Even when you think the color has peaked, when most of the trees have lost their color, a photographer like Elliot McGucken sends an image that teaches you, again, that there’s still hope.
Such is the case with this image of a cabin in the Hope Valley, near Sorensen’s Resort (Hwy 88). Though it does not have the spectacular splash of yellow many fall color photographers would want for their ultimate image of autumn in the High Sierra, it is layered with emotion and texture.
This photograph is near perfection, even though the forest was far from it.
Marlette Mirror, Marlette Lake, NV (10/9/15) Dotty Molt
Color spotter Dotty Molt scores a rare First Report by taking the trail to Marlette Lake near Lake Tahoe.
Marlette Lake, North Canyon Road (10/9/15) Dotty Molt (10/9/15) Dotty Molt
Marlette Lake (10/9/15) Dotty Molt
She writes, “People seem to forget that we have fall color around Lake Tahoe.
“Marlette Lake can only be reached by hiking or mountain biking back 4.5 miles from Spooner Lake.
“It’s a moderate uphill, but a quick downhill, especially on a bike.
“Aspen line the trail all the way back to the Lake, and Marlette has beautiful stands of Aspen on the Southwestern shoreline.
“Beautiful colors are seen around 9 a.m. when the sun peeks over the ridge, illuminating the Aspen from behind.”
Dotty makes an important point… Consider the orientation of the fall color on the landscape in relationship to light.
That is: will it be best viewed in morning or afternoon? Will it be backlit or front lit? How have you set your camera for depth of field, motion or sharpness? Is there something to make the image extraordinary, such as a compositional element that would enhance the image (Dotty’s awareness of the sun star and mirror effect)? Finally, what post production work may be necessary to duplicate what you are seeing and feeling?
Peak GO NOW! – Marlette Lake
Autumn Abstract, Marlette Lake (10/9/15) Dotty Molt
Marlette Lake, North Canyon Rd (10/9/15) Dotty Molt
Color spotter Clayton Peoples took a quick road trip into northern Mono County and came away with this report and photos of Conway Summit and the Twin Lakes area.
Twin Laked (10/9/15) Clayton Peoples
Patchy (10-50%) – Conway Summit – Though still “patchy,” this pass along U.S. 395 “is definitely nearing the 50% mark. Another week will likely bring it to “near peak” or “peak” conditions.”
Patchy (10-50%) Twin Lakes – Tucked beneath a Sierra escarpment at the southwest corner of the Bridgeport Valley, these lakes are much like Conway Summit, “but near 50%, with peak likely pretty soon.”
Near Peak GO NOW! (50-75%) – Convict Canyon – Color spotter Alicia Vennos adds, “The colors from the lower section of the canyon up through the campground have increased in intensity. The foliage along the lake has definitely begun to develop more color but there are still areas that haven’t turned. The change seems to be taking a little more time this year and it is difficult to predict the pace. The foliage throughout the canyon seems to be changing at different rates. One section may be bright yellow and adjacent to it are pockets of green. Even with the unpredictably, the peak should be just around the corner. The colors we have now are still amazing and a walk along the new path on the South Shore is recommended.”
An early, though brief winter storm that dropped snow high up in the Eastern Sierra this past Sunday damaged and reduced what color was remaining above 9000′ in Bishop Creek Canyon. There’s still a lot of beautiful color to be seen, but it has descended.
Overall Conditions Above 8400ft Elevation – Peaking – Go Now! – The upper reaches of Bishop Creek Canyon have now gone past peak, though they flamed out in brilliant splashes of red. Lots of yellow and some lime is found between 8,400 and 8,600′.
Overall Conditions Between 7500ft & 8400ft Elevation – Patchy (10% – 50%) – A lot more color has developed at these elevations, though many of the groves had already been stripped of leaves. Still, large areas of lush foliage will continue to show nicely in the coming two weeks.
North Lake (10/3/15) Jeff Hemming
Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT! – Sabrina Campground to Sabrina Dam (9000ft).
Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT! – Willow Campground (9000ft) .
Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT! – North Lake (9255ft) .
Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT! – Weir Pond (9650ft).
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! – Parchers Resort (9260ft)
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! – Table Mountain Camp (8900ft) .
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! – Surveyors Meadow (8975ft) .
Lake Sabrina (10/6/15) Aditi Das
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! – Lake Sabrina (9150ft).
Peak GO NOW! (75-100%) – Stiny Loop above Mt. Glen Camp (8600ft) – It is as good as it will get this year at Stiny. It’s peak, but we’re being generous in that rating. This area lost a lot of leaves earlier in autumn.
Near Peak GO NOW! (50-75%) – Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8350ft) – Yellow and some green are surrounding the waterfall and in the groves between there at Mt. Glen Campground. As predicted, this is probably the best color to be seen up Bishop Creek Canyon and it has another week to show.
Near Peak GO NOW! (50-75%) – Aspendell (8400ft) – Much better color has developed here in the past week. Some spotters classified it as peaking.
Peak GO NOW! Groves at Cardinal Village – While aspen from Cardinal Pinnacle down have blown, aspen down the creek from the North Lake turnoff winding down the canyon past the mine towards Cardinal Village are full of yellow.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Four Jeffries (8000ft) – The aspen here continue to lighten.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Intake II (8000ft) – The canyon wall is mostly stripped now but there are some very nice patches near the dam, and a couple of the large aspen along the shoreline are yellow.
Just Starting – (0 – 10%) – Big Trees Campground (7800ft) – Yellow is beginning to appear.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2015-10-08 15:38:542015-10-08 15:40:02Bishop Canyon - Snow Chills Fall Color High Up
I can’t recall when we’ve received a report on the fall color at Ebbett’s Pass, but today we correct that with one from color spotter Kimberly Kolafa.
Kimberly apologized for not having sent photos until this week, as she was in Maine backpacking amidst fall color “that never happened!” Un, huh, and…
Well, we have our own dismal story here, as most observers are noting that the drought has “really impacted leaf peeping,” so we quoteth Ms.Kolafa.
The drought is making it very difficult to rate an area, as aspen (such is the case with Carson Pass) may be stripped, while willows and ground shrubs are still Patchy but developing beautiful color.
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. — Henry David Thoreau
If you’re driving this route, look for interesting subjects to contrast what color is there, as Kimberly did, while turning rotten apples into sweet-tasting apple cider (couldn’t pass up the autumnal metaphor).
She found the Chalmers Mansion and Cemetery, edged with bright color and came away with this story to complement her image.
Ebbetts Pass (10/4/15) Kimberly Kolafa
Ebbetts Pass (10/4/15) Kimberly Kolafa
Ebbetts Pass (10/4/15) Kimberly Kofala
Lewis Chalmers was superintendent of a mine in the Silver Mountain mining district (1870s – ’80s). He and his brother had emigrated from Scotland; he returned to Britain in 1885 to raise funds for his mining operations and died there in 1904. Several of his family are buried near the mansion.
Photos like Kimberly’s shot of Chalmer’s Mansion could make up for the lack of color, in some locations, this autumn.
Editor’s Note: Please read the following comment about Hwy 4. This beautiful and historic route could use a little TLC, right now. As, recent events (the Butte Fire, in particular) hurt the local economy and folks who live along the route would welcome seeing photographers, leaf peepers and all who appreciate beautiful places visit their communities and spread the word that the beauty and history are still there. Favorites of ours are Ironstone Vineyards (Japanese maples in autumn, daffodils in springtime) in Murphy’s and Calaveras Big Trees State Park up the highway, where dogwood are getting good. Bonnie Nordby suggests a particularly photogenic location. Our arms reach out to Brad Nordby’s family which lost their home during the fire. Autumn is a reminder that what is lost always returns.
Patchy (10-50%) Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) Shrubs – Grasses are yellow with green undergrowth and shrubs are yellow to maroon red along Silver Creek.
Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Ebbetts Pass Trees – Like Carson Pass and the Hope Valley, most of the aspen have lost their leaves, though again similar to these areas, there are patches of aspen and cottonwood that remain green or are changing to lime and yellow.
Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Monitor Pass.
Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe – Aspen are past peak, but there’s hope for a good salmon run, as the creek appears to be running better than past years.
Color spotter Alicia Vennos reports the Eastern Sierra was blessed with a full day and a half of rain and snow at higher elevations this past Sunday. That made fall colors stand out even more beautifully in the bright sunlight that has come out, since.
Rock Creek Lake (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
Rock Creek Lake (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
Rock Creek Lake (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
The most significant color to be seen in Mono County is at 9,000′, where we issue a GO NOW! alert for Rock Creek. Alicia writes that it’s gorgeous and peaking from East Fork up to Rock Creek Lake.
This is the perfect weekend to make the drive, considering that this is the last weekend Pie in the Sky Cafe will be open. Get there early, as they almost always sell out before noon.
Rock Creek Lake Campground (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
Rock Creek Lake Campground (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
Rock Creek Lake Campground (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
Rock Creek Lake (10/4/15) Alicia Vennos
Silver Lake (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Rock Creek – Rock Creek Road from East Fork to Rock Creek Lake. Color is now flooding this section of Rock Creek. Look out for motorists who are in awe, and always check rear-view mirror before pulling over or slowing down suddenly. From East Fork down to Tom’s Place, the aspens are still green in many sections, and Lower Rock Creek Road and the trail — popular with mountain bikers, hikers and anglers — is also yet to pop.
Patchy (10-50%) – McGee Creek – Aspen around McGee Creek Campground and McGee Creek Pack Station are just starting to turn color. Hike up the trail for a mile or two and the aspen are bright yellow, orange and red.
Patchy (10-50%) – Convict Canyon – The colors from the lower section of the canyon up through the campground have increased slightly in intensity. The foliage along the lake has definitely begun to develop more color but there are still areas that haven’t turned. The change seems to be taking a little more time this year and it is difficult to predict the pace. The foliage throughout the canyon seems to be changing at different rates. One section may be bright yellow and adjacent to it are pockets of green. Even with the unpredictability, the peak should be just around the corner. The colors there now are still amazing and a walk along the NEW PATH on the south shore is recommended.
Lower Twin, Mammoth Lakes (10/7/15) Jen Heger
Patchy (10-50%) – Mammoth Lakes – The lakes basin continues to brighten.
Patchy (10-50%) – June Lake Loop/Hwy. 158 – The Loop is taking its sweet time this year — or maybe it just seems that way, because our readers can hardly wait. Most of the aspens are just beginning to hint at the awesome color that is yet to come. Around the Fire Station down canyon, the trees are beginning to move towards yellow-orange. Even Parker Lake , off the north end of the Loop, seems slow to move to peak. We thought that last weekend it would be pretty close to prime but on Saturday, it still had more hues of lime-green and gold than orange. It is a gorgeous 4-mile hike round trip with stunning views of Mono Lake and the color will have picked up a bit the last few days so still a good bet. Try and get to the lake itself before 9:00 am if possible as you will almost be guaranteed a spectacular reflection of the mountains on the surface of the water — unless it’s a windy morning, of course. For those who are fit and enjoy a longer, steeper hike, try Bloody Canyon out of Walker Lake. The trees at the lake level have yet to really start turning but a couple of miles up the trail, you’ll find some exceptional color. The June Lake Autumn Beer Festival is this Saturday, Oct. 10 at Gull Lake Park.
Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Sage Hen Meadow Road.
Patchy (10-50%) – Lee Vining Canyon – Tioga Pass Road has awesome views of Lee Vining Canyon and the aspens look like they are still a couple of weeks from peaking. Log Cabin Road area is starting to shine.
Lundy Canyon (10/4/15) Dotty Molt
Lundy Canyon (10/4/15) Dotty Molt
Patchy (10-50%) – Lundy Canyon – The thick aspen stands that line the road are still just beginning their autumn wardrobe change! Along the Lundy Canyon trailhead, the color is heating up a bit around the waterfall viewpoint, although still another week or more from peak.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Twin Lakes – The higher elevations have been peaking over the last week in the areas around Barney Lake and Horsetail Falls. Expect to see greens, lime greens and some yellows around Upper and Lower Twin Lakes and Robinson Creek. The next two weekends should be spectacular here. Color spotter Jen Heger adds, “Aspen have many shades of yellow, light orange with patches of green. Trees still have all their leaves… Just breathtaking and not many people around!”
Virgina Lakes Road (10/4/15) Dotty Molt
Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Virginia Lakes
Dunderberg Meadow (10/6/15) Philip Reedy
Dunderberg Meadow (10/6/15) Philp Reedy
Patchy (10-50%) – Conway Summit – Conway summit is also brightening substantially, making for really pretty photos right from the pull-outs on US 395. Always use caution when pulling over, of course. Bridgeport’s Ducks Unlimited Dinner is October 17 which should be perfect timing for peak color if you are hungry for a delicious dinner and a ton of great raffle prizes!
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Green Creek – Colors are at peak and are past peak in other places. The recent storm last Sunday blew off many leaves before reaching full color. We recommend starting at Summers Meadow and working your way up to Green Creek.
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Summers Meadow – Go Now! Summers Meadow off Green Creek Road will be perfect over the next week. Some leaves at the upper elevation may be past peak but there is still plenty of photo opportunities along Lower Summers Meadow Road.
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Monitor Pass – Go Now Colors have peaked at the top of Monitor Pass but as you progress down the mountain expect to see more color.
Patchy (10-50%) Walker Canyon – The colors along the West Walker River are starting to glow in certain sections.
Patchy (10-50%) Towns of Walker & Coleville – Still mostly green and traditionally is one of the last destinations to turn throughout the Eastern Sierra. Plan your trip for the last weekend in October.
SONORA PASS
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Sonora Pass/Leavitt Meadows – Leavitt Meadows is starting to turn gold, as are some of the aspens as you drive up Sonora Pass. The Leavitt Meadows Pack Station is open until mid-October for anyone wanting to take a ride by horseback to see the color!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2015-10-07 19:59:512015-10-08 08:58:36Here Comes The Sun! - Mono County Shines
Last year, to the day, I drove the western Sierra foothills to Placerville, up Newtown Rd and Mormon Emigrant Rd. to CA-88, crossing Carson Pass and descending into the Hope Valley where it was peaking beautifully. I then returned over Luther Pass to South Lake Tahoe, then back over Echo Summit on US50. Today, I repeated the drive.
Last year, the Hope Valley was peaking. This year, it’s beyond hope.
Carson Pass and the Hope Valley are now mostly Past Peak, though amid groves and groves of bare aspen, others are still fully green and Just Starting, while others are Patchy, and still others are Near Peak.
Caples Lake (10/4/15) John Poimiroo
Last year, I stopped at the Caples Lake Resort to photograph a hillside of colorful aspen reflected in the lake. This year, only the crowns of those trees carry any color.
It’s interesting that the willows that normally turn first, are now peaking while the aspen have lost their color.
Beyond Carson Pass, among landmark-sized Jeffrey pine, the ground between granite boulders is full of deep-orange ground cover.
Black Leaf Spot, Forestdale Creek Rd. (10/4/15) John Poimiroo
Forestdale Creek Rd. (10/4/15) John Poimiroo
The effect of black leaf spot fungus is evident along Forestdale Creek Road, an off-road trail near Red Lake, where many aspen still carry spotted leaves.
One of the few nice aspects of the color this year is that many of the aspen are topped with golden crowns, though they’ve lost the color below and all that remains are their buff and white colored lower branches and trunks.
The forest’s remaining color is nice to look at, though photographers will be disappointed.
At 7,400′ in elevation on the east side of Carson Pass, there are several healthy stands of green aspen that should be Near Peak in two weeks. Patchy sections in the forest will turn sooner. Healthy, lush groves are found near streams, but not far from denuded stands of bare aspen, their stemy branches raised to heaven as if imploring the skies to let them embrace the first snowfall.
Next weekend’s best hope to see full peak in the Hope Valley will be at Sorensen’s Resort. There, the most promising grove along Hwys 88 and 89 is a brilliant, yellow-orange stretch of Near Peak aspen (seen above) directly across the highway from the Sorensen’s Resort.
I stopped to chat briefly with resort owner John Brissenden who said several of his cabins are still available this coming weekend for those who would like to see the best fall color the Hope Valley will provide this year. He also admitted that, though disappointing, 2015 isn’t the earliest peak that Carson Pass has experienced. Some years ago, it went Past Peak in mid September.
As for the rest of the route:
The black oak and bigleaf maple along Newtown Road (Placerville) are Just Starting.
Vineyards in El Dorado County’s Pleasant Valley are now showing yellow highlights, though they’ve a way to go.
There is little to no color along Mormon Emigrant Road, though a few dogwood are showing soft pastel-orange and rose leaves.
South Lake Tahoe is Patchy with yellow and lime just emerging among its mostly green aspen.
Grasses, willows, ferns and brush provide the most color along the entire route with maroon, yellow, buff, gold, crimson and orange decorating meadows and forest floors.
Aspen, Kirkwood Lake Rd (10/5/14) John Poimiroo
Aspen, Kirkwood Lake Rd. (10/4/15) John Poimiroo
Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Carson Pass. Nearly all the aspen at the highest reaches of the pass have lost their leaves. The most profound example of the change (seen at left) is the comparison of a stand of aspen shot last year off CA-88 at the trailhead to Kirkwood Lake and the same stand shot today.
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Hope Valley – The best stand is found directly across Hwys 88 and 89 from Sorensen’s Resort. Room at the inn is available next weekend, if you want to see it at its best. Unfortunately, all the aspen at and surrounding the resort have dropped their color.
Patchy (10-50%) – Lake Tahoe
Just Starting (0-10%) – US 50 – All elevations
Just Starting (0-10%) – Newtown Rd, Placerville (Gold Country)
Just Starting (0-10%) – Pleasant Valley Vineyards (Gold Country)
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2015-10-04 17:55:082015-10-05 08:27:50Still Hope, Though Mostly Past Peak
Color spotter Alena Nicholas reports from a lakeside cabin at Boulder Lodge on June Lake, near where these photos were taken. Nicholas notes that June Lake is joyfully transitioning from green to yellow, though the color is still at the low end of being Patchy. When it’s drizzling, as is now happening in the Eastern Sierra, it’s time to look for new things to photograph, like deer enjoying fresh bursts of green.
June Lake Loop (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
June Lake Loop (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
June Lake Loop (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
June Lake Loop (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
June Lake Loop (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
June Lake Loop (9/30/15) Alena Nicholas
This weekend, all points above 9,000’ in the Eastern Sierra (Inyo and Mono Counties), including: Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, Hilton Creek, Virginia Lakes, Green Creek, Summers Meadow, Sage Hen, Dunderberg Meadow and Twin Lakes have the most color, though how long it lasts will depend on the weather.
Yesterday, light breezes blew some of the color from areas in the Eastern Sierra that had peaked or were approaching peak (see below reports). However, the wind only got to what had peaked. As Alicia Vennos wrote from Mono County this morning, there is still “far too much green mixed with the yellows and oranges,” for the show to end.
That should hold true even after this weekend’s storm passes by. Trees that have green leaves or slightly turned leaves will retain them and their fall color will emerge in coming days and weeks.
Prime areas to see California Fall Color this weekend are at all points above 9,000’ in the Eastern Sierra (Inyo and Mono Counties), including: Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, Hilton Creek, Virginia Lakes, Green Creek, Summers Meadow, Sage Hen, Dunderberg Meadow and Twin Lakes.
Patchy (10-50%) – June Lake – Still early, though color has begun developing.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2015-10-01 12:08:192015-10-01 12:09:24Weekend Forecast: A Wet Mix of Peak and Past Peak
Jennifer Roeser rides her mule, Pearl, in McGee Creek (9/28/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Editor’s note: This report is based on observations made this week. However, in the past day, light rain and wind has stripped some leaves from aspen (See Kahlee Brighton’s comment under “Baffling Brilliance”). As always, these reports can be affected by changing conditions.
One of the most enjoyable ways to see California’s Fall Color is to ride to it by horseback, as seen above. Jennifer Roeser, owner of the McGee Creek Pack Station, is one of several wranglers who operate fall color rides from Eastern Sierra stables.
Above 9,000′, Mono County is approaching peak, reports color spotter Alicia Vennos. Below 9,000′, a beautiful mix of yellow and gold blended with lime-green and pops of bright orange are emerging.
Mono County’s hot spots this weekend (conditions permitting) will be: Rock Creek Road, McGee Creek Canyon (about 1.5 miles up the trail), Parker Lake (north of the June Lake Loop/Hwy. 158), Bloody Canyon out of Walker Lake (hike up about 2 miles), Virginia Lakes Road, Dunderberg Meadow Road, Twin Lakes near Bridgeport and Sage Hen Meadow Road, off Hwy. 120 East. Here’s Alicia’s report by area:
Near Peak (50-75% –GO NOW!) –Upper Rock Creek Road/Rock Creek Lake – This 11-mile drive diverts from 395 at Tom’s Place. Along the route, there are lots of hiking options. Colors are in full swing a few miles up the road, around the lake, and up Hilton Creek trail. If you’re going for the pie at Pie in the Sky Café, get there early, as they sell out often by noon.
Patchy (10-50%) – Upper Rock Creek Road – Around East Fork, you’ll see a blend of green, lime-green, gold and orange. A favorite hike starts at the East Fork campground and meanders along the aspen-lined creek all the way to Rock Creek Lake.
McGee Creek (9/28/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
McGee Creek (9/28/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Patchy (10-50%) – McGee Creek – There are still so many green aspen around the McGee Creek Campground, Pack Station, and trailhead at the end of the road, that we continue to rate this area as patchy. Though, hike up the trail and you will soon see aspen that range from gold to orangey-red.
Patchy (5-35%) – Convict Lake Canyon – Color spotter Charles Porter says Convict Lake is starting to show pockets of yellow from top to bottom. The color change has increased modestly over the last week. Foliage along the lower creek, around the resort and in the campground is now about 30%. These areas are still showing a generous amount of green but the hues of orange and yellow are starting to establish themselves. The back of the lake and up the canyon is showing an increase of yellow but will need a few weeks to reach peak.
This week, a road crew was laying down asphalt. By the time the aspen peak here, there will be new road access to the lake. Until then, for day-use parking use the marina lot or the parking lot at the entrance of the campground.
The Convict Lake Resort is offering Fall Lodging Specials starting at $379+tax (Sunday thru Thursday – 2 Nights for 2 Persons). They include a $100 restaurant credit & full-day motor boat rental. Ambush at the Lake, the resort’s fall fishing derby, continues through Nov. 15 with $6,000 in resort prizes and a $2,000 cash bonus weekend on Oct. 30 – Nov. 1.
Beaver Pond, McGee Creek Trail (9/28/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Patchy (10-50%) – June Lake Loop/Hwy. 158 – Color is escalating on the mountainside at the north end of the June Lake Loop, while down canyon and on the south end of the Loop, the change is still in its beginning stages.
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Parker Lake – As reported earlier this week, the hike to Parker Lake is beautiful right now. To get there, take the Parker Lake Road at the north end of Hwy. 158. It’s a good dirt road with some washboard and rough spots.
Bloody Canyon Trail (9/27/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Bloody Canyon Trail and Walker Lake (9/27/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Walker Lake – Another excellent but steep hike is Bloody Canyon out of Walker Lake. The aspen at lake level are still mostly green, but if you trek two miles up the trail at the west end of the lake, the aspen are abundant and peaking. June Lake Brewing hosts the June Lake Autumn Beer Festival on Oct. 10 at Gull Lake Park.
Sage Hen Meadow Rd. (9/27/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Sage Hen View (9/27/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Sage Hen Summit Rd. (9/27/15) Alicia Vennos/Mono County Tourism
Peak (75-100% –GO NOW!) – Sage Hen Meadow Road – Off CA-120 East at Sage Hen Summit, turn south on Sage Hen Meadow Road for a few miles where you will find thick aspen groves of brilliant yellow and orange alongside the road. It is a short but sweet stretch. If you continue driving, take the first left-hand turn which will bring you to an overlook of the Sage Hen aspen groves. They seemed to have peaked early this year so there is only some red-orange color left, but the views of Mono Lake are pretty.
Patchy (10-50%) – Lee Vining Canyon – Aspen at the lower end of the Tioga Pass Road look like they are still a couple of weeks from peaking. Log Cabin Road, which is a good dirt road with some relatively steep switchbacks to an historic cabin is aspen-lined and is starting to show some rich golden color.
Patchy (10-50%) – Lundy Canyon – A beautiful paved drive to Lundy Lake takes you past aspen along the road that are just beginning to change. Beyond the lake, the road turns to dirt and takes you to some photogenic beaver ponds and one of the prettiest hiking trails in the area. Lundy Canyon still has a way to go before it nears peak, though it’s definitely starting.
Virginia Lakes (9/26/15) Misti Sullivan/Twin Lakes Resort
Peak (75-100% –GO NOW!) – Virginia Lakes/Dunderberg/Green Creek Road/Bridgeport/Twin Lakes – Summer’s Meadow off Green Creek Road will be gorgeous this weekend. Same with Virginia Lakes Road and Dunderberg Meadow Road which are peaking now. Conway Summit is also brightening substantially, making for really pretty photos right from the pullouts on US 395.
The Bridgeport Valley’s Hunewill Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for over 100 years and offers horseback rides to see the fall colors and the opportunity to participate in an authentic cattle drive. Check out their programs at HunewillRanch.com.
Patchy (10-50%) – Walker/Coleville/Sonora Pass/Leavitt Meadows) – At the higher elevations above the West Walker River, the aspen stands are glowing golden and light orange, as is the top of Sonora Pass/Hwy. 108 and on the crest of Monitor Pass/Hwy. 89. Some aspens have lost leaves due to black leaf spot fungus. Leavitt Meadows is just starting to show off. Another area to ride to see the fall colors is the Leavitt Meadows Pack Station, which remains open until mid-October. Coming up on Oct. 3 is the Antelope Valley’s annual Deer Hunter Barbecue in Walker featuring a homemade dinner with the community’s “secret barbecue sauce.” Call (530) 208-6078 for more info.
“Baffling brilliance” is all we can think of to describe what’s happening this year up Bishop Creek in the Eastern Sierra. Today, we announce ominously, Tah, Dah!, that if you didn’t get to Weir Pond, Parcher’s Resort, Table Mountain Camp, Surveyor’s Meadow or Lake Sabrina, YOU MISSED IT!
That’s right. You missed it. These areas are now Past Peak and it’s still September… well, at least for the rest of today it is.
However, despite being past peak, these areas retain impressive patches of fall color near streams. OK, now you’re as baffled as we are.
What is happening, in this fourth year of drought, is that some groves are going off quickly while others that have water seem to be on their normal schedule. That creates what Jared Smith termed, last week, “transitional change,” where part of the forest is peaking, while other parts are still patchy.
The bottom line to anyone who wants to photograph or see fall color at peak is that when we announce GO NOW!, you must not delay, even if the alert is for Near Peak areas. As, this year the color change may not last a week, OR (more bafflement), it could continue for weeks on end.
Here’s todays report from color spotter Jared Smith of Parcher’s Resort:
Overall Conditions Above 8500ft Elevation – Peak – Go Now! (75% – 100%) – Out of all the years Jared has been doing fall color reporting for the Bishop Creek Canyon, he writes “this has been by far the most difficult to put into a rating scale. There are areas of color that are absolutely going off in full peak color, right next to areas where the color is quickly diminishing, right next to areas containing lots of green still developing color…it’s very difficult.”
Still, while some areas in the higher elevations were better last week than they are today, there are more areas of peak color than not at the higher elevations so he went with a peak rating. The highlights this week are the South Fork of Bishop Creek near Willow Campground, and between Parchers Resort & Weir Pond. On the other side of the canyon, the area between Sabrina Campground and the Sabrina Dam is stunning, and North Lake has tons of peak color.
A storm is predicted for the weekend, including wind and a chance of snow. So, let’s cross our fingers that the color withstands the cold front.
Overall Conditions Between 7500ft & 8500ft Elevation – Patchy (10% – 50%) – The yellow continues to develop, along with a few patches of orange and red, but the green is holding strong, at least for the next few days. Look for this elevation to be in near peak condition or better by next week’s report. The best color is showing near Cardinal Village on up towards Cardinal Mine. A few small patches of brilliant color near Intake II also.
Road to Lake Sabrina (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Road to Lake Sabrina (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Peak – Go Now! (75% – 100%)– Sabrina Campground to Sabrina Dam (9000ft) – Some of the red shown over the past few weeks is gone, but without skipping a beat, the color within the campground on up to the approach to the Sabrina dam is absolutely spectacular. Especially beautiful are the views of the winding road across the bridges.
Peak – Go Now! (75% – 100%)– Willow Campground (9000ft) – The next few days will have primo color in and around Willow Campground. A few of the trees already have lost their leaves but the vast majority of the color is just now at or extremely close to peak. The color on the mountain above the camp and also along the old road between Willow and Parchers is really stunning.
North Lake Road (9/30/15) Jared Smith
North Lake Road (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Peak – Go Now! (75% – 100%)– North Lake (9255ft) – This area continues to give Jared fits as a reporter, since parts of the shoreline are naked, parts are bright red, and the famous grove lining the road between the first parking area and the campground is about as gorgeous as it gets, a far cry from last week when there was still green dominating that spot. Anyhow, there is enough peak color here, and enough areas that are at their best, for this to get a peak rating still. But seriously, GO NOW! Jared questions whether the color will be as good next week. Willows are almost completely naked now, a sure sign that the color won’t hold out for much longer at this location.
Weir Pond (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT! (but still impressive)– Weir Pond (9650ft) – As expected, Weir Pond isn’t quite as stunning as it was last week with much of the scrub aspen on the hillside above the pond having gone naked. Lots of color has developed along the road and the color is still beautiful surrounding the pond itself. Any photographer visiting the area should check this spot out – it’s still very much worth the trip.
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! (but still impressive) – Parchers Resort (9260ft) – There is a bunch of color still around the resort, especially along the back trail towards South Lake and below on the way to Willow. However, the best color has started to falter, especially higher on the mountains where the smaller aspen have given up. There is some especially brilliant color along South Lake road next to the resort as well as on the canyon wall to the west wall of the canyon that is hanging tough and very much worth a look.
Table Mountain Camp (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! (but still impressive) – Table Mountain Camp (8900ft) – The color higher on the mountain and within the campground is showing past peak conditions. Lots and lots of color along the stream though, anywhere between the Stiny Loop and the campground.
Surveyor’s Meadow (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! (but still impressive) – Surveyors Meadow (8975ft) – Color-a-plenty can be found in the area between Surveyors and the Tyee bridge, but last week was better than this week, so it gets the past-peak rating.
Lake Sabrina (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Past Peak– YOU MISSED IT! (but still impressive) – Lake Sabrina (9150ft) – The color in the back of the lake is gorgeous orange, yellow and red and a walk along the trail that skirts the west shore of the lake offers some pretty impressive views. The east shore is less so, and given how far the color is along here, Jared doubts much will remain after the weather this weekend.
Near Peak (50 – 75%) – Stiny Loop above Mt. Glen Camp (8600ft) – Jared questionshow much peak color will develop at this location, considering that the color seems to disappear as fast or faster than it appears.
Mist Falls (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Just Patchy (10 – 50%) – Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8350ft) – Finally a bit of progress in the color this week with a lot more yellow showing up around the waterfall and in the groves between there at Mt. Glen Campground. This will likely be one of the highlights by next weekend (not this weekend).
Aspendell (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Groves Above Cardinal Village (9/30/15) Jared Smith
Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Aspendell (8400ft) – Very little yellowing, but the green is getting very light so Jared predicts patchy or better color within the week.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Groves above Cardinal Village (8550ft) – The aspen blanketing the hillside from Cardinal Pinnacle down are pretty much toast. But, now that is done, the color all down the creek from the North Lake turnoff winding down the canyon past the mine towards Cardinal Village is showing yellow. Jared anticipates a great report from this area next week, conditions permitting.
Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Four Jeffries (8000ft) – Nothing but a few yellow branches showing right now. The aspen have lightened considerably though over last week.
Patchy – (10 – 50%) – Intake II (8000ft) – The canyon wall is mostly stripped now but there are some very nice patches near the dam, and a couple of the large aspen along the shoreline are starting to yellow quite nicely.
Just Starting – (0 – 10%) – Big Trees Campground (7800ft) – Nothing but green here right now.
