Late September fall color update

With the Autumnal Equinox behind us and cool nights giving way to warm days it’s time to keep an eye on the hillsides and valleys surrounding the Mono Basin as the aspens begin to change color.

Reports from visitors and staff at the Mono Lake Committee include:

—June Lake Loop: aspens are about 50% changed around the town of June Lake, but it’s a dull yellow, not brilliant; minimal color along the rest of the loop.
—Parker Bench: dull yellow/gold is spreading through the extensive aspen groves.
—Mt. Gibbs: orangey-yellow is appearing on the flanks of Mt. Gibbs, but no changes yet in the aspens along Walker Creek below the mountain.
—Lee Vining Canyon: no reports yet; have you been there? Leave us a comment below and let us know how it looks.
—Lee Vining Creek Trail: lots of aspens changing in just the last few days; a great walk at any time of the day!
—Lundy Canyon: mostly green with the odd yellow tree appearing; nice orange and yellow color on the high south slopes of the canyon.
—Virginia Lakes area: bright yellow trees and changing underbrush on the slopes.

There are several great resources for following the changing fall color in the Eastern Sierra. The folks at California Fall Color post often with many photos, and you can follow them on Twitter as well for instant updates. Sacramento Bee reporter David Henry spends a few weeks in the Eastern Sierra at this time of year, updating the Bee’s fall leaves section regularly. And check back here frequently for more photos and updates too!