Eastern Sierra Fall Color Report **CURRENT CONDITIONS**
Hi friends! As the crispness of Fall begins to settle into California’s Sierra Nevada, the Eastern Sierra landscape transforms into a golden, fiery wonderland. This year, 2024 promises a vibrant season in the coming weeks, especially in the Bishop & Aspendell area along the Bishop Creek Canyon. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, I’ve got you covered with the latest & current Fall foliage updates for some of the most stunning spots to witness the magic of Autumn. Everything reported on below, including all photographs, are from 9/17/24.
FALL COLOR REPORT
• Locations: Aspendell, Bishop Creek, North Lake, Lake Sabrina, Intake 2
• Date: September 17, 2024
• Leaf Color Transition: 5-15%
North Lake Fall colors (9/17/24) - High Sierra
North Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 5-10%
Due to the higher elevation, the North Lake area is typically one of the first to turn, and this year, it’s just starting to show signs of early change. The aspens lining the lake are barely starting to shift from dark green to lime green, while the drive up North Lake Drive is still fairly green. There are some patches of yellow currently, especially around the day-use parking lot. If you’re planning to visit in a week or two, you’ll likely be greeted with breathtaking views of shimmering golden leaves against the backdrop of the lake’s clear waters. Expect peak colors here by early October, depending on upcoming weather conditions...and cold weather is good in this case, because chillier temps will turn that channel of color coming down the mountain into fiery reds and oranges.
Intake Two Fall colors (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
Intake Two
Leaf Color Transition: 5%
This year, the colors around Intake Two have been developing a bit slower due to mild early Autumn weather, but the wait is worth it! You’ll not yet see patches of yellow and orange making their way along the shoreline and hillsides. By early/mid-October, this area should be in full glory, offering reflections of Fall colors on the water’s surface. Intake Two is a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic while soaking in the Fall colors and enjoying some fishing. My insider tip is that the Intake Two campsites are surrounded by aspen trees, meaning these campsites are both protected from the wind and surrounded by stunning Autumn colors in October.
Lake Sabrina Fall colors (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
Lake Sabrina Fall colors (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
Lake Sabrina
Leaf Color Transition: 20-30%
Lake Sabrina is an absolute must-see for 2024’s Fall foliage season. The aspens are already showing signs of brilliance around the lake and surrounding trails. Due to its elevation, this area typically peaks slightly earlier than others, and this year is no exception. By the first week of October, you can expect the landscape to be a mix of vibrant yellows, oranges, and hints of red...and potentially some areas along the hillsides already past peak. Take a hike along the Lake Sabrina Trail for some stunning panoramic views of the colorful aspens framing the lake, or make a quick stop and stroll out along the dam for a breathtaking scene.
Middle Fork Bishop Creek Fall colors (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
Sabrina Basin (Middle Fork Bishop Creek)
Leaf Color Transition: 5-10%
The Sabrina Basin is one of my favorite spots for fall hikes, and this year’s conditions are shaping up beautifully. While many aspen are green, some are also beginning to turn into their signature golden hues (even with a couple small spots that are popping with red!), contrasting beautifully with the rugged peaks in the background. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to explore, the trails around the Middle Fork Bishop Creek are perfect for an afternoon hike, with color already starting to creep into the basin. Peak color is expected in early to mid-October, making this a prime time to visit.
Aspendell & Cardinal Village Fall colors (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
Aspendell & Cardinal Village
Leaf Color Transition: 0-5%
Aspendell and Cardinal Village are currently not yet seeing any color change. The aspens and cottonwoods are starting to brighten up, but everything is still vibrant green. This area tends to develop slightly later than the higher elevations, so by mid to late October, you can expect a full Autumn display, which is the perfect timing for their yearly harvest festival. Aspendell is a charming little area, perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk. Stop by Cardinal Village for a bite to eat and take in the sights—this quaint area is a Fall gem you don’t want to miss!
South Fork Bishop Creek Fall colors (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
South Fork Bishop Creek Area
Leaf Color Transition: 0-5%
For those venturing up towards South Lake, the South Fork Bishop Creek area is showing small signs of Fall colors. There are a couple spots high up on the mountain peak slopes with some yellows and oranges, but the aspens along the creek are primarily green, with some beginning to shift into lighter lime greens. This area tends to peak a little later with the slightly lower elevation, usually by mid-to-late October...so if you’re planning a trip around the middle or end of October, this spot shouldn’t disappoint.
Mist Falls along South Lake Road (9/17/24) - Eastern Sierra
Know Before You Go
• Current Conditions: Fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra can vary depending on temperatures, precipitation & wind, so keep an eye on local weather reports for real-time updates.
• Best Viewing Times: The Bishop Creek Canyon area generally peaks between late September and mid-October (the earlier the cold temperatures arrive the earlier the colors develop and vice-versa). Also keep in mind that the sun will set earlier than you expect due to the high mountain peaks to the west.
• What to Pack: Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evenings, so dress in layers. Don’t forget your camera—this year’s Fall foliage promises to be breathtaking (and consider staying late to enjoy stunning starry night skies with golden Fall colors)!
• Photography Notes: When viewing the colors, the angle and time of day really matters. Sunrise tends to be an incredible time to see the vibrant leaves. North Lake is best photographed with a tripod before sunrise, prior to the sun hitting the hillside. Once the sun is up, try to picture the leaves when backlit by the sun. This shows the most vibrant rich hues...whereas direct sunlight can actually make the fall colors look a bit more dull and muted.
North Lake Fall colors (9/17/24) - High Sierra
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of my Fall Color Report, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Intake Two Campground in Inyo National Forest
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Looking for the best spot to camp & kayak in the Eastern SIerra Nevada Mountains? Join me today as I share my complete travel guide to a camping & kayaking adventure at Convict Lake in the Inyo National Forest. Located in between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop along HIghway 395, this alpine lake is perfect for photography, fishing, boating, and camping, especially during autumn with the fall colors.