Autumn Rolls Into Mammoth Lakes
Autumn hues brighten a Harley that stopped at Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Mule deer, Sherwin and Laurel Creeks, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Sherwin and Laurel Creeks,Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Sherwin and Laurel Creeks, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Quaking aspen, Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
Lake George, Mammoth Lakes (9/8/16) Josh Wray
To be assured of autumn color, bring it with you, as the couple above did on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle when they stopped at Twin Lakes, yesterday.
Mammoth Lakes’ Josh Wray captured the scene and reports that color continues to emerge among the willows, grasses and aspen surrounding Mammoth Lakes.
Here’s his report:
Just Starting (0-10%) – Mammoth Lakes Basin 8,500ft – The trees near the first parking lot at Twin Lakes have started to turn. There are even some willows and few aspens that have turned to yellow. As you make your way to the first Twin Lakes bridge near Tamarack Lodge, look northwest and you’ll gain a better view of the changing hillside. Trees around the lake are in that lime green stage, but my guess would be that in the next week or so we’ll start to see more brilliant colors on the water.
Just Starting (0-10%) – Lake George 9,000ft – Lake George is the highest drive to lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and it sits at about 9,000’. It’s not uncommon to only share this lake with a few float tubers in the early morning, so get up there while the light is good and enjoy the breathtaking views of Crystal Crag and the Mammoth Crest. From the dock look due west and you’ll be able to see a large patch of willows starting to change.
Just Starting (0-10%) -Mammoth Rock 9,100ft – There is a large grove of tall aspens that reside near the historical site of the old town of Mammoth Lakes. This area is also a highlight due to the access to the Mammoth Rock trail for hiking and mountain biking. It’s still in its early stages for color change, but this spot is expected to produce a brilliant display this year.
Just Starting (0-10%) -Laurel Creek 8,000ft – This is one of my favorite fall color spots to watch go through the stages. Because of the length of the grove, higher sections take on color earlier while the lower sections add some contrast. This view is visible from highway 395 but to gain the ultimate view drive down Sherwin Creek road for a closer look. Also if you’ve got 4×4 with high clearance you can take the technical road up to Laurel canyon and lakes. The meadow at the beginning of the canyon is a sight to behold in Autumn.