Fall colors south of Independence?

Hello All,

There's been a lot of discussion about fall colors for this weekend, but I noticed that most of the areas that were mentioned are a bit far for me. I live in Los Angeles, and would prefer not to drive too far up north for just two days.

Does anyone know good areas for shooting fall color south of Independence or Lone Pine? Also, it 'd be great if you could advise on potential camp sites, preferably 'camp-anywhere' areas.

Thanks a lot and have a great weekend out there!

Henri

Even the southernmost Owens canyons have some limited areas with quaking aspen. The key is to have a topographic map and then drive up canyons to the 7000 to 9000 foot elevations they prefer to grow at. There are some trees about the Onion Valley trailhead and then down along the creek that one may need to bushwhack to reach. Generally all the better large groves start at Bishop Creek and continue north to the West Walker River. There are also some minor areas of trees on the west side of the Southern Sierra at the 6000 to 8500 foot elevations, and if one can locate where roads cross those elevations along streams, one is likely to find them. From LA, if you can't hit the aspen happenings, another bit closer fall leaf opportunity is to drive up to Sequoia National Park in late October and shoot all the Pacific dogwood and bigleaf maple along Sequoia Creek and the Crystal Cave road.

Henri, If you wait until Nov. the Santa Monica Mtns have sycamore trees change color in abundance. Sorry I can't help you w/ South of Independance. Big Pine shows that they have some Aspen in the Canyon above the town. I would try David's Ideas. I actually am going to try it now that's it's been mentioned or at least scout it out.

David you are equivalent to a book of knowledge. Sequioa Creek sounds like a really good idea.

There is an aspen grove in the San Gorgonio Wilderness near the Big Bear area. I believe it is called Fish Creek.

Thanks so much for your outstanding advice! Later in October I will definitely take a couple days off and head up further north on either the east or west side of the Sierras. I hope you all had a great weekend!