Wind Tonight! Color Tomorrow?

Reports from Mono County are indicating strong winds tonight.  Though, will that mean color will be gone with the wind? Mono County had a spectacular past weekend for color and peak conditions continue in several areas.  Color spotter Alicia Vennos reports a few areas of the Eastern Sierra at lower elevations have yet to turn, including: Lower Rock Creek Rd, Lower Tioga Pass Rd and Lower Lundy Lake Rd.  She will be providing an assessment which we’ll report when received, tomorrow.  Look to our Twitter feeds for the latest updates.

Rock Creek Rd. (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Rock Creek Rd. is at full peak from Tom’s Place to East Fork, three miles from U.S. 395.  GO NOW! 

Upper Rock Creek Canyon – Past Peak – Above East Fork, it’s past peak.  A sure sign is that Pie in the Sky has stopped baking pies.  They pass thanks to everyone who dropped in for a slice this past year.  Until next spring, no more pies (sniff). YOU MISSED IT! 

Lower Rock Creek Rd. (Just Starting – 10 – 50%) – The aspen groves that line Rock Creek south of Tom’s Place are just now turning and should survive the wind.  This hike should be lovely this weekend.  Alicia warns to look out for mountain bikes, as this is a multi-use trail.

Crowley Lake (Peak – 75 – 100%) – The little green church at Crowley lake is embraced by fall color. GO NOW! 

Convict Lake (Peak – 75 – 100%)  – Convict Lake Resort has beautiful fall color.  Let’s hope tonight’s winds leave it on the branches. The Canyon as a whole is at peak with vibrant colors. Color spotter Charles “JR” Porter notes the change this year has been somewhat different from the past few years. He’s seeing more yellow and brown with the green. In some areas of the canyon you will find foliage that is still green and in the same vicinity you will see leafs that have already run their course.   Stating at the bottom of the canyon you find plenty of spectacular colors as you make you way up to the lake. There is a combination of intense yellows, brilliant oranges and recently more traces of brown along the lower creek. The campground/resort section of the canyon is very close to peak.  The fall colors in this area are spectacular and are starting to show bright yellows and oranges. The foliage along the lake has increased in intensity. The shoreline is traced with a line on yellow, brown, green and orange.  At the back of the lake a dazzling ribbon of yellow is snaking its way up the lower section of the canyon. The higher elevation foliage at the back of the lake has reached it’s peak. GO NOW! 

Parker Lake (Past Peak) YOU MISSED IT!  June Lake Loop (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Color along the June Lake Loop is mature with red, orange and yellow.  Some areas have begun to drop leaves.  A few sections along the loop remain green and lime, though most are at full peak. GO NOW! 

Walker Lake (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Cottonwood are showing nicely gold. GO NOW! 

Tioga Pass/Lee Vining Road – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! 

Lundy Canyon (Peak – 75 – 100%) – The Lundy Lake Rd and trail are at peak. GO NOW! Conway Summit (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Jamie Lau caught this beautiful shot of a yellow aspen-lined path at Lundy Lake, today.  who knows whether it will be there by tomorrow.

GO NOW!  Virginia Lakes (Past Peak) YOU MISSED IT! 

Green Creek, Buckeye Creek, Summers Meadow (Past Peak) YOU MISSED IT! 

Sonora Pass/Leavitt Meadow (Peak – 75 – 100%) – On the downhill side of peaking.

GO NOW!  Walker, Coleville, Topaz (Just Starting – 10 – 50%) – Cottonwood are lime and yellow.