“Magnificent Mono

Mono County has come into magnificence with reports from color spotter Alicia Vennos of areas of this Eastern Sierra County that we haven’t seen previously.  This is most definitely the weekend to head to the East Side.  Now that the federal shutdown has ended, Yosemite National Park has reopened (Tioga Pass remained open throughout the shutdown).  So, this is likely the last, best weekend to head across the Sierra through Yosemite (Hwy 120 – The Tioga Road).

GO NOW! 75 – 100% – McGee Creek Canyon – Alicia reports that “There is a real mix of color right now at McGee — some trees are past peak, some are perfect, and others are still tiptoeing towards lime green and yellow.  The campground area is the richest in color, right now, but the hiking trail has some gorgeous gold and orange, too.

GO NOW! – 75 – 100% – Convict Lake – The entire canyon is at peak. There are lots of spectacular colors to be seen on the ride to the lake, including intense yellow, brilliant orange and, recently, traces of burnt Sienna. This is about the last weekend to see full color at Convict Lake, as large sections along the upper creek above the lake are dropping their leaves.  If you’re going, take advantage of these deals and offers:

• Convict Lake Resort is offering Fall Lodging Specials through Oct. 31st starting at $379+tax (Sunday thru Thursday – 2 Nights for 2 Persons).  Includes $100 Restaurant Credit & Full Day Motor Boat Rental.
• Late Fall Lodging Specials from Nov 3^rd to Nov. 15^th starting at $199+tax (Sundaythru Thursday – 2 Nights for 2 Persons).  Includes Full Day Motor Boat Rental.
• Convict Lake Resort’s annual fall fishing derby, “Ambush at the Lake” is happening now through Nov. 15, with $6,000 in resort prizes.  A $2,000 Cash Bonus Weekend occurs Nov. 1-3.

GO NOW! – 75 – 100% – June Lake – 100% – Alicia reports that “It is pretty much perfection right now around everyone’s favorite “loop”, a.k.a. Hwy. 158″ We’ll add, that if you can get away, this is the prime weekend to see the June Lake Loop in all its glory.  We’ll probably be reporting past week, next week.  Ralph Lockhart at the Double Eagle Resort and Spa reports the entire north end of the June Lake Loop is “Exploding, right now.”

GO NOW! – 75 – 100% – Parker Lake – 100% – This small, but majestic lake, attracts many young families, a few anglers, photographers and – this past weekend – even award-winning artist, Therese LaChance Ely, well-known for her “Sierra-scapes.”

GO NOW! – 75 – 100% – Lundy Lake – We’re amazed that Lundy has been so spectacular for so long.  This could be the last weekend to see it at peak.  Alicia describes it as “at peak and glorious, especially along Lundy Lake Road.” The popular hiking trail at the end of the dirt road, past Lundy Lake Resort, is past peak with just a few bright trees left.

GO NOW! – 75 – 100% – Little Walker Lake – Little Walker is a beautiful, lesser-known lake in dramatic Bloody Canyon, just north of the June Lake Loop.  Directions:  At the north end of Hwy. 158, take Parker Lake Road and then the first right, following the signs.  The trail starts high with a lovely view down to the lake.