Posted by Danny Laureys on August 23, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Hi, does anybody knows which would be the best time of month for fall colors in the Sierra's above Bishop, Ca. I was going to go to Bishop this weekend to scout some places for fall shouting but I couldn't make it. Thanks.
Historically, the end of Sept to early Oct is the best bet. Nice thing is that the colors change at different places at different times. If Bishop creek isn't happening, head up to Lundy canyon, etc. You can drive along 395 and get some idea where to start. Always is good to hit the usual spot, such as Bishop Creek, Rock creek, etc.
Posted by Lon Overacker on August 24, 2008 at 1:04 AM
Hey Danny,
To expand on what Harley said, I would say that you can generally find great fall color all the way thru mid October - of course depending on the year. In the past I had spent several fall color trips during the Christopher Columbus weekend and had great trips.
Starting in Bishop, you have highway 168 which goes along Bishop Creek and splits between South Lake and North lake, including Aspendell. This is a very popular destination for those heading up from So Cal.
North from there you have Rock Creek, further north McGee Creek. All of these canyons along the eastern slopes are sided with Aspen and have nice creeks flowing out of the canyons.
Continuing north, there is Convict lake. Great scenery, but fewer fall colors. Next up is the Mammoth Lakes area. Scattered fall color, but a relatively highly developed area. But just a bit north of there is the June Lake loop which is one of my favorite areas. I've always found that no matter when I'm there in October, there will always be some fall color. Most of the color is on the north end of the loop between the town of June Lake and Grant Lake - including Silver Lake in between and countless places along Rush Creek.
Yet even further north - now a good hour or more from Bishop is Lee Vining creek/canyon. this is where Tioga pass (highway 120) drops out of the Sierra from Yosemite. Lee Vining canyon is one of my favorite locations - not as busy with fall color photogs and lots of diverse possibilities.
Mono Lake is a must see for a sunrise somewhere in your itinerary if you've never been.
North of Mono Lake is Lundy Canyon with it's hallmark beaver ponds. And if you're in to backroad driving, check the maps for the Green lakes and Dunderburg roads just north of the Conway summit (you can also get there from the Virgina Lakes road at the top of the summit.)
In general, you can't go wrong with the first two weeks of October. also in general, the higher elevations turn earlier as do the more northern latitude areas.
Keep us posted on your trip. There may be a few of us meeting in the Lee Vining area in the beginning of October and it would be great to see you up there.
I'll add a couple of locations that are really wonderful...
Big Pine Creek: In the town of Big Pine (17 miles south of Bishop) turn west on Crocker Street and head up the hill. The canyon is beautiful and there are trails leading to either the Palisade peaks or to Brainard Lake. There are lots of cottonwood, aspen, and willow. There is a nice campground called Upper Sage Flat, there.
Lone Pine Creek: From the town of Lone Pine (about an hour south of Bishop) head west on Whitney Portal Road. If the Alabama Hills don't stop you in your tracks, continue on up to Whitney Portal at 8.600 feet. There are very nice alder and some creek dogwood along Lone Pine Creek.
Posted by Danny Laureys on August 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Harley, Lon, Preston,
Thanks for the tips, My son and I are planning on driving up there next sunday to scout out some of these places you mentioned, thanks again
Posted by Nelcha Cross on August 26, 2008 at 5:57 AM
Danny,
If you want to go even further North... just above Lundy Canyon/Mono Lake is the Conway Summit
that usually puts on a Wonderful show.... and it has backroads thru Dunderburg Road if you have a 4x4.
I agree with all of the suggestions so far.... and Be sure to let us know if you want to go further North?
There is alot more to see also.... Be sure to follow the posts here as I am sure a thread will be started when
the cold weather snaps and the Fall colors start to show themselves...
...another place to check is also http://www.calphoto.com/fall.htm once the colors start...
Happy Planning....
Posted by Danny Laureys on August 26, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Discussion
6 repliesTo expand on what Harley said, I would say that you can generally find great fall color all the way thru mid October - of course depending on the year. In the past I had spent several fall color trips during the Christopher Columbus weekend and had great trips.
Starting in Bishop, you have highway 168 which goes along Bishop Creek and splits between South Lake and North lake, including Aspendell. This is a very popular destination for those heading up from So Cal.
North from there you have Rock Creek, further north McGee Creek. All of these canyons along the eastern slopes are sided with Aspen and have nice creeks flowing out of the canyons.
Continuing north, there is Convict lake. Great scenery, but fewer fall colors. Next up is the Mammoth Lakes area. Scattered fall color, but a relatively highly developed area. But just a bit north of there is the June Lake loop which is one of my favorite areas. I've always found that no matter when I'm there in October, there will always be some fall color. Most of the color is on the north end of the loop between the town of June Lake and Grant Lake - including Silver Lake in between and countless places along Rush Creek.
Yet even further north - now a good hour or more from Bishop is Lee Vining creek/canyon. this is where Tioga pass (highway 120) drops out of the Sierra from Yosemite. Lee Vining canyon is one of my favorite locations - not as busy with fall color photogs and lots of diverse possibilities.
Mono Lake is a must see for a sunrise somewhere in your itinerary if you've never been.
North of Mono Lake is Lundy Canyon with it's hallmark beaver ponds. And if you're in to backroad driving, check the maps for the Green lakes and Dunderburg roads just north of the Conway summit (you can also get there from the Virgina Lakes road at the top of the summit.)
In general, you can't go wrong with the first two weeks of October. also in general, the higher elevations turn earlier as do the more northern latitude areas.
Keep us posted on your trip. There may be a few of us meeting in the Lee Vining area in the beginning of October and it would be great to see you up there.
Lon
Big Pine Creek: In the town of Big Pine (17 miles south of Bishop) turn west on Crocker Street and head up the hill. The canyon is beautiful and there are trails leading to either the Palisade peaks or to Brainard Lake. There are lots of cottonwood, aspen, and willow. There is a nice campground called Upper Sage Flat, there.
Big Pine Creek
Lone Pine Creek: From the town of Lone Pine (about an hour south of Bishop) head west on Whitney Portal Road. If the Alabama Hills don't stop you in your tracks, continue on up to Whitney Portal at 8.600 feet. There are very nice alder and some creek dogwood along Lone Pine Creek.
Cascade at Whitney Portal
Both of these areas are very nice in mid-October.
-P
Thanks for the tips, My son and I are planning on driving up there next sunday to scout out some of these places you mentioned, thanks again
If you want to go even further North... just above Lundy Canyon/Mono Lake is the Conway Summit
that usually puts on a Wonderful show.... and it has backroads thru Dunderburg Road if you have a 4x4.
I agree with all of the suggestions so far.... and Be sure to let us know if you want to go further North?
There is alot more to see also.... Be sure to follow the posts here as I am sure a thread will be started when
the cold weather snaps and the Fall colors start to show themselves...
...another place to check is also http://www.calphoto.com/fall.htm once the colors start...
Happy Planning....