I am planning to visit Sierra nevada range (not sure exactly which part) during Oct - probably when the fall color is good. My plan is to spend 2-3 nights in the backcountry - so hiking in with gears and spend nights in some good locations.
A few questions:
1. Any good suggestion for such a trip - trails/locations/areas that you can recommend (I am more interested in areas that are less-iconic, not-so-photographed, but still with good opportunities - if there is any, but open to any suggestions with popular hikes)
2. A. I am also looking for any company - so if anyone here and you know someone may want to join me for such a trip, please let me know
B. I am also open to join some other group (not workshop) who already made a plan and does not bother too
3. Which week in October will be the best bet? I am thinking 2nd week..
In October the weather pattern is changing from its summer regime to winter. So, I would choose areas that are relatively easy to escape if the weather goes bad. In short, don't put a high pass between you and the trailhead. In 2006 lots of folks got caught by some horrific weather in October and needed to air-evaced.
Three areas that are very nice are the Sabrina Basin (west of Bishop on the North Fork of Bishop Creek), Little Lakes Valley (out of Tom's Place) and McGee Creek (off of 395 a few miles north of Tom's place). All three areas are very beautiful with nice fall color (assuming it doesn't storm and knock all the leaves off).
The entire Sieara has been heavily photographed for many, many years. That said, it is the "Range of Light" and iconic places or no, beautiful images can still be made. Your imagination and creativity is your best guide!
It is possible that some of the CANP large format Fun Hogs will get together in early October, or there abouts. No plans have yet been made.
Timing: It's a crap shoot. The second week of October may be too late for the best color, especially higher up. Last year the leaves were still green on October 1st, but changed markedly in only a ferw days...then it snowed with very cold temperatures. In 2006 it was nice the first two weeks of October then the weather got very bad. So, it's a crap shoot.
Regards,
-P
Posted by Lon Overacker on August 14, 2008 at 2:11 AM
Hi Arnab,
Preston's thoughts are right on and I can only add to them. You specified backpacking in the backcountry.... are your hopes for eastern sierra fall color as well? I ask because 99% of the aspens and fall color are located along the canyons of the eastern Sierra and not in the backcountry. All of which are accessible without having to hike miles in to the backcountry.
I've had good luck any time between the 1st of October thru the second week, or the Columbus Day weekend. Weather is ALWAYS a crap shoot. Last year over the first weekend in October, we had snow down to the Mono Lake level and Tioga Pass closed for nearly a day (it did re-open.) Other years, Tioga pass has been open well in to November and conversely, closed in September (although rarely)
I won't discourage you from backpacking, but from late September on, if you're going to be in the backcountry - make sure you check in at a Ranger station.... the weather and conditions can put you in a dangerous situation quickly. If you're more interested in the fall color and general eastern Sierra photography, there's countless camping and lodging choices without having to hike in to the backcountry.
Since you just said "Sierra," I shouldn't discount the western slope. There are countless backpacking possibilities. Fall color may actually just be starting on the western side, but you'll be limited pretty much to dogwood as there aren't any aspens to speak of west of the crest.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop any one of us a note. Where are you coming from? Have you been to CA or the Sierra before?
Lon
Posted by Nelcha Cross on August 14, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Another BIG question is WHAT part of the Sierra Nevada Range are you thinking of exploring?
The Fall colors will change alot earlier further North.. even in late Sept...North of Hwy 80....
further South of Hwy 50/88/120 the further south you go will all make a Big difference
if you plant to get the Fall color. Last year and this year, since we are in the draught/fire years,
the leaves of the aspens have sometimes gone into what I believe it called a "False Fall" ?
Since they are lacking water, they start shutting down for the winter Early, and the leaves can start
fading in color and if we have a sharp cold snap, they can get these black spots and with
just a little wind, drop suddenly... and never get to the nice Fall colors...
So it has been a crap shoot depending on where you go.. If you are in the more protected canyons
near a creek where the trees get more water, the odds are better for good Fall colors....IMHO.
If you have not been out here before I would like to suggest a very useful softcover book for you.
It has good directions and layout of the Eastern Side and wonderful pictures by great Pros... http://www.amazon.com/Californias-Eastern-Sierra-Visitors-Guide/dp/0962850500/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a
Also, I HOPE you are Very familiar with all of the methods of Preventing High Altitude Sickness
that is a Real consideration when up there....
Good luck and hope this helps....
in gratitude,
Nelcha
Posted by Claire Curran on August 14, 2008 at 6:54 PM
Preston and Lon are correct that you do not have to backpack to any of the aspen groves in the Eastern Sierra. In the Sierra, the aspen groves are rarely expansive, as they are in Colorado and Utah, and are limited to a short elevation range. I have extensively photographed and hiked in the Sierra during Fall and my longest hike to an aspen area might have been about 3 hours. I wouldn't worry about the "iconic" shots, there is always something new going on in the Sierra and if you get off the beaten path, you will encounter many wonderful opportunities. I would recommend a car with high clearance for all the dirt roads that lead to some great places.
I have been to Sierra a few times, but not vey familiar with the area. I never been there during fall - so all the great suggestions will help me.
I am planning to fly to Sacramento and thus, northen Sierra will be closer. But depending on when I come and how the fall season goes, I will drive down south.
Looks like day hiking with spending night in various campsites will be a better approach. I will reach out to you folks individually when I'll have further questions into my planning process.
Thanks a lot again
Posted by Steve Sieren on August 15, 2008 at 12:50 AM
I would say that your best bet is to take note from the drive on the main highway(395) and just look west rises like a wall from different valleys. You can tell where there is a creek by the vein of trees(Pine and Aspen). Just remember where you saw the most abundant gold and head back there. Some of the creeks don't always have roads to access them so you can get your walking in. Here is a site that will keep you up to date. http://www.calphoto.com/fall.htm It's usually pretty up to date. If you do use that site I would study a map where they mention there is color.
I forgot to mention Hope Valley is a northern spot. I also hear they have red Aspens too occasionaly.
Posted by David Senesac on August 16, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Lon's information is correct concerning the Eastern Sierra quaking aspen groves. They are almost all below wilderness backcountry elevations thus almost all serious fall leaf photographers access aspen areas from roads. There are however a number of remote aspen groves that require modest day hiking to reach, some offtrail like the highest groves east of Mount Gibbs. Those higher areas however usually peak about the third to fourth week of September so by early October are usually not worth visiting.
There are a fair number of aspen in some western slope large stream canyons including wilderness in the southern Sierra than most people are aware of. For example one such better area is Mono Creek between Edison Reservoir and about the 9,500 foot elevation. Those groves are almost entirely along talus seep slopes off the steep canyon walls. Aspen also colonize small river glens below such areas like the well known Blaney Meadows areas on the SF San Joaquin River. The problem with most such aspen areas is they usually do not have interesting backgrounds of peaks because they are down in deep canyons holes without peak views. However the Sierra is far larger than any backpackers can hope to see in one person's lifetime, and I have no doubt there are some superb unknown aspen subjects available on such west slope backcountry streams. There is also a period of fall dogwood and black oak leaf work in western Sierra areas that is mainly late October through early November again below wilderness elevations. However that work is not about large groves or landscapes and takes much more experience to understand.
If you are seriously interested in capturing fall leaf scenery versus simply doing some backpacking, then I would suggest planning an Eastern Sierra road trip. Even though I have been chasing such scenery nearly three decades, the area is so huge that I am regularly finding new subjects each season. Thus someone just exploring these areas for the first time will hardly make a dent in what is available and will have more than enough to cope with.
Discussion
7 repliesA few questions:
1. Any good suggestion for such a trip - trails/locations/areas that you can recommend (I am more interested in areas that are less-iconic, not-so-photographed, but still with good opportunities - if there is any, but open to any suggestions with popular hikes)
2. A. I am also looking for any company - so if anyone here and you know someone may want to join me for such a trip, please let me know
B. I am also open to join some other group (not workshop) who already made a plan and does not bother too
3. Which week in October will be the best bet? I am thinking 2nd week..
Thanks a lot for help as always
Three areas that are very nice are the Sabrina Basin (west of Bishop on the North Fork of Bishop Creek), Little Lakes Valley (out of Tom's Place) and McGee Creek (off of 395 a few miles north of Tom's place). All three areas are very beautiful with nice fall color (assuming it doesn't storm and knock all the leaves off).
The entire Sieara has been heavily photographed for many, many years. That said, it is the "Range of Light" and iconic places or no, beautiful images can still be made. Your imagination and creativity is your best guide!
It is possible that some of the CANP large format Fun Hogs will get together in early October, or there abouts. No plans have yet been made.
Timing: It's a crap shoot. The second week of October may be too late for the best color, especially higher up. Last year the leaves were still green on October 1st, but changed markedly in only a ferw days...then it snowed with very cold temperatures. In 2006 it was nice the first two weeks of October then the weather got very bad. So, it's a crap shoot.
Regards,
-P
Preston's thoughts are right on and I can only add to them. You specified backpacking in the backcountry.... are your hopes for eastern sierra fall color as well? I ask because 99% of the aspens and fall color are located along the canyons of the eastern Sierra and not in the backcountry. All of which are accessible without having to hike miles in to the backcountry.
I've had good luck any time between the 1st of October thru the second week, or the Columbus Day weekend. Weather is ALWAYS a crap shoot. Last year over the first weekend in October, we had snow down to the Mono Lake level and Tioga Pass closed for nearly a day (it did re-open.) Other years, Tioga pass has been open well in to November and conversely, closed in September (although rarely)
I won't discourage you from backpacking, but from late September on, if you're going to be in the backcountry - make sure you check in at a Ranger station.... the weather and conditions can put you in a dangerous situation quickly. If you're more interested in the fall color and general eastern Sierra photography, there's countless camping and lodging choices without having to hike in to the backcountry.
Since you just said "Sierra," I shouldn't discount the western slope. There are countless backpacking possibilities. Fall color may actually just be starting on the western side, but you'll be limited pretty much to dogwood as there aren't any aspens to speak of west of the crest.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop any one of us a note. Where are you coming from? Have you been to CA or the Sierra before?
Lon
The Fall colors will change alot earlier further North.. even in late Sept...North of Hwy 80....
further South of Hwy 50/88/120 the further south you go will all make a Big difference
if you plant to get the Fall color. Last year and this year, since we are in the draught/fire years,
the leaves of the aspens have sometimes gone into what I believe it called a "False Fall" ?
Since they are lacking water, they start shutting down for the winter Early, and the leaves can start
fading in color and if we have a sharp cold snap, they can get these black spots and with
just a little wind, drop suddenly... and never get to the nice Fall colors...
So it has been a crap shoot depending on where you go.. If you are in the more protected canyons
near a creek where the trees get more water, the odds are better for good Fall colors....IMHO.
If you have not been out here before I would like to suggest a very useful softcover book for you.
It has good directions and layout of the Eastern Side and wonderful pictures by great Pros...
http://www.amazon.com/Californias-Eastern-Sierra-Visitors-Guide/dp/0962850500/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a
Also, I HOPE you are Very familiar with all of the methods of Preventing High Altitude Sickness
that is a Real consideration when up there....
Good luck and hope this helps....
in gratitude,
Nelcha
I have been to Sierra a few times, but not vey familiar with the area. I never been there during fall - so all the great suggestions will help me.
I am planning to fly to Sacramento and thus, northen Sierra will be closer. But depending on when I come and how the fall season goes, I will drive down south.
Looks like day hiking with spending night in various campsites will be a better approach. I will reach out to you folks individually when I'll have further questions into my planning process.
Thanks a lot again
I forgot to mention Hope Valley is a northern spot. I also hear they have red Aspens too occasionaly.
There are a fair number of aspen in some western slope large stream canyons including wilderness in the southern Sierra than most people are aware of. For example one such better area is Mono Creek between Edison Reservoir and about the 9,500 foot elevation. Those groves are almost entirely along talus seep slopes off the steep canyon walls. Aspen also colonize small river glens below such areas like the well known Blaney Meadows areas on the SF San Joaquin River. The problem with most such aspen areas is they usually do not have interesting backgrounds of peaks because they are down in deep canyons holes without peak views. However the Sierra is far larger than any backpackers can hope to see in one person's lifetime, and I have no doubt there are some superb unknown aspen subjects available on such west slope backcountry streams. There is also a period of fall dogwood and black oak leaf work in western Sierra areas that is mainly late October through early November again below wilderness elevations. However that work is not about large groves or landscapes and takes much more experience to understand.
If you are seriously interested in capturing fall leaf scenery versus simply doing some backpacking, then I would suggest planning an Eastern Sierra road trip. Even though I have been chasing such scenery nearly three decades, the area is so huge that I am regularly finding new subjects each season. Thus someone just exploring these areas for the first time will hardly make a dent in what is available and will have more than enough to cope with.