Bob Kent Bob Kent

Three Days of Fall Colors in the Eastern Sierra

Three days of fall colors

I had a wonderful time bopping around the Eastern Sierra enjoying and capturing the season’s fall colors and clouds.

God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also in the trees, and in the flowers, and clouds, and stars. Martin Luther

Three days of exploring the Fall Color in the Eastern Sierra

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

Cloudy with a 100% of Spectacular

The Clouds are calling and I must go!

Kearsarge Station, Owens Valley

There is nothing wrong with blue skies. In landscape images, a pure blue sky can be a bit boring. That is why clouds are a landscape photographer's best friend.

Last of the ice at Grant Lake

There have been summers where I have complained of a cloud drought. You will not hear me complain about the lack of clouds in 2022 or 2023. Using Waynes World speak, 2022 has been cloudalicous.

Last of the Ice a Silver Lake

For the last several months the clouds have been amazing. They have sometimes been complex, threatening, angry and other times o majestic hanging in the mountains

I thought it would be an excellent blog post to pair these images with great quotes about clouds.

Here we go on our cloud trip and quotes

“We pledge to fight 'blue-sky thinking wherever we find it. Life would be dull if we had to look up at cloudless monotony day after day.”
― Gavin Pretor-Pinney, The Cloudspotter's Guide:

Iris Field in Bishop

“Thirty-nine years of my life had passed before I understood that clouds were not my enemy; that they were beautiful, and that I needed them. I suppose this, for me, marked the beginning of wisdom. Life is short.”
― Iimani David

Pine Creek

I’m sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world ofloveliness. -- Adeline Knapp

Lower Owens River near Independence

“Clouds are the most egalitarian of nature's displays, since each one of us has a good view of them, so it really doesn't matter where you are.”
― Gavin Pretor-Pinney, The Cloudspotter's Guide

Well, I hope you enjoyed all these clouds as much as I did. Now it is time to float away…

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

Best Images 0f 2021

My best Eastern Sierra images of 2021

It is that time of year where folks publish their best images of the previous year. Here is my list.

Locations include:

  • Owens River

  • June Lake Loop

  • Bishop Canyon

  • Bridgeport

  • Sage Hen

  • Silver Lake

  • Gull Lake

  • Mammoth Lakes

  • Round Valley

While 2021 had its issues it was a great year for photographing the Eastern Sierra.

Would love to know what you think of the images and which one you liked the best.

Wishing you an awesome 2022!

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

Owens Valley: The Tule Elk on Hwy 395

The tule elk herd was established in Owens Valley on October 10, 1933. Twenty-six tule elk, 7 bulls, 3 yearlings, 11 cows, and 6 calves, were brought from Yosemite National Park to an enclosure in the Owens Valley near Aberdeen and held for several days before their release. Four months later, 28 more elk were brought from Buttonwillow (which became the Tupman Tule Elk State Reserve) to augment that initial release. These original translocated elk have since expanded in size and range and have formed eight distinct tule elk sub-herds located throughout Owens Valley.

Bull Elk

Our Elk Photographic Journey

When traveling on 395 just south of Big Pine we always look for the Tule Elk at the wildlife turnouts.  It was always a mystery to us when they would be in the field there.  Unfortunately, when we were lucky enough to see them, I hadn’t had much luck in photographing them. 

We usually find the Elk in the late afternoon.  That meant I was shooting straight into the sun, which is not ideal.  Lots of lens flare.  Other times they were way at the far end of the field.  Too far away to get a good image.

Riding with the King

One time, all the conditions were perfect.  They were near the road.  The sun was still high in the sky.  I even had rented a long telephoto lens.  When we saw the Elk, we pulled off into the viewing pull-out.  I grabbed my camera with the telephoto on it.  I took a bunch of images and they all looked great on the camera display.  When I got them on the computer it was a different story.  All the images were blurry.  I use a tripod a lot, so don’t usually worry about the shutter speeds too much.  Turned out I was shooting a 400 MM telephoto handheld and only had the shutter speed at 60th of a second.  Another fail.

A couple of weeks ago we hit all the right conditions.  The images you see in this post are from then.  I can check another bucket list from my Hwy 395-image list as I now have some Elk images I like!

Keeping an Eye on Me

History of the Owens Valley Elk

Some history about these Tule Elk.  Most of the info below is taken from the Fish and Wildlife’s “Distribution and Abundance of Tule Elk in the Owens Valley January 2020” report.  You can see the full report here.

The Tule Elk herd was established in Owens Valley on October 10, 1933. Twenty-six Tule Elk, 7 bulls, 3 yearlings, 11 cows, and 6 calves, were brought from Yosemite National Park to an enclosure in the Owens Valley near Aberdeen and held for several days before their release. Four months later, 28 more Elk were brought from Buttonwillow (which became the Tupman Tule Elk State Reserve) to augment that initial release. These original translocated Elk have since expanded in size and range and have formed eight distinct Tule Elk sub-herds located throughout Owens Valley.

The count of the Elk in 2018 showed the following herd sizes.

  • ·         Bishop: 80-100

  • ·         Tinemaha: 80-100

  • ·         Goodale: 50-70

  • ·         Independence: 60-80

  • ·         Lone Pine: 60-80

  • ·         Whitney: 40-60

Where and When to See the Elk

One place to view the Elk is the wildlife viewing pullouts on Hwy 395 just south of Big Pine.  The herd there includes bulls with expansive antlers and plenty of cows and calves.  There are "Wildlife Viewing" signs that point car pull-outs near two of the herd's most favorite places to graze and bed down. This allows you a safe way to look and photograph the Elk.

Gorgeous Antlers

The best time to see the Elk is spring through fall as the herd stays on or close to irrigated fields to take advantage of the ample water and feed.  The best time of day to see them is in the morning.

I am sure to include one of my Elk images on next year’s Eastern Sierra calendar!

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

Sunrise, Sunset

“Regular mornings are for showers, coffee, catching up on the news, dressing for the day. Daybreaks are for quiet, peace, and standing on rocks to take bad selfies with the sun. Morning is responsibility, daybreaks are freedom—a smooth, blank page upon which I can write whatever comes to mind.” Gina Ryder

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laiden with happiness and tears

Lyrics from Sunrise Sunset Fiddler on the Roof

 

Sunset over the Minarets

Sunset over the Minarets

There is something special about sunrises and sunsets.  For me, they stop time.

A few weeks ago, there were some cool clouds above Mammoth Mountain.  There was a good chance they would turn color at sunset.  I went out early to scout out a location because I didn’t have a go-to site in mind.  I found a viewpoint that I liked way earlier than I thought I would.  I set up my tripod and camera and just watched as the sunset progressed. I ended up being at that spot for around an hour and a half.  To me, it seemed like only a few minutes.  Sunsets and sunrises have a way of grabbing your soul and stopping time. See the scene I captured below.

Mammoth Mountain Sunset

Mammoth Mountain Sunset

It seems I am not alone. 

As I did the research for this post, I found others felt the same way.  Gina Ryder, who lives in New York, decided to try a “Sunrise Therapy” to counter her winter blues.  She put to words what I feel watching a sunrise or sunset. 

“Regular mornings are for showers, coffee, catching up on the news, dressing for the day. Daybreaks are for quiet, peace, and standing on rocks to take bad selfies with the sun. Morning is responsibility, daybreaks are freedom—a smooth, blank page upon which I can write whatever comes to mind.” Gina Ryder

Mono Lake Sunrise

Mono Lake Sunrise

Studies have shown that appreciation of natural beauty increases your emotional wellbeing, raisess your concern for others, and increases your satisfaction with life.  If you want to experiment to see if the studies are true remember sunrises and sunsets are natural beauty at its best.

For some, making time for watching sunrises and sunsets comes naturally.  For others, not so much as the pillow has magical powers to make us stay put.  An article on the Psychology Today website gave some tips to help you develop your sunrise/sunset watching skills:

·         Grab a camera or sketchpad.  The goal is to really see the sunset and capture the moment-to-moment experience, not create an artistic image.

·         Make it a meditation. Take several slow, deep breaths to relax your body and calm your mind. Then intentionally focus on the sunset, noticing how the colors and light change as the sunset first builds in intensity and then fades.

·         Listen to music that thrills you. If you’re more attuned to sound than sight, use music to put yourself into a receptive state of mind.

First Light

First Light

Nature gives us these sunrises and sunsets freely.  There is one of each every single day. I highly suggest you take some time to enjoy these gifts.  They will do you good!

I would love to hear what your most memorable sunrise/sunset experience is.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Feel free to comment or to share it with others!

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

Heaven

A few years ago, I experienced a drought of clouds for what seemed like an eternity.  Every time I went on a photo expedition it was nothing but blue skies. It was frustrating as I love clouds in my landscape images.  Well this spring ended the cloud drought in a spectacular way!

Spring or 2019 - Wildflowers, snow, and winter that won’t go away!

Spring or 2019 - Wildflowers, snow, and winter that won’t go away!

A few years ago, I experienced a drought of clouds for what seemed like an eternity.  Every time I went on a photo expedition it was nothing but blue skies. It was frustrating as I love clouds in my landscape images. 

Now the cloud “drought” was not all bad as any day in the Eastern Sierra is a good day; with or without clouds.  The lack of clouds forced me to experiment with new compositions and subjects which made me a better photographer.  In the end I still wanted clouds.

That is were we are heading to!

That is were we are heading to!

I am here to say with the Spring of 2109 my cloud drought is over.  The last couple of meanderings has been off the charts.  There were clouds, and I mean awesome clouds, everywhere you looked.  They weren’t high clouds, so they didn’t go orange and red at sunrise and sunset, but it didn’t matter.  Their size, complexity, brutishness made them totally photogenic.  The main key to getting great images was to just get out there, and stay out there, capturing the clouds as they morphed throughout the day.  All the while I was in heaven. 

The road and clouds inviting us to explore!

The road and clouds inviting us to explore!

I am doing research on a photography class I am going to teach at the Mono Arts Council in the fall.  The class will not focus technology but on using personal vision, style, and composition to create “remarkable” photographs.  During this cloudfest I started to apply some of the things that were newly learned from my research..  It was difficult to do things differently. 

I may be biased but it made a huge positive difference in the impact of the images I was able to create. I will have to wait to see if the peer reviews from my fellow photographers agree with my self-assessment.

In any case sit back and enjoy my vision of heaven on earth, even though it is extremely cloudy.

Storms over the Eastern Sierra. Lots of snow still on Mammoth!

Storms over the Eastern Sierra. Lots of snow still on Mammoth!

Symmetry in Nature

Symmetry in Nature

and on and on and on! Truly Heaven on Earth!

and on and on and on! Truly Heaven on Earth!

FYI, as I mentioned above I will be teaching a Photography Composition class at the Mono Arts Gallery on September 28th. Then on the 29th will facilitate a field trip to put what you learn into practice. You can sign up here. Would love to see you there!

Feel free to comment and share!

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

The End of the Line (well maybe) - Keeler

On the east side of the dry Owens Lake, southeast of Lone Pine on Hwy 136, is town named Keeler. I think the best description of Keeler comes from the website Weird California:

“Keeler is practically a ghost town. Many of the buildings are falling apart, the lake it sits on is dry, the mines the town was built to support have been played out, yet still about fifty people live in the town, so a complete ghost town it is not.”

On the east side of the dry Owens Lake, southeast of Lone Pine on Hwy 136, is a town named Keeler. I think the best description of Keeler comes from the website Weird California:

“Keeler is practically a ghost town. Many of the buildings are falling apart, the lake it sits on is dry, the mines the town was built to support have been played out, yet still about fifty people live in the town, so a complete ghost town it is not.”

Owens Lake Silver-Lead Furnace State Registered Landmark

Owens Lake Silver-Lead Furnace State Registered Landmark

First things first. Thousands of years before Keeler existed there where humans living in the area. The proof is the petroglyphs in the area. The interpretation of these petroglyphs is a bit more interesting and controversial than most other petroglyph sites. Scholar Berry Fell has hypothesized that these petroglyphs were created by early European Celts thousands of years ago. That some of the markings were designed to mark the equinox(s). Many find that hard to believe. For an interesting read see the Equinox Project website.

Owens Petroglyphs

Owens Petroglyphs

While it does not look like it now, the establishment of Hawley, Keeler’s original name, was based on capitalistic business competition. Mortimer Belshaw who was a miner and a smelter owner in Cerrro Gordo area wanted to bypass the Owens-Lake Silver-Lead Company which had a smelter and the only shipping dock in a town called Swansea. In 1873 Mortimer bought a shipping paddle wheel vessel named the Bessie Bradie. He built his own dock in Hawley (Keeler) just south of Swansea so he could bypass the the struggling Owens-Lake Silver-Lead Company. Things got even worse for the Owens-Lake Silver-Lead company when a flash flood in the summer of 1884 created a mudslide that inundated the town of Swansea.

Swansea - This was taken a few years ago today the roof is now gone. One heck a view they had though!

Swansea - This was taken a few years ago today the roof is now gone. One heck a view they had though!

Hawley really wasn’t a town just a transit hub. That was until Julius Keeler showed up in 1879. In 1880 the Cerro Gordo mine was having a revival and Julius wanted to take advantage of it. He started dreaming up plans for a new ore mill and town to surround it. He made his dreams a reality and the mill opened in 1881 and the town was formed.

Good fortune seldom lasts and Julius had some bad luck in 1882. He spent a ton of money to refurbish the Bessie Bradie only to see it catch fire and burn just after the project was completed. The loss of the Bessie Bradie ended shipping ore over the Owens Lake for good.

Keeler Bud 4x6.jpg

In 1883, with the arrival of the Carson and Colorado Railroad Keeler again became a freight hub. As with almost all mines the Cerro Gordo began to peak in the late 1880 and 90’s.

No 18 Slim Princess of the Carson and Colorado Railroad

No 18 Slim Princess of the Carson and Colorado Railroad

Keeler was resilient however, and was saved in the early 1900’s by renewed mining activity. In 1906 a smelter was built at Keeler to process silver ores. In 1907, zinc mining became king and created another Keeler revival. Mining operating would increase and decrease in spits and spats until the Cerro Gordo mines closed permanently in 1933.

1913 marked another important turning point for Keeler. It was the first year water was diverted from The Owens Lake to Los Angeles. Initially the shrinking lake provided an economic opportunity for Keeler. Soda processing from the dry lake helped Keeler survive after the Cerro Gordo mines closed.

Time was not on Keeler’s side however. In 1960, economic activity had slowed enough that the railroad terminal closed and the tracks were removed. Since then Keeler has slowly deconstructed into what it is today.

Keeler Beach

Keeler Beach

Currently around 50-60 folks live in the town. Keeler is now part ghost town, part desert outpost, and part eclectic entity. Call Keeler what you want, I call it a cool place to visit.

Eclectic Residence

Eclectic Residence

Old Gas Pump

Old Gas Pump

I have yet found the land marker that has the quote below but somewhere in Keeler there is this historical marker that says”

”Keeler End of the Line

From Mount House, Nevada, narrow gauge rails of the Carson & Colorado reached this site in 1883. As Cerro Gordo and other mines faltered, the rail line fell on hard times, so plans to extend the line to Mojave were abandoned, leaving Keeler as "End of the Line".

Dedicated May 12, 1973 Slim Princess Chapter E Clampus Vitus Inyo County Board of Supervisors”

Keeler Swimming Pool looking out towards the Sierra and Horseshoe Meadow Road

Keeler Swimming Pool looking out towards the Sierra and Horseshoe Meadow Road

Keeler may be the end of the line but is worth a visit!

For some great old pictures of Keeler check out Owens Valley History - Keeler page.

If you liked this post please leave a comment and feel free to share.

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Bob Kent Bob Kent

My 12 Best Images of 2018

The 12 Best of 2018

Why 12?  To be different.  Everyone else has a Top 10.  Besides I like the idea of one for each month.  Even though I did not take as many images last year, it was an awesome year for my photography. Mainly for two reasons.

  1. During most of my trips up to the Eastern Sierra there were luscious clouds in the sky.  Nothing improves a landscape photo like clouds.

  2.   I started concentrating on the improving the composition of my images. Specifically working on improving the foreground area.  To me, it made a huge difference.

So here we go.

The 12 Best of 2018

Why 12?  To be different.  Everyone else has a Top 10.  Besides I like the idea of one for each month.  Even though I did not take as many images last year, it was an awesome year for my photography. Mainly for two reasons.

  1. During most of my trips up to the Eastern Sierra there were luscious clouds in the sky.  Nothing improves a landscape photo like clouds.

  2.   I started concentrating on the improving the composition of my images. Specifically working on improving the foreground area.  To me, it made a huge difference.

So here we go.

# 12 Independence God Rays

The most unexpected spots sometimes consistently provide the most awesome images.  In this case there is a pocket park located on the south side of Independence.  It is a nice spot to stretch the legs and take a health break.  On multiple times I have captured incredible images like this with awesome light and clouds.  Right from within 15 feet of the street next to the park.  Notice how the foreground creates an alter for the God rays.

Independence God Rays -1361 Final Cropped.jpg

# 11 Hot Creek Sunset

The area behind the Hot Creek gorge is one of my favorite places to watch a sunrise or sunset.  The area around a certain white bridge is well magical during a sunrise or sunset.  Add awesome clouds high enough to catch the suns last rays and change colors, well see for yourself.  Think a couple of chairs, a bottle of wine, and some good company.

Hot Creek Sunset I -9363 V1.1-13.jpg

# 10 Clouds Over the Owens Valley

Remember the first reason I said my 2018 images were awesome? Yes clouds.  I have always loved the cumulus clouds that have a flat bottom.  Bit of trivia as here is the explanation of why they have flat bottoms. The flat bottoms of cumulus clouds define the exact height at which a critical combination of temperature and air pressure causes water vapor within the rising current to condense into a visible cloud.

Clouds Over the Owens Valley II --2.jpg

# 9 Minaret Sunset

Sometime bad things produce beautiful scenes.  Forest fires are natural but with the drought and other factors the fires of late have been terrible.  Their smoke at sunset though creates some of the most beautiful sunsets you will see.  This is the case with this sunset over the Minarets and the smoke from the Lions fire. The Minaret vista has a wonderful view but trying to capture it as a still image is difficult. In some places there are tall trees that obstruct the main image. In others there is nothing and the impact of the image gets lost in a mass of complexity.  Even though I only had a few minutes to capture the scene I walked around and found the foreground to anchor the image. I think it paid off. Do you?

Minarete Sunset IV-9456 V1.1-50.jpg

# 8 June Lake with Moon

June Lake is gorgeous.  For years I have tried to get an image of June Lake that captured the feelings I get when I view the lake.  I have always come up empty and this year I focused on getting an image that I liked.  I got several, but I think this one shows the lake off at its best.  Morning alpenglow, still water, clouds, and the moon.

June Lake w Moon -3281 Mid 1.1.jpg

# 7 Heart Lake Viewpoint

The Heart Lake trail out of Coldwater campground, was a hike I did not take for years because I thought it was too short and did not have any special scenery.  Was I ever wrong as it had some spectacular view, wildflower, and if you walked past the lake just a bit this scene?! This scene has three of Mammoth’s most widely recognizable locations in one view: Mammoth Mountain, Lake Mary, and Mammoth Crest.  Another example of using the foreground to make the image more interesting.

Heart Lake Viewpoint II -9361 V1.1-46.jpg

# 6 Heart Lake

Heart Lake is a small lake with only a hint of any interesting geology formations visible  Just a simple little alpine lake.  Sometimes simpler is better.

Heart Lake -9326.jpg

# 5 Grant Lake with White Line

Three things led to this capture.  

One, the willingness just to wander. We had done the June Lake Loop earlier from the other direction but coming home with the clouds and sunset we decided to do it again.

Two, preparedness - five minutes before the clouds were ten times more colorful, five minutes after the light was gone.  Like Goldilocks’ porridge this was just right.  I usually travel with the camera ready to go and already on the tripod.  Being ready allowed me to capture the image.

Three, listen to your photographer’s assistant. My wife has developed a keen eye for scenes worth stopping for.  I was in a keep driving mode and she told me to stop and take the image. She was right, this image got more comments on Facebook than almost all my other posts.


Grant Lake White Line -3431 Mid 1.1-22.jpg

# 4 Parker Lake with Logs

I do most of my shooting very early in the morning or around sunset.  The hike to Parke Lake is one of my favorite hikes; one I have done many times.  When I went with some others on a mid-morning hike, I did not plan on doing much shooting.  I was stunned when we reached the lake, the water was still fairly calm and the light was not too harsh.  I took my time to find the foreground to anchor the image and came away with one of my favorite images of my favorite lake.  Shows that you should never assume and approach the creation of your art with an open mind.

Parker Lake w Logs -8881 V1.1-5.jpg

# 3 Sage Hen Road with Trees

We were taking some friends on a day tour of the cool things around Mammoth in the fall.  Even though this location had passed its fall color peak, I thought the views were worth going there.  Well sometimes it all just works; the light coming through the leaves, the blue sky with clouds, and a nice leading line.

Sagehen Road w Trees 1 -1266 Final.jpg

# 2 Whitney Fish Hatchery

The Whitney Fish Hatchery is a wonderful oasis in the Owens Valley.  The building is picture card perfect but one I had never captured to my liking.  This day all the elements of a great image were working overtime; the clouds, the light, just everything.  While my photographer’s assistant was setting up our picnic, I walked around to see if I could find a new perspective.  Did I hit the jackpot!  This was the FB post and calendar page that got the most comments. I think you can see why.

Whitney Fish Hatchery Palms -1487 Final-1.jpg

# 1 Cloudy Silver Lake

I knew as soon as I took this picture it would be the best image I captured on this trip and probably of the whole year.  It is a rare gift to get still water and storm clouds.  It is even a rare gift to get them late in the day.  This image is taken from one of our favorite places to sit and have a picnic.  We just sit and soak up the beauty around us. Occasionally, we will have deer and ducks join us to make it even more special. it was tough to choose between Whitney Fish Hatchery and this image as the best.  Our personal connection to this spot was the tie breaker.

Cloudy Silver Lake -3481 Mid Cropped-23.jpg

The above is my ranking, which of these images was your favorite?  The bar is set high for 2019 but it will be fun to beat this list. Just pray for a cloudy 2018!


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Bob Kent Bob Kent

Dad Why Do the Trees Change Colors?

Every year I reluctantly hang on to summer and resist the coming of Fall.  Despite my best efforts the days keep getting noticeably shorter, the nights have a chill, and heck it is mid-September and just snowed in the Sierra!  So, I will throw in the towel and look forward to Halloween and Fall colors.  Hopefully, this post will give you a bit of trivia and a lot of information on how to successfully see Fall colors in the Sierra.

Bishop Canyon

Every year I reluctantly hang on to summer and desperately resist the coming of Fall.  Despite my best efforts the days keep getting shorter, the nights have a chill, and heck it is mid-September and it just snowed in the Sierra!  So, I will throw in the towel and look forward to Halloween and Fall Colors.  Hopefully, this post will give you a bit of trivia to impress your friends and a lot of information on how to successfully see the Fall colors in the Sierra.

Bishop Canyon

Why do leaves change color?

The short answer is simply the leaves get less light.  There is more to it than that!  Here is your trivia facts that you can use to impress your fellow Fall Color lovers. 

Trivia Fact 1. In fall the days grow shorter.  The reduction in the total amount of light the tree leaves receive induces a chemical change causing a corky wall to form between the twig stem and the main portion of the leaf. 

After a while this corky wall causes the leaf to drop off the tree. Before it falls however, the wall blocks the in and exit vessels which traps sugars in the leaves. With reduced light an no new food the green chlorophyll pigments die.  This allows us to see the two other pigments the leaves always have had - carotene (yellow) and anthocyanin (red).

Trivia Fact 2. The reason the leaves look more vibrant after sunny days is that the sunlight continues to produce anthocyanins after the blockage occurs.  During cloudy days less anthocanin is created and the leaves take on a more pastel tones.

Weir Pond

Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Locations

While the Maine, Vermont, and the Rockies are better known for their fall colors there are plenty of places in the Eastern Sierra that put on quite a show. As the California Fall Color Web Site says “Dude, autumn happens here too.”  Here are a some of the locations that usually have good showings:

  • Big Pine Canyon
  •  Bishop Creek Canyon
  • Lower Rock Creek
  •  Rock Creek Canyon
  •  McGee Creek
  •  Convict Lake
  • June Lake Loop
  • Sagehen Summit (Hwy 120)
  • Lee Vining Canyon
  • Lundy Canyon
  •  Virginia Lakes
  •  Conway Summit
  • Walker River Canyon
  • Lobdell Lake
  • Monitor Pass
  • Hope Valley

Viewing Etiquette

During the peak viewing time, there are tons of site-seers and photographers.  Lately there are a lot of Photography Tour groups as well.  There is enough beauty to go around to see so folks please be respectful of your fellow viewers!  I remember a time where I was at North Lake very early in the morning.  The sunrise was so beautiful and peaceful.  That was until a large group of tourist that had broken up into two groups decided it was okay to loudly yell things to each other across the lake, ruining the peace for all others.  Think before you yell, walk in front of someone’s camera scene, or bogart a location while other photographers are waiting behind you.

McGee Creek

Incredibly Helpful Resources for Planning Your Trip

 Generally, the colors start changing first at higher altitudes usually in late September and the 1st week in October is best overall for color viewing. Unfortunately, it is not that simple.  The change in fall colors is a very fickle thing.  It does not always start on time.  One location might look gorgeous one day then after a sudden wind storm, cold freeze, or snow storm be totally decimated the next day.

Fortunately, there are a lot of kind people that actively track and publish the current conditions.  Some of the best sites are:

Lower Rock Creek

Best blog post and How To Book

G. Dan Mitchell provide an incredible amount of valuable info!

·         Sierra Nevada Fall Color Season – Coming Sooner Than You Think!

Hope this helps you in your quest to see one of nature’s best shows.  Maybe I will see you out there among the colors!