High Sierra – Page 22 – California Fall Color

Hike of the Week: Ansel Adams Wilderness

Parker Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness (9/28/15) Alena Nicholas

Alena Nicholas hiked into the Ansel Adams Wilderness this past weekend and sent these photos of the gold to be discovered there.

Ansel Adams Wilderness (9/28/15) Alena Nicholas

Trail to Parker Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness (9/28/15) Alena Nicholas

To get to this area, you take a dirt road from the June Lake Loop from which two main lakes are reached: Parker and Walker. The hike to each from the dirt road takes an hour, but is well worth it, Alena reports. Signs along the road direct hikers to the trailheads.

Refreshing aspects of these trails are the glimpses of water, trailside and in the distance. That water has nourished a lot of color in the area.

June Lake Loop (9/28/15) Alena Nicholas

The nearby June Lake Loop is still in its early phases, so if you’re heading to the Eastern Sierra, you’ll be most satisfied by hiking up creeks and into areas where the color is best.

Virginia Lakes (9/28/15) Alena Nicholas

If you’re not up to or able to hike, head to Virginia Lakes near Conway Summit. It’s a short drive from US 395 and you’ll find color all along the Virginia Lakes Road, the shoreline of the lakes and at nearby Dunderberg Road.

Patchy (10-50%) – June Lake Loop

Patchy (10-50%) – Ansel Adams Wilderness – Walker Lake and Parker Lake (approaching peak)

Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Virginia Lakes Road

Patchy (10-50%) – Virginia Lakes (approaching peak)

Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Dunderberg Road

September 29, 2015/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra, Peak of the Week

Confirmed: North Lake Peaking For Sure

North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/27/15) Nikhil Shahi

We were as surprised as our readers when Bishop Creek (Inyo County, Eastern Sierra) jumped from Patchy to Peak last week, though color spotter Nikhil Shahi confirms this rating was deserved and shares these beautiful pictures, taken this past weekend.

Nikhil writes, “North Lake is at peak, for sure… it will not last. It’s just gorgeous there.”

North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/27/15) Nikhil Shahi

South Lake Road is bursting with color as far up as Weir Pond. Lee Vining Canyon is two weeks away from full color and there’s good color at Conway Summit and along the road to Virginia Lakes.

September 28, 2015/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra

Mono County Gets Hot – GO NOW!

Summer’s Meadow from Green Creek Rd (9/24/15) Alicia Vennos

In what she describes (we concur) as some of Mono County’s nicest photos so far this season, color spotter Alicia Vennos updates us on how her county has suddenly gotten hot with fall color.

A VW Camper patrols Virginia Lakes Rd. for fall color (9/24/15) Alicia Vennos

Dunderberg Meadow Rd near Virginia Lakes Rd (9/24/15) Alicia Vennos

Lower Twin Lakes (9/25/15) Misti Sullivan

Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Virginia Creek Rd/Dunderberg Meadow Rd. – Groves of aspen near the Virginia Lakes currently range from bright red, to orange, to gold and lime-green, with a few completely denuded stands (our bet is those that lost their leaves were due to black leaf spot fungus, not the change of seasons).

Patchy (10-50%) – Green Creek/Summer’s Meadow – Green Creek/Summer’s meadow is about to pop and should be peaking within a week. This is one of the most beautiful areas of the Eastern Sierra and one that few photographers and leaf peepers ever visit. A vehicle that doesn’t mind a dirt road (Rats! I just washed my car… oh, well) that’s bumpy in places is best to make this trek. And, if you happen to have a SUV, well use it as it was designed to be used… off-road.

Near Peak (50-75%) – Twin Lakes, Bridgeport – Most of the Twin Lakes area is glowing and by next week should be peaking. The Twin Lakes are tucked against an escarpment of Sierra peaks in the southwest corner of the Bridgeport Valley, a broad, grassy mountain basin that in summer is covered with hundreds of grazing cattle. The town of Bridgeport is the capital seat of Mono County with a photogenic 1880 Italianate county courthouse that is still being used. It even has a cannon sitting in front of it.

September 25, 2015/1 Comment/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra

Sherwin Lakes Brightly Beautiful

Sherwin Lake (9/24/15) Josh Wray

The trail to Sherwin Lakes Sherwin Lakes (9/24/15) Josh Wray

Fly fishing at Sherwin Lakes Sherwin Lakes (9/24/15) Josh Wray

Sherwin Lakes (9/24/15) Josh Wray

Aspen along the trail to Sherwin Lakes (9/24/15) Josh Wray

Sherwin Lakes (9/24/15) Josh Wray

It’s an invigorating hike to the Sherwin Lakes above the town of Mammoth Lakes, though the reward is worth the effort.

The trail passes through colorful brush and the lakes reflect fall color that rings the lakes. And, once at the lakes, dip your fly to catch and release native trout.

Here’s what color spotter Josh Wray found with some friends when they hiked there, yesterday.

Patchy (10-50%) – Sherwin Lakes – Brush paint the trail to the Sherwin Lakes above Mammoth in shades of gold and buff. At the lakes, a mix of green, lime, yellow and orange aspen are reflected in the lake’s still waters.

September 25, 2015/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra, Peak of the Week

High Sierra Surprise: Full Peak – GO NOW!

Weir Pond (9/24/15) Jared Smith

After posting Mono County’s report this morning, I anticipated the arrival of Jared Smith’s report from Bishop Creek Canyon in the Eastern Sierra. I sensed he would report Near Peak at Surveyor’s Meadow, but was blown away by the news that color has changed rapidly in the past few days, pushing all areas above Mt. Glen Campground to full Peak.

Therefore, CaliforniaFallColor.com is issuing its first GO NOW! alerts of autumn (just a day after the autumnal equinox). When we issue these alerts, do not delay getting to the locations identified as Near Peak or Peaking, as the turned leaves are very fragile and can be blown away. In this instance, there is such a mix of color that it should last a while, though our advice is… GO NOW!

Here’s Jared’s report:

Overall Conditions Above 8500ft Elevation

Surveyor’s Meadow (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – What a difference a week makes! Color has exploded up Bishop Creek Canyon at higher elevations, with Lake Sabrina, North Lake and anything on the South Fork above Mt. Glen Campground peaking.

Jared says he’s noticing some odd transitioning occurring. “Where usually entire groves change together, instead a really cool mix of yellow, orange and red are appearing simultaneously with quite a few stubborn green aspen in the mix.” The color variation is gorgeous though he is rating these areas at Full Peak or at the high end of Near Peak, “as by the time those stubborn green trees turn, the others may have given up their color. We’re certainly in the “Go Now!” zone. If the weather plays ball, the next 7 days will be excellent in the higher reaches of the canyon…hard to say beyond that.”

Overall Conditions Between 7500ft & 8500ft Elevation – Patchy (10% – 50%) – Quite a bit more yellow than last week but still mostly green in areas that we’ll see go off later in the autumn. I would rate this area just above 10% but barely. Some brilliant yellow patches below Mt. Glen Campground, Cardinal Village, Intake II and Mist Falls, but below those spots we’re looking at mostly green.

Weir Pond (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – Weir Pond (9650ft) – Weir is about as good as its going to get this season with brilliant yellow and a bit of orange reflecting off the glass pond. The aspen along the road are still mostly green so there is still a little left to change, but this is pretty much peak photo time if you want to catch the yellow on the hillside and near the inlet.

Sabrina Campground (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – Sabrina Campground (9000ft) – This area is hard to call because even areas close to one another change at slightly different times, but there is peak color right now in large areas along Hwy 168 and just above the campground on the North Lake Rd. Still some green within the campground itself but there is peak color surrounding it.

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – Parchers Resort (9260ft) – Yellow pretty much surrounds the resort on all sides with the groves above Rainbow Meadow on the old trail to South Lake taking the cake as the most brilliant. Groves below the resort in between Parchers and Willow Camp are also looking spectacular.

Near Peak – GO NOW! (50% – 75%) – Willow Campground (9000ft) – The campground is really starting to change but the canyon walls above the to the south of the beaver pond are already exploding with color. I’m still guessing next week will be the best.

Peak – GO NOW!(75% – 100%) – Table Mountain Camp (8900ft) – Lots of color now showing all around the campground as well as below the campground. There is still some green yet to change along the roadway but it likely won’t the best will be seen over the next 7 days tops.

Surveyor’s Meadow (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – Surveyors Meadow (8975ft) – This is probably the most brilliant view along South Lake road with lots of yellow and touches of orange. We’ve lost a little color from those scrub aspen that popped early, but the larger aspen are now showing brilliant color and have brought this area into the “Go Now” zone. I’d expect the next 7 days to be the window for this location to be at its best.

Sabrina Lake (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – Lake Sabrina (9150ft) – Spectacular views at Lake Sabrina now. This may be closer to the 75% mark than the 100% mark, especially as the approach to the lake still has some ways to go, but not for long. Some rosy red, orange and yellow blanket the shoreline as well as the canyon wall near the lake’s main inlet. Breathtaking morning reflections off the lake despite the lower than normal water level.

North Lake Road (9/24/15) Jared Smith

North Lake (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Peak – GO NOW! (75% – 100%) – North Lake (9255ft) – This was an area difficult to grade as areas of the north shore of the lake, the approach to the lake, and the aspen grove near the upper parking lot are all fully peaking. Still yet to peak however are the road just past the lake (one of my favorite views), and the aspen along the west shore. It’s hard to say whether or not this area will have color all at once so I consider this a “go now” scenario as there is peak color to be had and whether it will get much better is hard to say.

Near Peak – GO NOW! (50 – 75%) – Stiny Loop above Mt. Glen Camp (8600ft) – We’re getting pretty close to a peak color situation here with tons of yellow mixed in with lime green.

Groves Above Cardinal Village (9/24/15) Jared Smith

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Mist Falls and the Groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8350ft) – I almost wanted to call this patchy but alas, only a few yellow trees and some obvious lightening of the aspen at the very crest of the waterfall. This location is always photo-worthy, but not like it will be in 7 to 10 days from now.

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Aspendell (8400ft) – Very few signs of color here right now.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Groves above Cardinal Village (8550ft) – This area actually lost some color over the last report as far as the yellow that was blanketing the east wall of the canyon below Cardinal Pinnacle. The aspen surrounding and below Cardinal Village are starting to lighten up considerably with some nice yellow patches in the mix. Looking for this to get really good in the next week or so.

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) – Much of the yellow on the canyon wall is gone, but the color is just starting to develop around the lake with bright lime greens mixed with some patchy yellow.

Just Starting – (0 – 10%) – Big Trees Campground (7800ft) – Nothing but green here right now.

September 24, 2015/7 Comments/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra

Mono County “Weekend Best Bets”

Rock Creek Lake (9/20/15) Alicia Vennos

CaliforniaFallColor.com kicks into high gear today, with autumn officially arriving yesterday. Each Thursday, during autumn, we’ll be issuing weekly summaries to media throughout California and posting the latest extended report here.

Today’s report is from Mono County color spotter Alicia Vennos who says, “Color is really kicking it up a notch in the Upper Rock Creek area, especially near the top of the road and around Rock Creek Lake. Lower down at East Fork, for example, (where there is a lovely hiking trail up to Rock Creek Lake), the aspens are still on the verge.

Alicia suggests Rock Creek, Hilton Lakes and Virginia Lakes. Parker Lake, Lundy Canyon, Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, and Sonora Pass area as best bets to see fall color this weekend and notes that the color will transition from patchy to near peak at all these areas within the coming two weeks.

June Lake, Convict Lake, and Conway Summit are just starting and should not near peak for two weeks.

Upper Rock Creek Road (9/20/15) Alicia Vennos

Rock Creek Lake (9/20/15) Alicia Vennos

Patchy (10-50%) – Rock Creek Road/Hilton Creek Road – As seen in photos submitted by Josh Wray earlier this week, Rock Creek and Hilton Creek are best bets for bright fall color this week. Getting there, you’ll pass Rock Creek Lodge, known for its breakfasts – everything, including the jam is homemade. Pie in the Sky Café is another must stop, but just until Columbus Day when it closes for the season. The wranglers at Rock Creek Pack Station have been transporting horses down to lower pastures, in preparation for winter, though a few horses are still stabled there for anyone wanting to see fall colors by horseback. CLICK HERE to reserve your ride.

Just Starting (0-10%) – Mammoth Lakes – Willows are glowing orange-yellow by lake shores in the Lakes Basin.

Patchy (10-50%) – Laurel Lakes Road – Neon lime and bright yellow are painting the aspen beside this rock-strewn 4WD road.

Patchy (10-50%) – Virginia Lakes/Green Creek Road/Bridgeport – Green Creek Road, south of Bridgeport, is a stunner, particularly Summer’s Meadow. Watch for signs leading you to it that divert from the graded dirt road. The area should be at full peak when Bridgeport hosts its Ducks Unlimited Dinner on Oct. 17.

Patchy (10-50%) – Lundy Canyon – This area probably still is a week or two away from peak, though it the beautiful transition from deep green to kelly to lime, with touches of yellow is now showing. This is one of the best hikes on the east side.

Patchy (10-50%) – Lee Vining Canyon – Still two weeks away.

Just Starting (0-10%) – June Lake Loop – Many color spotters ask about this beautiful necklace of lakes to the east of Yosemite National Park. Right now, aspen groves at the north end of the June Lake Loop, high above Grant Lake, are beginning their transition from green to lime to golden yellow and orange. Elsewhere on the Loop (Hwy. 158), color is now just starting to become lime green with some hints of gold. Parker Lake, about a 2-mile hike from the end of Parker Road at the north end of the June Lake Loop, has got some nice lime-green, yellow-orange hues now. June Lake should be Near Peak when June Lake Brewing hosts the June Lake Autumn Beer Festival on Oct. 10 at Gull Lake Park.

Convict Lake (9/20/15) Julie Yost

Convict Lake (9/20/15) Alicia Vennos

Just Starting (0-10%) – Convict Lake – This photo says it all. The color is just beginning around Convict Lake. That’s probably a good thing for people out to see it, as road crews are paving the parking lot area, the accessible trail, and Convict Lake Road, limiting parking. Convict Lakes annual Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby will continue through the end of the regular fishing season on Nov. 15.

Conway Summit (9/20/15) Alicia Vennos

Just Starting (0 -10%) – Conway Summit – As seen above, the aspen are mostly green with spots of yellow. Golden grasses and bright yellow rabbitbrush provide nice foreground accents.

Patchy (10-50%) – McGee Creek Canyon – There’s gold and yellow to be seen among the aspen. McGee Creek is still a week to 10 days away. If you want to ride the area, the McGee Creek Pack Station remains open just through September.

Just Starting (0-10%) – Walker/Coleville – Aspen have begun turning lime-green with some yellow patches, though the cottonwood throughout the Antelope Valley are still mostly green. The last event to put on your calendar, should you plan trips to this area is Walker’s annual Deer Hunter Barbecue on Oct. 3. Put on by the Antelope Valley Lions Club, this is the place to learn local secrets on where to hunt in the valley or what goes into their famous barbecue sauce. (530) 208-6078 is the number to call for more info. Finally, the Leavitt Meadows Pack Station plans to remain open through mid-October for fall color horseback rides in the Sonora Pass area.

September 24, 2015/4 Comments/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra

Autumn Begins Today, But Started Weeks Ago

Bear Creek Spire and Pyramid toward Hilton Lakes (9/20/15) Josh Wray

Autumn begins today, though #SierraFallColors have been developing for weeks.

In the Eastern Sierra, that is particularly evident up Rock Creek and Hilton Creek Canyons, south of Mammoth Lakes and Lundy Canyon to the north, where color spotters Josh Wray and Christine Osborne took these photos. The color there is still mostly patchy, though approaching Near Peak.

Josh wrote that he hadn’t heard what was happening up these canyons, so he decided to go check them out for himself, and was very glad he did. He anticipates these canyons will be, “peaking fairly soon,” and promises to keep tabs of them.

Hilton Lakes Rd. (9/20/15) Josh Wray

The road to Rock Creek (9/20/15) Josh Wray

Shaded by aspen (9/20/15) Josh Wray

Rock Creek Lake Road (9/20/15) Josh Wray

Lundy Canyon (9/20/15) Christine Osborne

Right now, you’ll see lots of fluorescent lime, neon yellow and bright orange, though not enough to announce an alert to Go Now!

Still, if you’re heading to the east side this weekend, you’ll find lots to enjoy by continuing up toward Mammoth Lakes and exploring the canyons north and south of it.

Josh describes the Eastern Sierra as where mountain ridges begin to glow as if they’re afire, canyon roads are the “roads to happiness” and the higher you go, the more you see changing. Soon, you witness “trees in every phase of the color shift.”

Patchy (10-50%) – Rock Creek – Gettin’ good.

Patchy (10-50%) – Hilton Creek – Same as Rock Creek.

Patchy (10-50%) – Lundy Canyon – Ditto.

September 23, 2015/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra, Peak of the Week

Snow, Rain and Wind Set Bishop Creek Back a Week

Willow Campground (9/17/15) Jared Smith

Plenty of color is showing at elevations above 8,500′ in the Eastern Sierra’s Bishop Creek Canyon, though a dusting of snow, light rain and wind early this week, set the show back a week, reports color spotter Jared Smith. The light storm knocked aspen leaves that had already turned from their branches, though “thankfully most of the color has yet to peak,” says Jared, and there’s “some great stuff to look forward to.”

Below 8,500′, the show is just starting with lots of deep green, some lime and a few small patches of yellow. Jared says it will still be a week to two before the lower elevations are approaching peak.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Weir Pond (9650ft) – The road is still open all the way to Weir Pond and the color is looking quite good on the hillside above the pond. The aspen surrounding the pond are still lime green so things will likely look much more impressive next week.

Sabrina Campground (9/17/15) Jared Smith

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Sabrina Campground (9000ft) – The aspen along the road are still brilliant yellow, orange and a touch of red, but some of the trees in were stripped of their color by the wind. The campground itself is still mostly green with just a few hints of yellow.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Parchers Resort (9260ft) – Quite a bit of yellow is blanketing the hillsides around the resort, but some of the scrub aspen here was stripped by the wind. Plenty of green still around and we’re looking forward to more change before the next report.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Willow Campground (9000ft) – The canyon walls above the campground are looking pretty impressive but the lower lying aspen within the campground have only touches of color and lime green hues. The granite wall across from the beaver pond just below the campground has some gorgeous color.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Table Mountain Camp (8900ft) – Some color is showing above the campground and a few aspen along the stream have started to turn but we’ve still got a ways to go.

Surveyor’s Meadow (9/17/15) Jared Smith

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Surveyors Meadow (8975ft) – This area is probably the furthest along but hasn’t changed much since Sunday…in fact its actually displaying a bit less color thanks to the wind. It will be interesting to see how the cooler weather will affect the transformation.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Lake Sabrina (9150ft) – Some great color on the east side of the lake with some color starting to develop near the back of the lake as well. I’m predicting some very nice color here by next weekend if not before.

North Lake Road (9/17/15) Jared Smith

Patchy (10 – 50%) – North Lake (9255ft) – Some gorgeous yellow, orange and red is showing along the road as you approach North Lake. Not much going on around the lake itself though. Look for this area to go off next week.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Stiny Loop above Mt. Glen Camp (8600ft) – Some yellow along the stream but mostly green hues dominating at present.

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8350ft) – One yellow tree and the rest is all green. This tends to pop later in the season, probably around the first week of October if I had to guess.

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Aspendell (8400ft) – Very few signs of color here right now.

Groves above Cardinal Village (9/17/15) Jared Smith

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Groves above Cardinal Village (8550ft) – There is a lot of color still above Cardinal Village but some of the aspen are unfortunately naked already from the wind. Tons of green still around so we’ve got plenty of color yet to develop in this area.

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Four Jeffries (8000ft) – Nothing but a few yellow branches showing right now.

Patchy – (10 – 50%) – Intake II (8000ft) – The aspen surrounding the lake are still hosting their summer shade of green although the scrub aspen growing up the mountainside are showing some yellow….at least the ones who still have their leaves are.

Just Starting – (0 – 10%) – Big Trees Campground (7800ft) – Nothing but green here right now.

September 17, 2015/4 Comments/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, High Sierra

Mono County Begins to Pop

Hilton Creek (9/14/15) Trapper Felt

Mono County color spotter Alicia Vennos reports that color is developing quickly. She forecasts that near peak will happen next week at highest elevations and peak will descend for the following month. Here’s her report.

Hilton Creek (9/14/15) Trapper Felt

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Rock Creek Road/Hilton Creek Road – Colors towards the top of Rock Creek Road are starting to really go off! The lower elevations are still lime green to yellow in patches, but the higher end of Rock Creek Road and the trail to Hilton Creek are moving towards peak fairly quickly. Make plans within the next 10 days AT THE MOST to see this area in all its brilliance. Pie in the Sky Café – a must stop for color spotters – will be open with their famously delicious homemade pies through October 12 (Columbus Day long weekend) this year. The Rock Creek Pack Station has kept a few horses in the stable for anyone wishing to see the colors by horseback in the next week or so. Please contact asap to reserve.

Virginia Lakes Road (9/16/15) Alicia Vennos

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Virginia Lakes/Green Creek Road/Bridgeport – Many aspen groves just off US 395 near Bridgeport, are turning golden, orange and red… but many are still completely green. Some have shed their leaves (likely the result of black leaf spot, as reported earlier). This wide range seems to follow the same pattern each year which means there should be color to see at one section or another within the next two and even three weeks. Conway Summit is still lime green for the most part, but sections of Virginia Lakes Road are golden, as are some of the groves along Green Creek Road, which is well-maintained and graded. Summer’s Meadow is also still at the lime green stages. DUCKS UNLIMITED DINNER: October 17.

Lundy Canyon (9/16/15) Alicia Vennos

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Lundy Canyon – The popular waterfall viewpoint is still lime green and only slightly yellow, as are the aspens that line the Lundy Canyon Road and surround the west side of Lundy Lake. However some aspens along the dirt road extension to the beaver ponds are yellow. We still estimate there to be about two weeks before the color is really spectacular.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Lee Vining Canyon – 10-50%. Colors are just starting to ramp up in the Lee Vining Canyon area but we are a couple of weeks away from peak in that area. The Log Cabin Road, however, tends to go off more quickly — plan for the next week to 10 days.

Green Creek Road (9/16/15) Alicia Vennos

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – June Lake Loop – The Loop is usually one of the last places to turn and will be showing off her colors in approximately two weeks, all things being equal! WRITERS/POETS: You are invited to join in on a workshop called “Inspired by Nature: A Writer’s Retreat” on September 25, 26, 27. Contact 310-450-9606 for full details. May the magic of autumn in June Lake inspire equally brilliant writing! CRAFT BEER ENTHUSIASTS: On October 10th, June Lake Brewing is hosting the 3rd Annual June Lake Autumn Beer Festival at Gull Lake Park.

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Convict Lake – The gorgeous aspens at the west end of the lake are still green. It’s still early for any significant color in the canyon. There is only a scattering of yellow as you drive up to Convict Lake. Around the lake the leaves have just started their change over to their fall colors. Plan to visit within the next 2 or 3 weeks. Convict Lake’s fall fishing derby, “Ambush at the Lake,” continues through Nov. 15. with $6,000 in resort prizes. A $2,000 Cash Bonus Weekend runs on Oct. 30 – Nov. 1. Fall Lodging Specials starting at $379+tax (Sunday thru Thursday – 2 Nights for 2 Persons). Includes $100 Restaurant Credit & Full Day Motor Boat Rental.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – McGee Creek Canyon – McGee Creek has some gold and yellow aspens happening now! Visit within the next week to 10 days. McGee Creek Pack Station is open for fall color rides into the back country through September.

Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Walker/Coleville – The underbrush and willows are golden or gone now but the aspens are turning lime-green with some yellow patches, particularly along the West Walker River. Up in the higher elevations, up by Golden Gate Mine and Mill Canyon Road, color is starting to erupt. Plan to come within the next few weeks! BIRDING & HIKING THE VALLEY event is this weekend — Still time to sign up. Please call (530) 208-6078 to join in on a weekend of birding, hiking and learning about the amazing geology of the Walker/Coleville/Topaz area. And the annual Deer Hunter Barbecue is coming up on October 3 in Walker — deep pit barbecue with delicious (and secret) Antelope Valley Lions Club sauce, with all the fixings and homemade desserts! Call (530) 208-6078 for more info. Also — the Leavitt Meadows Pack Station is open through mid-October for fall color horseback rides in the Sonora Pass area.

These hashtags lead to fall color reports #SierraFallColors, #Autumn, #FallColor.

September 17, 2015/by John Poimiroo

Fall Color Report, First Report, High Sierra

Off-Road to Laurel Lakes

Off-roading on the Laurel Lakes Road, south of Mammoth Lakes (9/13/15) Josh Wray

Turned and unturned apsen in Laurel Canyon (9/13/15) Josh Wray

Laurel Lakes Road (9/13/15) Josh Wray

Laurel Canyon (9/13/15) Josh Wray

Laurel Lakes Road (9/13/15) Josh Wray

Mammoth Lakes color spotter Josh Wray drove his 4 x 4 into the High Sierra to score a report from Laurel Canyon, and what a find!

CaliforniaFallColor reported about Laurel Canyon a few years ago, but we were early and missed the show. So, we’ll give Josh color spotter creds as the first to post a complete report with photos from the Laurel Lakes Road that travels up into the canyon.

As seen in his beautiful photographs, the area is dazzling. Josh advises, however, that the road is driveable only by a 4WD vehicle with high clearance, making it impossible for an average vehicle to drive. He drove off-road with friends and “stumbled upon the beautiful colors that are filling mountainsides and valleys.”

He writes that bright “orange and yellow are flowing down from higher elevations and meeting up with the lush dark green pine and aspen of the valley floor. It really is incredible right now… and we expect to see the colors become even more glorious in the next week or two.”

Note that many of the aspen are lush and deeply green, while others have turned or are in the transition of turning.

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Laurel Canyon – Deep green pines offer contrast to multicolored aspen with orange-yellow willows and bright yellow rabbitbrush accenting the scene. The contrast of red rocks, firey skies and blazing color will only get better in the coming weeks. Getting off road to scenes like this is why you visit Mammoth Lakes.

Twin Lakes – A mix of turned, green and black leaf spotted aspen – (9/14/15) Josh Wray

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Twin Lakes – Bright green is starting to turn yellow surrounding Twin Lakes in Mammoth Lakes.

Lake George (9/14/15) Josh Wray

Patchy (10 – 50%) – Lake George – Orange is now present, which was a fast transition from last week’s developing color. Josh recommends driving to the Mammoth Lakes Basin up Old Mammoth Road until it connects with Hwy 203. Changing aspen are visible starting at Snowcreek Golf Course all they way to the Lakes Basin.

September 15, 2015/1 Comment/by John Poimiroo

Hike of the Week: Ansel Adams Wilderness

Confirmed: North Lake Peaking For Sure

Mono County Gets Hot – GO NOW!

Sherwin Lakes Brightly Beautiful

High Sierra Surprise: Full Peak – GO NOW!

Mono County “Weekend Best Bets”

Autumn Begins Today, But Started Weeks Ago

Snow, Rain and Wind Set Bishop Creek Back a Week

Mono County Begins to Pop

Off-Road to Laurel Lakes

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