Snow above 10,000′

A light dusting of snow above 10,000′ did not dampen the enthusiasm of High Sierra leaf peepers this past week.  Last weekend was picture perfect in the high country and the overcast caused by the high cloud cover only served to intensify the color for photographers.  Above 9,500′, the color is past peak, though there’s still plenty of color to be seen below that elevation, with peaking occurring now between 8,000 and 9,000′ in Inyo County.

Photographers are reporting color beginning to show at 7,000′, so expect two more weeks of color in the Eastern Sierra, as the display marches down to lower elevations.

North Lake (10/5/10)

This photograph taken at North Lake by Greg Boyer on Tuesday illustrates the point that even though the weather may be inclement, that’s no reason to not venture out to experience and appreciate nature.  Greg’s beautiful image captures more about the change of season and High Sierra that one might have gotten on a sunnier day.  Greg, based in Bishop, is one of several gifted photographers who live and work in Inyo County’s Eastern Sierra.  To learn more about Greg, his work and his colleagues, visit www.onehorsestudio.com.

Photo Credit: © 2010, Greg Boyer

Here’s the latest from the Eastern Sierra:

South Lake – Elevation 9768 ft

75-100% -The back of the lake behind the island is past its prime but the groves near the front of the lake are at peak color.

Weir Pond – Elevation 9592 ft

75-100% – Some of the aspen above the pond have started to shed their leaves but I would still consider the Weir to be a great stop for photos with some beautiful orange aspen towards the inlet area and still quite a bit of color up on the hill.

Parchers Camp – Elevation 9260 ft

75-100% – 360 degrees of vibrant fall color. There are a few aspens which have begun to shed their leaves, the vast majority of the foliage on the hills and here at the camp are at peak color. Gorgeous!

North Lake – Elevation 9255ft

75-100% – North Lake has really progressed quickly over the past 5 days going from the 50% mark or so to peak color. The typical orange and red above the lake is beautiful right now, as is the famous dirt road, and the grove you see as you approach the lake. No way to tell how long it will last but it’s amazing right now.

Lake Sabrina – Elevation 9150 ft

75-100% – Peaking color at Sabrina is simply breathtaking – don’t miss out!

Sabrina Camp Groves – Elevation 9000 ft

Past Peak -The Sabrina camp grove is far less spectacular than it was a week ago – still some decent color around but not as great as it was.

Table Mountain Camp Grove – Elevation 8845 ft

75-100% – Peak color – simply fantastic views from this area.

The Famous Mist Falls on South Fork Bishop Creek

30-50% – Mist Fall is showing some color but is well behind most of the trees only a mile higher on the canyon. If the weather holds out this will be a great location for fall color in the next week or two.

Four Jeffrey Camp Groves

15-30% – A few trees showing orange and yellow but the majority of the aspen are still green as green can be at this location. This area should provide some fall color action for those visiting later in October.

Mountain Glen Campground

50-75% – Still behind much of the foliage at the same elevation on the other side of the canyon, but there is some beautiful yellow and gold here with a small pocket down by the creek of vibrant orange.

Willow Camp – Elevation 9065 ft

75-100% – The trees lining South Lake Rd near Willow camp really turned fast! I would consider it at or near peak color right now but there are a few trees that are starting to fade a bit.

Surveyor’s Meadow

75-100% – Arguably the best view in the entire canyon, Surveyor’s meadow is absolutely fantastic at present and would certainly be categorized as peak color. The snow capped peaks are adding a lot to the views here.

Aspendell – 8500ft

75-100% – Hard to  put a rating on this one because there is a lot of green to go along with all the yellow, gold and orange – but I’m thinking it is somewhere around 75% or so, maybe a little more. Phenomenal views up canyon from Aspendell.

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  1. […] California Fall Color blog has posted a good report for the foliage densities in various Eastern Sierra locations and reports color is beginning to move to lower elevations (down to 7000 feet) […]

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