You Gotta Have Hope

(Hope Valley – 10/2/17) The Hope Valley (CA-88, Carson Pass) is typical of the dilemma facing color spotters this autumn… the show is all cattywampus.

In some places like at the Red Creek Cabin (seen above), it’s Near Peak to Peak color, while in others the aspen look like they’re Just Starting.

So, you gotta have hope when we say, although the Hope Valley is Patchy overall GO NOW!, as there is enough peak color to make it worth the trip.

Here’s a rundown from top to bottom:

Castle Point Trailhead – Peak to Past Peak (We All Missed It) – The Aspen look terrible, few leaves and light color. This stand used to be glorious.

Caples Lake – Patchy to Near Peak – One stand of at Peak aspen on northeast shore showing orange and yellow, though many others in Patchy condition.

Red Lake Area -Patchy (10-50%)

Red Creek Cabin – Peak (75-100%) – GO NOW!

Hope Valley -Patchy (10-50%)

Sorensen’s – Near Peak  – GO NOW!

Woodford’s Canyon – Patchy (10-50%)

Overall Hope Valley (7,300′) – Patchy, though there’s plenty of Near Peak and Peak Color to make it worth seeing. GO NOW!

Alpine Aspen Festival – Oct. 7 & 8, Hope Valley