek Canyon

South Lake (9,768′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Little to see.
Weir Pond (9,650′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Just hints of gold.
Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Willow Campground (9,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – a blush of yellow up toward the bridge, on the hillside and before the group camp.
Stiny Loop. Mt. Glen Camp (8,850′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

Middle Fork, Bishop Creek Canyon

Lake Sabrina (9,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Light yellow has brushed the hillside on the south side of the lake.
Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Aspendell (8,400′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Just one tiny maple tree beside a residence is showing any color.
Intake II (8,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

North Fork, Bishop Creek Canyon

North Lake (9,225′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – A few trees on the far side of the lake have a hint of yellow, extending up the hillside. Most of the willows are dry and yellow/brown.
North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – A few trees at the beginning of the road are showing yellow.

Bishop

Bishop (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Owens Valley (4,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Cottonwood throughout the Owens Valley have glimpses of gold.

September 21, 2022/1 Comment/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Just A Hint

There’s a hint of glory being seen near 10,000’ in the Eastern Sierra.

Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson reports, “The first changes of the 2022 fall color season are just starting in the highest elevations of Mono County.

“Generally, changes start in the higher elevations, above the 10,000′, with the best colors found first at Virginia lakes, Rock Creek Road, Lobdell Lake Road and Sagehen Summit. Each of these destinations are just getting started and currently in the 0-10% range, but with cooler temperatures predicted this weekend, the color change should quickly progress through September.

Quaking Aspen, Virginia Lakes (9/10/14) Jeff Simpson

Quaking Aspen, Virginia Lakes (9/10/22) Jeff Simpson

Conway Summit (9/14/22) Jeff Simpson

Here’s what’s happening:

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′) – 0-10% Just starting along the road with the best color being found just below the lake.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 0%
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – 0-10% Decent changes at both Little and Big Virginia Lakes. Take a hike to Red Lake or any of the other trails for the best chances for color. Please remember to be respectful of your parking locations along the road and don’t block entrances to private residences.
Conway Summit (8,143) – 0%
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 0%

LEE VINING

Tioga Pass (9,943′) – 0%
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – 0%
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – 0%

BENTON & 120 EAST

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – 0-10% Progressing nicely and is usually the first location in California to have peak colors.

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – 0%

MAMMOTH LAKES

Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – 0%

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 0%
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – 0%
Convict Lake (7850′) – 0%

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 0-10% – Just starting at the lake level and higher elevations. The best color will be on the trails heading higher in elevation.

September 15, 2022/2 Comments/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Whoomp, there it is!

It is Just Starting, but the first true fall color of 2022 has officially been sighted in Mono County (Eastern Sierra) at Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek.

Mammoth Lakes color spotter Dakota Snider reports the color is definitely in the 0 – 10% range, but this is neither early nor late for Mono County. It’s right in the zone..

Both these areas of the Eastern Sierra are among the first to show. The Virginia Lakes can have a fairly brief show, so next two weeks should be good there.

Rock Creek is longer lasting and can be viewed at peak for up to a month, due to the extreme elevation gains there.

Virginia Lakes Resort (9/13/22) Samantha Deleo

Float angler, Virginia Lakes (9/13/22) Samantha Deleo

Quaking aspen, Virginia Lakes (9/13/22) Samantha Deleo

Rock Creek (9/13/22) Samantha Deleo

As seen in these distant shots of Rock Creek Canyon, there’s still a lot of green out there and just a hint of yellow, but the first spots of yellow indicate that it’s getting close.

Rock Creek Lake (9,705’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Just Starting (0-10%)

September 14, 2022/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Mammoth Mountain Opening Day (10/29/21) Courtesy Mammoth Mountain

Nothing. Mammoth Mountain opened for the 21/22 ski season yesterday.

OK, so what’s wrong with this picture?

Lower Rock Creek Trail (10/30/21) Alicia Vennos | Mono County Tourism

Again, nothing.

Today, just below where skiers and riders were enjoying Mammoth Mountain, hikers were enjoying full fall color along trails in the Town of Mammoth Lakes and nearby at Lower Rock Creek.

That’s one of the joys of outdoor California. We can ski in the morning and hike a fall color trail in the afternoon. Only at Mammoth Lakes in Mono County!

Lower Rock Creek Trail (10/30/21) Alicia Vennos | Mono County Tourism

Snowcreek, Mammoth Lakes (10/30/21) Angie Plaisted

Mammoth Lakes (10/30/21) Angie Plaisted

Mammoth Mountain (10/30/21) Angie Plaisted

Lower Rock Creek Trail ((7,087′) – Peak (75 – 100%) GO NOW!

October 30, 2021/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Appropriately Named

US 395, Coleville (10/29/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

In the late 1800s, a ranch along the California/Nevada line was named for the color of its quaking aspen.

Presently, it’s the black cottonwood in the town of Topaz, at Topaz Lake and throughout the Antelope Valley that deserve the description, as they are exuding the yellow-orange-brown color of the area’s namesake gemstone at every turn.

Topaz Lake (10/29/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

Topaz marks the end of the line when driving north on US 395 before you reach Nevada. It’s the northern end of Mono County and it’s the figurative end of autumn in the Eastern Sierra.

Antelope Valley (10/29/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson found, however, that autumn has not yet ended there. Lush topaz color is still carried by landmark cottonwood throughout the area and that it will likely last right into November whose birthstone just happens to be … Topaz.

Topaz, Coleville, Antelope Valley (5,033′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW!

October 30, 2021/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Winter Here & Autumn Gone

The Eastern Sierra bid farewell to a beautiful autumn on Sunday, when winter arrived.

West Walker River, Mono County (10/25/21) Gabby Tobar Balcunas

Sunday’s storm filled streams and its snow pushed most Eastern Sierra locations past peak, leaving only lower elevations, principally: the West Walker River, US 395 through Topaz and Coleville, the Antelope Valley and in the Owens Valley, along the Owens River and near Bishop peaking.

A few groves of aspen remain at peak along the June Lake Loop at Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport and at Convict Lake, but they will fade quickly.

There were moments of absolute beauty this autumn and timing was everything. For the Eastern Sierra, it was here; now it’s gone. So, we report, “See you next autumn, dude.”

MONO COUNTY

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

West Walker River, Coleville and Topaz (5,200’) – Peak (75 – 100%) GO NOW! – This and Bishop are the last remaining hot spots in the Eastern Sierra. There’s great color along the Walker River and in the Antelope Valley. Towering Black cottonwood along US 395 and at Topaz Lake are perfect.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000’) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop (7,654’) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.

CROWLEY LAKE / MCGEE CREEK / CONVICT LAKE /

Convict Lake (7,850’) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Lower Rock Creek Canyon Rd (7,087’) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – The lower section of the road and trail is at full peak and is a great hiking/mountain biking route.

INYO COUNTY

Bishop

Bishop (4,150’) – Peak (75 – 100%) GO NOW! – Groves of tall black cottonwood and oak at Buckley Ponds and along the Owens River are at peak.

October 27, 2021/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Autumn to Winter

It happened in a day.

*Mammoth Lakes, as seen on Saturday and Monday – Angie Plaisted*

Autumn turned to winter at Mammoth Lakes on Sunday. Local color spotter Angie Plaisted knew the bomb cyclone was coming, but the brilliance of the color in advance of the storm was so compelling, she couldn’t ignore it.

*Snowcreek, Mammoth Lakes (10/23/21) Angie Plaisted*

The following day, similar locations were flocked upon peak, providing poignant punctuation to perfection in Mammoth Lakes.

*Snowcreek, Mammoth Lakes (10/25/21) Angie Plaisted*

Now, the ski lifts are running and thoughts have shifted from finding colorful leaves to finding available rooms.

It’s winter at Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) – Past Peak, You Missed It.

visitmammoth.com

October 27, 2021/by John Poimiroo

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Last Call

June Lake Loop (10/20/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

It’s last call in Mono County. With heavy snow and wind predicted to arrive early next week, get there before Sunday to see the last great display of fall color in the Eastern Sierra.

*West Walker River* *(10/19/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism*

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak, You Missed It.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – Good color is seen along the West Walker River. Black cottonwood in Coleville and along the shores of Topaz Lake are glorious and should last past this coming weekend’s storm.

Bridgeport Valley (10/18/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

*Twin Lakes (10/20/21) (10/18/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism*

Twin Lakes (10/20/21) (10/18/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – Incredible conditions, presently with great views of sawtooth mountains from the shores of Lower Twin Lakes.
Conway Summit (8,143) – Past Peak, You Missed It.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Past Peak, You Missed It.

LEE VINING

Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – The best color yet in Lee Vining Canyon. Tioga Pass just re-opened, but it will likely be closed again following this week’s storm.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW You Almost Missed It. – Good color remains in the lower sections of the canyon.

June Lake (10/20/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – This week will be fabulous along the June Lake Loop. The best color will be seen up to Sunday, with the best groves at peak, now. Last call for one of the best leaf peeping spots in Mono County.

MAMMOTH LAKES

Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Past Peak, You Missed It.

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – Great color can still be seen near the campground, but higher up it’s past peak.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW!
Convict Lake (7850′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – Peak color is ringing the lake with the backside at 85%.

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Past Peak, You Missed It.

October 20, 2021/1 Comment/by John Poimiroo

In Search of A Rainbow

Mono County – Still Waiting

Bishop Creek – Not Yet

Just A Hint

Whoomp, there it is!

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Appropriately Named

Winter Here & Autumn Gone

Autumn to Winter

Last Call

Destination

Check-in date

Check-out date