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June Lakes Hangin’ in There, Mammoth Lakes Spotty

Lee Vining (10/16/14) Arya Degenhardt

Lee Vining (10/16/14) Arya Degenhardt

UPDATED 10/17 – This week’s wind has stripped some fully changed stands of trees of their leaves at elevations below 7,500′ in the Eastern Sierra, though if your plans were to head to June Lake this weekend, you should still see lots of bright color at those elevations.

Mono County color spotter Alicia Vennos writes, “many of the groves and trees survived the wind. Higher elevations (8500’+) were hardest hit and are pretty much past peak now.  However, many areas below 8500’ are still glowing and beautiful and ready for the paparazzi!

“Lower Lundy Lake Road, Lower Rock Creek Road and multi-use trail, the lower section of Rock Creek Road above Tom’s Place, lower Tioga Pass Road/Hwy. 120,  Little Walker Lake (north of June Lake Loop/Hwy. 158) will all be great spots this weekend.  The June Lake Loop/Hwy. 158 is “patchy” overall with vibrant color in spots, areas that are still green, and areas that are past peak – it’s a real mixed bag, but fall color reporters in the June Lake area say come NOW as there is plenty of color!

“‘Patchy’ is a good way to describe Conway Summit and places near Bridgeport like Summers Meadow off Green Creek Road, as well, while the West Walker River banks in Walker and Coleville is really just starting!   All in all, despite the windy hours of yesterday, it will be a lovely weekend for foliage followers.”

Mammoth Lakes Basin (10/6/14) Lara Kaylor

Mammoth Lakes Basin (10/16/14) Lara Kaylor

Mammoth Lakes (10/16/14) Lara Kaylor

Mammoth Lakes (10/16/14) Lara Kaylor

Mammoth Lakes (10/16/14) Lara Kaylor

Mammoth Lakes (10/16/14) Lara Kaylor

Lara Kaylor (Mammoth Lakes) adds that bright color can be found along the Old Mammoth Road and Old Mammoth neighborhood.  Green and lime trees in town mean color will continue to develop in spots for the next two weeks.

Steve Wolfe adds, “There’s some at-peak color below the town of South Fork Bishop Creek, also at the lake below Aspendell — and when I checked, Lundy Canyon was at-peak — and trying valiantly to hold on to its leaves. There are still sections on the June Lake Loop that are at- and after peak, particularly the section of Rush Creek between Silver and Grant Lakes. Remnants remain at the “aspen meadow” at Conway Summit, but more wind is forecast for the eastern Sierra — so GO NOW!

Mammoth Lakes and June Lakes (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Bright yellow is still to be seen at Mammoth Lakes and June Lakes in stands that were not stripped of leaves. GO NOW!

Aspendell (10/16/14) Steve Wolfe.

Aspendell (10/16/14) Steve Wolfe.

Bishop Creek Canyon (Peak 75 – 100% and Past Peak) – Spots of brilliant color can still be found at Aspendell.  GO NOW!

1 reply
  1. Kirill says:

    Today, on 10/17, I went all around Mammoth Lakes, all the road accessible ones. There is really not much color left, almost nothing at the actual lakes. The only color, and quite nice one left is in the town itself. You would have to walk, bike or drive along the streets to see it. If you have limited time, plan accordingly.

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