Fall Color Report – Page 9 – California Fall Color

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

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

Eastern Sierra, Ethics, Fall Color Report

Tiptoeing Toward Fall

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.

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.

September 20, 2023/by Lara Kaylor

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

Incoming in Inyo County

The excitement continues to grow in the Eastern Sierra as the autumn equinox approaches. Small flecks of lime greens and yellows continue to make their appearances.

Inyo County color spotter, Betsy Forsyth, reports that things are getting started in the Bishop area.

“Down in the valley there are plenty of yellow hues in the cottonwoods,” she states. More is expected to pop up by next weekend.

The approach of the first day of fall is also queueing up some fall weather, according to the National Weather Service. Wind, showers and freezes are in the forecast for the Eastern Sierra in the coming week. Expect this to trigger additional color changes in the region.

Deciduous trees drop their leaves in order to survive. As days grow shorter and colder, deciduous trees shut down veins and capillaries (that carry water and nutrients) with a barrier of cells that form at the leaf’s stem.

Called “abscission” cells, the barrier prevents the leaf from being nourished. The abscission layer blocks the transportation of materials from the leaf to the branch and from the roots to the leaves. As green Chlorophyll is blocked from the leaves, it disappears completely from them and that is when the fall colors begin to appear.

As long as the days stay warm, cold nights are good for creating vibrant fall color.

September 18, 2023/4 Comments/by Lara Kaylor

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report

The Wait is Over

While the autumn equinox is still more than a week away fall colors are being spotted in Mono County and we have received our first reports. It seems the wait is over and things are beginning to change.

Things are just getting started with only a couple of locations showing lime-green to yellow leaves, reports color spotter Jeff Simpson. Sagehen Summit, Virginia Lakes, and Rock Creek Lake are always the first areas to change and that’s no exception this year. All three locations are in the 0-10% category and are just getting going with a few changing leaves at the highest elevations.

To Simpson’s surprise, Convict Lake and McGee Creek in the Eastern Sierra were also showing signs of autumn with a few groves of yellow (and even orange) color at the south end of Convict Lake. These areas traditionally peak in mid-October so keep your eye out for an early season there. Both locations are also in the 0-10% category.

Rock Creek Lake (9,705’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Convict Lake (7,850′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Sagehen Summit (8,139′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

September 14, 2023/by Lara Kaylor

Eastern Sierra, Fall Color Report, First Report

Early Signs of What’s to Come

Color spotters in California are beginning to send in sightings of the first signs of seasonal color change.

In the Mammoth Lakes area, Angie Plaisted reported on August 24, 2023 that a few leaves around Convict Lake were getting an early start on showing off their fall colors.

Color spotter Samantha Lindberg also checked out Convict Lake on August 28 and claimed, “we are just starting to get a teaser of what is yet to come, Convict Lake has some yellow on the tops of the tress and some fallen leaves. Also, the rabbitbrush is making its appearance!”

Rabbitbrush appears as summer begins to fade and blooms into fall.

Color spotter (and former californiafallcolor.com editor) John Poimiroo reported on August 25 that signs in Tahoe at 6,224′ were pointing to an early winter in the High Sierra.

“Oak trees are full of acorns and dropping them rapidly,” Poimiroo said. “Chickaree (Douglas Squirrels) and Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels (often mistaken as chipmunks) are frantically gathering black oak acorns and other nuts. One local said she had never seen them so active.”

US Forest Service Botanist Blake Engelhardt also weighed in with some thoughts.

“I’m optimistic that with the lingering snowpack this season and the moist soils from spring rains, we are primed for some good fall colors,” she said.

The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for another big winter and Engelhardt reinforced that it could quickly change what we see out there this year.

“Foliage season is always difficult to predict in terms of length, as unexpected frosts can cause leaves to drop quickly.”

This year the first day of fall is September 22 at 11:49 pm, so start your preparations for scenic drives and sweater weather.

August 29, 2023/by Lara Kaylor

Wild Weekend

Changing By the Hour

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Waking Up in Plumas County

Peak Fall Predictions

Fall Starts Tomorrow

Tiptoeing Toward Fall

Incoming in Inyo County

The Wait is Over

Early Signs of What’s to Come

Destination

Check-in date

Check-out date