Survivor: San Bernardino Mountains

Rim of the World (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

Until this past weekend, fall color in the San Bernardino Mountains has survived a lack of Santa Anas, though winds are predicted to begin rising this week. Nicholas and Alena Barnhart toured the SB Mountains’ major fall color viewing locations: Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Grass Valley Lake, Lake Gregory and Silverwood Lake to bring back this update.

Silverwood Lake (11/16/14) Alena Barnhart

Big Bear (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

Big Bear (11/16/14) Alena Barnhart

Silverwood Lake (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

Grass Valley Lake (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

Grass Valley Lake (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

Lake Gregory (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

Lake Gregory (11/16/14) Nicholas Barnhart

San Bernardino Mountains (Peak to Past Peak) – Nick reports, “Silverwood Lake is one of the SB Mountains largest lakes, located on the backside of the mountains heading towards the desert (Apple Valley/Victorville).  So, most people miss it when they head up to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear and even fewer photographers spend time there. It has a Mountain/Desert look to it, and offers Fishing/Boating, Camping, Hiking, Bicycling, Waterskiing, and has places around to eat.

“Since it’s the lowest Lake in the mountains, Silverwood Lake usually stays warmer/drier longer-lasting fall color than the other SB Mountain lakes.”  Silverwood Lake was peaking this past weekend though, like other SB Mountain fall color spots, is susceptible to wind.

Nick confirms that autumn is “winding down” at the SB Mountains’ other lakes: Big Bear, Arrowhead, Grass Valley (not to be confused with Northern California’s Grass Valley) and Gregory, though spots of fall color remain. and the sunsets… well, they’re Southern California worthy. GO NOW!

Lake Gregory (11/18/14) Nicholas Barnhart