New member with a question

Hello everyone,

My name is Jason and I'm finally back in CA after a few years' absence. I have a few questions regarding the Eastern Sierra, and the best places for fall color.

I have a trip tentatively scheduled for 09/29-10/02...wish it could be longer, but being the new guy here at work that's all the time I could get. The only location that is firm at this point is Mono Lake...always wanted to get over there and never have. The rest of the time is open.

I've read Robert Hitchman's helpful newsletters on the Sierras and was mainly interested in the Little Lakes valley. Is there a permit system in place there? From what I've read, it's a popular place. And is there a good network of trails?

Suggestions on fall color locations are greatly appreciated!

I've never been to the Sierras in the fall but...

For aspens I'd check out McGee Creek and Convict Lake. There are aspens in the Bishop Creek area too at South Lake and leading up to South Lake. I don't remember a whole lot of aspens in Little Lakes Valley once you get to the Mosquito Flat trailhead but I do remember seeing them on the drive in.

There is basically one main trail up Little Lakes Valley with one major fork leading to Mono Pass. Here is a virtual hike:
http://www.rockcreeklake.com/virtual/llvalley/llvalley.htm

You only need a permit if you want to stay overnight. I was in LLV in July on a Monday at 8am and it was not crowded until later in the afternoon.

This site seems to have some good info on fall color:
http://www.calphoto.com/fall.htm

Welcome back to CA. Jason! The Eastern Sierra has great fall color from Mono Lake area all the way down to Bishop. As Lars pointed out, McGee Creek Canyon as well as Lundy Canyon are good spots. Rock Creek Canyon and LLV is a good location as well. If you have the time be sure to head towards Bishop for Bishop Creek Canyon. There you can head towards South Lake, Lake Sabrina, and North Lake areas. There are plenty of campgrounds there to spend a few days soaking it all in. I think your timing will be good from the looks of other peoples posting on the web. People are reporting colors turning around Rock Creek and Bishop Creek Canyons up high. And with the weather expected to turn cold this coming weekend, should accelerate the process.
LLV, like most of the sierra has a permit system in place for overnight stays. This time of year shouldn't be too bad to get a permit for overnight. You can contact the Bishop/white mtn ranger station in Bishop for more info and availability. LLV is a great place with numerous lakes. I've been going there for several years.

Don't forget about the NPN fall gathering the following weekend of your trip, if that's at all possible. See the thread at the top.

Have a good trip!

You can always count on this form for great advice. Thanks a bunch! I'll see if I can make that trip for the get-together as well.

Jason

Jason, check out this link from the Bishop chamber's website. They have a fall color guide they will send you via u.s. mail. Look for the link here and the latest fall update.