Inyo National Forest

Recreational Activities - Fall Colors

Fall Color Update - Inyo National Forest

October 16, 2008

Last weekend saw six inches of snow dumped on the high country of the Eastern Sierra coupled with some mighty cold temperatures.   Even though the best of the color is now gone from the highest elevations, there are plenty of great places at mid-elevation and lower elevations to see colors at their peak. 

At the lowest stretches of Lundy and Lee Vining Canyons some of the aspens are still green.   As you move up the canyons you get some beautiful yellows, golds and oranges.   In the highest elevations of the canyons the leaves are now brown/black or gone.

The June Lake loop is reporting mostly yellow and gold, with hints of orange and some red.

The Mammoth Lakes Basin and the Town of Mammoth Lakes are both reporting nice yellow color with some orange, probably at their peak right now.

Rock Creek, Bishop Creek, Big Pine Creek and other Eastern Sierra canyons to the south have all peaked in the higher elevations, and the leaves are now either brown/black or gone.   The very cold temperatures and early winter storms of last weekend definitely took their toll.   Many of the colors at mid-elevations have taken on more of a light yellow and golden hue - the vibrant reds and oranges seems to be missing this year.

Deciduous trees at the lower elevations have not turned into their peak colors yet nor have the trees in the Owens Valley.  The weather this week has been mild and with a cap of fresh snow in the upper elevations the scenery is spectacular, despite the fact that the usual fall color show has been cut short. This weekend should be wonderful for hiking and being out in some wonderful fall weather.

Weather is unpredictable: Bring warm clothes, water, cameras, binoculars, sunscreen and snacks.

PARK WELL OFF THE PAVEMENT! And ENJOY!

US Forest Service - Inyo National Forest
Last Modified: Sunday, 19 October 2008 at 06:42:31 EDT