California Fall Color

Dude, autumn happens here, too.

Jared Smith, Krisdina Karady and the team at Parchers Resort in the Eastern Sierra (South Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon) go out with a bang on this, their final report of 2012.  Our deep thanks are expressed to Jared and his team for more than a month of great reports.  Here’s his last, though it doesn’t mean the color has ended in the Eastern Sierra.

Overall Conditions above 8500ft

The majority of the color above 8500ft is now past its prime or gone entirely but there are still glimpses of beauty to be had in a few groves in the 8500 to 9000ft level, especially above Willow Camp and behind Table Mountain Campground.

Overall Conditions below 8500ft

Peak color is upon us in the 8000ft to 8500ft range, especially near Aspendell and along the South Fork Bishop Creek by Bishop Creek Lodge. The forecast looks cold and breezy next week so it’s anyone’s guess if it will hold out but as of today, it is spectacular.

75-100% – South Lake Rd above Mt. Glen Camp (8600ft)

Mostly past peak, but still a lot of nice creek shots with some yellow, orange and a little red to be found.

75-100% – Mountain Glen Campground (8400ft)

This area is right about the cutoff from peak color to past peak. Some thick groves of old growth aspen are really putting on a show here. Along with the Bishop Creek Lodge area, this is possibly the finest color in the canyon at present.

75-100% – Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8350ft)

This area is brilliant and in full peak color with lots of yellow and some orange as well. Stunning views of these groves this week.

75-100% – Groves above Cardinal Village & Aspendell (8550ft)

Its go-time in Aspendell as the aspen are putting on a real show. Best on the middle fork.

75-100%% – Forks Campground (8000ft – 8300ft)

There is one spectacular grove of Aspen just below Intake II and just above Forks Campground. A very unique rock formation above the campground makes for some very interesting opportunities for the avid photographer.

Past Peak – Table Mountain Camp (8900ft)

A few stands of Aspen left, especially if you walk into the campground to view the grove east towards the peaks but the majority of the aspen have lost their leaves.

Past Peak – Surveyors Meadow (8975ft)

Not much left here, just a few trees left showing some rosy hues and yellow.

Past Peak – Willow Campground (9100ft)

Most of the color found along the roadside last week is completely gone however there is still some great stuff if you go into the campground and walk from there towards Parchers Resort along the old road. Still some great cottonwoods and aspen with brilliant yellow and there are a few bright red snowberry bushes on the granite cliffs offering a very cool contrast between granite, aspen and red brush.

Past Peak – Lake Sabrina (9150ft)

Pretty much done for the season.

Past Peak – North Lake (9255ft)

Not much left at the lake but the view from above looking down on Aspendell is still worth a Look.

All Photographs Copyright 2012 by Jared Smith, www.SmithSierraPhotography.com or courtesy of fall color contributor Krisdina Karady.

Location: Bishop, Calif.
Temperature: 80.6 °F
Humidity: 11%
Dew point: 23 °F
Wind speed: 11km/hr
Wind direction: 160°
Cloud cover: n/a

Color spotter Jared Smith of Parchers Resort near South Lake reports dramatic change of color up Bishop Creek Canyon in the Eastern Sierra.  Here’s his report:

Overall Conditions (above 8,500ft) – There is such a drastic difference in color between the higher reaches of the canyon and the lower that I decided to go ahead split the overview into two sections for the remainder of our fall color reports. So, above the 8500ft level, many areas have drastically changed from last week with many groves going from green to peak color in just over one week’s time… incredible. Plenty of yellow with touches of orange, rose, and red showing both on the middle fork of Bishop Creek towards Sabrina as well as around North Lake. Brilliant yellows and oranges are dominating the So. Fork Bishop with probably the most vibrant groves showing between Mountain Glen Campground and Weir Pond.

Overall Conditions (below 8,500ft) – A little yellow popping here and there with considerable lightening of the aspen and cottonwoods from dark forest green to lime green. Look for this to improve vastly in the next week.

75-100% – Table Mountain Camp (8,900ft) – The hill is on fire with much of the aspen displaying the full glory of autumn color. Still some late bloomers in the mix making for a great mix of  yellow, lime green and orange.

75-100% – Surveyors Meadow (8,975ft) – Another area that really popped this week is Surveyor’s meadow aproximately a mile down from Parchers Resort. Color is splashed from the creekside trail all the way up the mountain to near the Tyee Lakes trail. Still some green left to turn but I would guess this area to be at peak color next week.

50-75% – Lake Sabrina (9,150ft) – Lake Sabrina continues to put on a show, especially the grove across from the café which is notorious for showing some of the most vibrant red in the canyon.

 

75-100% – North Lake (9,255ft) – I have never seen such a quick transformation as I’ve seen at North Lake since last week. Even day by day the color is popping everywhere. Some of the aspen which were green last week are peaking or even slightly past peak. Still, plenty of gorgeous yellow along the famous North Lake Road along the lake as well as near the campground entrance. The grove that popped first below the first parking lot is starting to fade but there is a lot of great color surrounding the lake and up into the campground.

75-100% – Steiny Loop above Mt. Glen Camp (8,600ft) – This is kind of a sleeper spot as the dirt road accessing this beautiful stretch of aspen growth is easy to miss. Still, if you keep an eye out to your left about a mile past Mountain Glen Campground you should find it. The aspen all along the creek and on either side of the road are at or very near peak color….spectacular.

30-50% – Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350ft) – Not much going on last week but as was the case in much of the canyon, this is a very different week with color developing quickly.

0-15% – Aspendell (8400ft) – It’s a bit surprising given the color just a mile up the road but the aspen in and around this small community on the middle fork of Bishop Creek is still green as green can be. This is a good thing there is plenty of color now and it would be nice to have some more areas developing great fall color in the coming weeks.

50-75% – Groves above Cardinal Village (8550ft) – Brilliant color dominates the vista from just above Aspendell with the crest in the background and plenty of yellow and some orange in the foreground. This area is much closer to the 75% rating and may very well peak within the week. Gorgeous views driving up Hwy 168 towards Lake Sabrina

Jared promises additional reports from Four Jeffery Camp, Intake II, Big Trees Camp next week – all of which are currently at 0-15% of peak color.  To plan a trip to Inyo County, visit www.theothersideofcalifornia.com

MONO COUNTY

Alicia Vennos of Mono County (Eastern Sierra) advises that though an area may have a low overall percent change, pockets of color within an area may be peaking, so don’t avoid visiting an area just because a lower percentage of change is being reported.   Here’s an example of this phenomenon from Lundy Canyon.

0 – 15% – Lower Lundy Canyon - At lower elevations from 7,000 – 8,000 feet, the aspen are still largely green, just starting to turn lime to yellow.  Lower Lundy Canyon, Lower Rock Creek and the famous June Lake Loop (Hwy. 158)  have only just begun to show the change.  However, elevations above 8,500′ are peaking.

 

75 – 100% – Lundy Lake - At Lundy Lake, the color is above 75%, but as you drive higher to the trailhead, the aspen are still very green — with some completely past peak and everywhere in between!

30 – 50-% – Lundy Canyon Trailhead - At the Lundy Canyon trailhead, aspen above the beaver dam are at 40% of peak

75 – 100% – Lundy Canyon Avalanche Zone – Gnarled aspen in the avalanche zone are at peak with many already past.

75 – 100% – Canyons above 8,500 feet - the colors are peaking or approaching peak.  Rock Creek, McGee Creek (upper trail at first stream crossing) and Virginia Lakes (9,000′) are all approaching peak.  Below 8,500′, the colors are two weeks from peak.

15 – 30% – Lower McGee Creek -Color spotter Whitney Lennon sends photos taken along McGee Creek, south of Mammoth Lakes (off U.S. 395).  She says Lower McGee Creek has a way to go, perhaps two weeks to peak.

50 – 75% – Conway Summit - Approaching peak.

Planning a trip to Mono County:  Alicia suggests now’s the time to plan a trip to see the always-wonderful June Lake Loop.  Don’t wait until we report “Go Now!” or you may miss it entirely.  Her advice is sound in that we measured significant change up Bishop Creek Canyon this past week.  Those holding off visiting until later are likely to be disappointed.   A central site for lodging and camping suggestions is www.MonoCounty.org.  Additional lodging suggestions are found at www.visitmammoth.com.

To get to Mono County, drive US 395 along the Eastern Sierra or from LAX, fly direct to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) on Alaska Airlines.

 

Location: Bishop Airport, Bishop, CA
Temperature: 77 °F
Humidity: 19%
Dew point: n/a
Wind speed: 4km/hr
Wind direction: 20°
Cloud cover: n/a

What a difference a week makes.  Color spotter Jared Smith of the Parchers Resort near South Lake (Bishop Creek Canyon) reports impressive change this week with color exceeding 50% in several areas.  Here’s his report and comparative photos of the change.

30-50% Overall Conditions – Really impressive change in the amount and intensity of the fall color throughout the canyon since last week. Still lots of green below 9,000 ft but the color is coming on really fast at the higher reaches of the canyon and some of the groves are looking very brilliant. Barring any adverse weather, now through mid October is the zone for those who enjoy the autumn speander. Due to the elevation variance our canyon is tough to put an overall grade on but its certainly safe to say that starting now, there is a great amount of color to be seen.

 

50-75% – Table Mountain Camp (8,900 ft) – Incredible transformation from last week with with well over half of the aspen in this grove exhibiting  bright yellow and some orange. Still some greenery left to turn but this is one of the nicest areas right now.

50-75% – Surveyors Meadow (8,975 ft) – Another area that really popped this week is Surveyor’s meadow aproximately a mile down from Parchers Resort. Color is splashed from the creekside trail all the way up the mountain to near the Tyee Lakes trail. Still some green left to turn but I would guess this area to be at peak color next week.

30-50% – Lake Sabrina (9,150 ft) – Lake Sabrina really went off this week with a drastic change in color. Still a bit off the best peak color I’ve seen there but it certainly breathtaking even right now. The water level is a bit low this year due to the weak winter we had but the aspens clearly don’ t seem to mind.0-15% – North Lake (9,255 ft) – Still not much happening at North Lake yet with exception to the lower parking lot which has a nice stand of trees showing a bunch of bright yellow.

50-75% – Steiny Loop above Mt. Glen Camp (8,600 ft) – This is kind of a sleeper spot as the dirt road accessing this beautiful stretch of aspen growth is easy to miss. Still, if you keep an eye out to your left about a mile past Mountain Glen Campground you should find it. Very even yellow with some orange hues coming through as well. This is certainly near the higher end of the range – somewhere close to 75% and will likely be in peak color come next week.

All Photographs Copyright 2011 by Jared Smith, www.SmithSierraPhotography.com or courtesy of fall color contributors Krisdina Karady.

Location: Bishop, Bishop Airport
Temperature: 80.6 °F
Humidity: 17%
Dew point: n/a
Wind speed: n/a
Wind direction: n/a
Cloud cover: n/a

Jared Smith of the Parcher’s Resort at South Lake in the Bishop Creek Canyon (east of Bishop, CA) is the first to provide a full fall color report.  Overall, the aspens in the Eastern Sierra are just beginning to change from deep green to lime to yellow, though change can happen quickly.  In most areas, peaking is more than a week away.  Sept. 22 and the following week should be beautiful above 9,000 ft. in elevation, weather permitting.  Here’s Jared’s report:

0-15% Overall Conditions – The majority of the Bishop Creek Canyon color is still a few weeks from the fall color glory, but there is in fact quite a bit of yellow starting to show, especially above the 8500ft elevation. The willows are turning golden along the creek and even those aspen with no yellow yet, they are certainly turning a lime green hue. North Lake, South Lake, Lake Sabrina and views on the middle fork and south fork Bishop Creek still need some time before the color starts to dominate the surrounding view. Not a lot of pictures in this week’s report but this will change quickly once the color really gets going.

15-30% – Table Mountain Camp (8,900ft) – One of the best views in the canyon right now is just down canyon from Table Mountain Campground on the east side of the road. There is a lot of yellow developing and the lime green is brilliant. Contrasted against the iron-rich mountainside, the colors really pop here.

15-30% – Surveyors Meadow (8,975ft) – One of my favorite locations to view the fall display is Surveyor’s Meadow just below Willow Campground on the So. Fork Bishop Creek. As of today the yellows are really starting to show, what a remarkable change from last week as this location only had a handful of trees exhibiting any color. This area progresses quickly and is one of the first canyon walls to peak – look for a great show in the coming weeks.

0-15% – North Lake (9,255ft) – Not unlike most of the canyon, there isn’t a lot going on here just yet but the aspen are lightening and the willows are starting to turn gold. There is one stand of trees near the first parking lot at the lake that is markedly farther along than the rest of the area’s foliage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above photographs, Copyright 2012, Jared Smith, www.SmithSierraPhotography.com.

0 – 15% – Brainerd Lake, Inyo County – Color spotter Dennis Vance provided these shots taken of the South Fork Big Pine Creek Trail approaching Brainerd Lake at elevation 10,300′, taken on Sept. 10.  At the time, mostly ground ferns were showing change.

Location: Bishop Airport, CA
Temperature: 80.6 °F
Humidity: 6%
Dew point: 10.4 °F
Wind speed: 12km/hr
Wind direction: 100°
Cloud cover: n/a

Today, when I commented to color spotter Jared Smith of the Parcher’s Resort that a lot of lime must now be showing, Jared responded, “You’d be surprised.” Jared reports lots of lime, but also “a lot of yellow splashes” at the highest elevations above 9,000 ft. in the Eastern Sierra.

So, we’re officially calling this California’s first report of autumn.  If you’re planning to photograph the aspen at the highest elevations, plan to go during the next two weeks.  When the color turns from 9,000 to 10,000′, it turns quickly.  Tomorrow, we’ll be issuing a full report and (hopefully) will send photos to meteorologists across California.  In the meantime, here’s the first report:

0 – 15% – Upper Bishop Creek Canyon – lots of lime and splashes of yellow are now appearing at Sabrina, North and South Lakes in the upper Bishop Creek Canyon.  It could peak anytime within the next two weeks at that elevation.  Historically, the peak has been close to the first day of autumn, so consider visiting in the week before or after Sept. 22.  Bring camera.

Jared Smith of the Parchers Resort reports that he sent his color spotters out to search today and found willows in drainages yellowing up.  There are a few spots of aspen along the middle fork of Bishop Creek below Lake Sabrina (Eastern High Sierra) that are now showing yellow and below the Parchers Resort, he writes, there’s “a tad bit of color.”  However, the aspen are mostly green and showing lime.  Jared predicts the first solid show should occur by the end of next week.  Stay tuned.

Location: Bishop Airport, CA
Temperature: 68 °F
Humidity: 54%
Dew point: 51.8 °F
Wind speed: n/a
Wind direction: n/a
Cloud cover: n/a

Areas between the 8,000 and 8,500 ft are now turning, according to a report just received from color spotter Jared Smith of the Parcher’s Resort in the Bishop Creek Canyon.

Jared predicts the color should be popping by week’s end if not already, as areas above 8,500 ft. are now at or are just past peak color.

The cold front that came through Wednesday and Thursday and gave this area about 12″ of snow that made for some incredible contrasts between the bright aspen leaves and granite peaks.

While the cold temps did burn some of the aspen, there is still tons of color in the canyon and with as much green as there still is, there should be plenty of photo opportunities available for the coming week or two, as the long term forecast is quite favorable.

Past Peak – Weir Pond (9,592 ft) - But still gorgeous!  There is still some color along the edges of the pond but the cold front did many of the already yellow aspen a red/brown hue. The grove on the mountain to the west of the pond still has a lot of green so look for the Weir to make a bit of a revival as those greens turn to yellow in the coming week.

Past Peak – Parchers Camp (9,260 ft) – The leaves at the camp are still yellow but much of the surrounding hills are now past peak color. Still some excellent shots to be had but the color was definitely a bit dulled by the cold snap.

75-100% or Past Peak- North Lake (9,255 ft) -  Troublesome North Lake has not fit a clear definition so far this autumn and this week is no different.  Some areas are now past peak while others are peaking. Not much green left though so the best North Lake shots remaining must be had over the next 3 to 4 days.

Past Peak – Lake Sabrina (9,150 ft) -  Easy come, easy go. Not a lot of longevity for the color at one of the most popular spots in the canyon. There is still a lot of color developing on the hills above the lake but the brightest groves on the east shore are losing their color pretty fast post coldfront.

75 – 100% Peak Color – Lake Sabrina Approach (9,100 ft) - The aspen winding along the road are simply stunning.

Past Peak – Sabrina Camp Groves (9,000 ft) - This grove is an early bloomer, so it should be no surprise that the best has come and gone for this spot.

75-100% Peak Color – Surveyor’s Meadow - Gorgeous contrast between the bright yellows, oranges and lime greens at this spot right now. Its as good as it will get right now. Time will tell if the cold snap did any damage but it’s looking very nice at present.

0-15% – Aspendell (8,500 ft) - Lime green is now showing – look for this spot to pop soon.

Past Peak – Cardinal Mine Grove (8,700 ft) – Still amazing!.  It really is hard to beat the view of the aspens aglow with the peaks of Sabrina Basin in the background. This grove definitely has some bare trees but lots of color still hanging around.

75-100% Peak Color – Table Mountain Campground (8,900 ft) -  Gorgeous views of this grove off of South Lake Road at present. A great mix of brown, orange, yellow and lime green make for some great photo op’s.

30-50% – Mountain Glen Campground -  These trees are turning somewhat slowly but I would expect that to change over the course of the week.

30-50% – The Famous Mist Falls on South Fork Bishop Creek - A bit of yellow and lots of lime green is developing.  Things are moving along nicely, finally!

15-30% – Four Jeffrey Camp Groves - Good to see some yellow and orange developing above Four Jeffrey campground.  This should provide for some awesome color in coming weeks.

Past Peak – Willow Camp & Tyee Trailhead (9.065 ft) - Great color to be seen but the cold air tends to settle in this area, so it looks to be the most affected by the cold snap.

75-100% Peak Color to Past Peak – South Lake (9,768 ft) - Some groves are vibrant, some have browned.  Excellent photo op’s either way with the snow-covered peaks.

The weather across California has been ideal for fall color displays, with very few storms coming through since Autum began.  That means that other than those trees which are past peak, most of the trees have yet to turn color, and those trees that are changing have lots of leaves on their branches with lots of color.

From Parcher’s Resort, we get this report:

South Lake – Elevation 9768 ft

Past Peak – The color at the back of the lake is nearly gone but the groves near the rock slide are hanging pretty tough and showing some really vibrant orange hues still.

Weir Pond – Elevation 9592 ft

Past Peak – Despite snow last week, the view at Weir Pond has held up.  Bright yellow, gold and orange colors are still prevalent around the shoreline of the pond. Jared Smith of Parcher’s Resort considers this to be one of the best stops on the canyon right now.

 Parchers Camp – Elevation 9260 ft

Past Peak – It was more vibrant a week ago but there is still a lot of color in every direction here at the resort. Also, the aspen along the creek near the resort are looking fantastic and offering the opportunity for epic fall color stream shots.

North Lake – Elevation 9255ft

Past Peak - The North Lake area aspens are still gorgeous, even though slightly past peak color.  North Lake Rd is also showing off some great color still. If you’re a photographer visiting the area, don’t miss North Lake!

North Lake Road 10-12-10

North Lake 10-12-10

Lake Sabrina – Elevation 9150 ft

Past Peak – Some beautiful color is still showing, especially near the back of the lake. Orange and reds showing here and there – best view is probably from the dam or from a boat.

Sabrina Camp Groves – Elevation 9000 ft

Past Peak - The Sabrina camp grove is a goner for this season.

Table Mountain Camp Grove – Elevation 8845 ft

Past Peak – The groves at Mountain Camp are a shadow of what they were a week or so ago but the view of this grove is still breathtaking. Some really nice red is developing on the far side of the creek.

Groves below Table Mountain Camp 10-12-10

 The Famous Mist Falls on South Fork Bishop Creek

50-75% – Famous Mist Falls is getting close. A lot of yellow is developing there.  This is expected to peak within a week, though it’s a gorgeous view even now.

Four Jeffrey Camp Groves

30-50% – Some of the green is turning to gold here but this area still has a ways to go before it peaks, good news for color chasers in the coming weeks.

Mountain Glen Campground

50-75% – Still behind hanging behind the rest of the higher elevation aspens – more green than yellow.

Willow Camp – Elevation 9065 ft

Past Peak – The best has come and gone near Willow but there are still plenty of trees in full color right now. I’m not sure how long it will last but the views are very good right now.

Surveyor’s Meadow

Past Peak – Even with the peak gone, there is a lot of yellow and orange left hanging around. Jared writes, “Judging by how many photographers are still stopping at this location, I have to believe that its worth it.”

 Aspendell – 8500ft

75-100% – The higher elevation aspens are gone now but the lower groves near the creek are beginning to look amazing. Still some time yet before it peaks but it’s a great view right now.

Other reports — Most of the areas below 8,000 ft are reporting green leaves.  This happened last year in which there was a week’s difference between the trees at 7,000 and those above 8,000′.  The aspen in Lee Vining Canyon (east side of Yosemite’s Tioga Pass) and the Hope Valley (CA-88), for example, are reported as being mostly green, though aspen along Hwy 89 on the way to Markleeville and at Monitor Pass are peaking (a good bet for a colorful drive would be Hwy 89 from the Hope Valley to Coleville. 

Expect the color to spread to lower elevations this weekend and through next week.   The best big bold color areas still remain in the canyons of the Eastern Sierra (Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Lundy Lake, Virginia Lakes, Twin Lakes, Sonora Pass).  All other areas of California are reporting spatters of color.  Color spotters in Plumas County, for example, are showing lots of bright red, but limited to specific trees or shrubs.

Photo Credit: © 2010, Jared Smith and Kristina Karaday

The Parchers Resort at South Lake (Bishop Creek Canyon) is reporting 75% – 100% of peak above 8,500 ft with breathtaking reds, oranges, yellows and a beautiful mix of lime-green and green aspen to complement the hot colors.  This weekend will be a big one for the gorgeous high lakes of Inyo County and the Eastern Sierra.  If it were me, I’d  grab my camera and drive, drive, drive US 395 to Bishop, then head west up into the High Sierra for a colorful fall show of dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes and flame fall color that only California’s Inyo County provides.  Jared Smith of Parchers reports there’s “Still plenty of green in the lower reaches of the canyon so don’t panic if you’re not able to visit for another week or so – weather permitting, there will be color for a while yet.”

South Lake – Elevation 9768 ft

75-100% – South Lake is as good as it gets right now – simply beautiful. The rock slide grove is really starting to pop with some orange and red hues and many of the groves in towards the back of the lake are bright yellow. I would say South Lake is at or very near peak color.

Weir Pond – Elevation 9592 ft

75-100% – Weir is peaking right now as the aspen along the road and along the shore have all turned. The grove above the pond is vibrant and contrasts beautiful against the white granite background. Now is the time to photograph the Weir.

Parchers Camp – Elevation 9260 ft

75-100% – The views surrounding Parchers camp are really looking great right now. Depending on which direction you look the aspens are anywhere between 75% and 100% peak color. The aspens directly to the east and west of the resort are the most colorful with lots of orange and some red.

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% – One of the more recognizable views in the canyon, Lake Sabrina, is at or near its most colorful display of autumn beauty. Get your camera and capture it while you can!

Sabrina Camp Groves – Elevation 9000 ft

75-100% – The Sabrina camp grove is at it’s peak, perhaps a tad past it’s peak. The view is still stunning to say the least. I don’t expect the Aspens along the road to last a whole lot longer, but with the unseasonably beautiful weather we’ve had, who knows.

Table Mountain Camp Grove – Elevation 8845 ft

75-100% – The grove just below Table Mountain is on fire right now. Still a little green left to change but it is certainly getting close peak color.

The Famous Mist Falls on South Fork Bishop Creek

30-50% – Mist Fall is finally starting to turn and to be honest, I really like the contrast of the bright green against the yellow foliage right now.

Four Jeffrey Camp Groves

15-30% – Finally starting to see some color here – although a late turn at this elevation is a good thing as there will still be some beautiful colors to photograph even when the higher elevation color has come and gone.

Mountain Glen Campground

50-75% – Gorgeous – but a tad behind the groves up canyon. Will likely see the peak here within the next week sometime.

Willow Camp – Elevation 9065 ft

50-75% – Quite a bit of green still mixed in but the colors are turning quite nicely near Willow Camp. This is an area that is susceptible to wind so lets all cross our fingers and hope that mother nature will take it easy with the wind for a bit and we can see this area develop to it’s peak color.

Surveyor’s Meadow

75-100% – Simply stunning here at the groves between Table Mountain and Willow Camp. It is nearly impossible to drive through there without stopping to enjoy the color splashed all across the hillside. Quite a bit of red mixed in at this location as well.

Aspendell – 8500ft

50-75% – These groves are displaying some beautiful orange and yellow now, and yet there is still quite a bit of green down by Cardinal Lodge. The view is stunning but there is still more color to come at this location if the weather holds out.

Bridge above Sabrina Camp – 9050ft

75-100% – The aspens are really turning fast below Sabrina and the views with the creek and the color together are fantastic.

Photo Credit: © 2010, Kristina Karaday