The big question this week: What will happen with fall leaf color the rest of the season?
Guessing what Mother Nature will do is as easy as guessing winning lottery numbers.
My guess is last week's storm in the Eastern Sierra did us a big favor. Why? If color had changed with the same regularity in years past, all the color would have been stripped from the trees last Wednesday and Thursday.
With the color being so late and the majority of leaves still green, I think the color will begin to peak this weekend and last through next weekend.
True, all the color from last week is gone but, green trees aren't as bothered by snow as colored ones and there are a lot of them left to turn.
The snow is almost melted in the high areas, so driving won't be an issue. We are in for some great color over here.
Best bets for leaf color
The best areas for photographers this weekend in the Eastern Sierra will be in the Intake 2 to Aspendell (stop 18 on the map) area and South Fork Bishop Creek around Mountain Glen (stop 19 on the map).
I'm looking for Bishop Park to be as good this year as last year. We need a big shot like that.
The other good shot will be along the old Parcher's road on the south Fork Bishop Creek.
There still are great pockets of color to shoot in the entire Bishop Creek area but the above areas have the greatest concentrations.
Conway Summit is beginning to turn and will have full color by mid-week next week. All the color on the ridge and to Virginia Lakes is gone.
McGee Creek and Convict Lake will have fairly good color this weekend and are worth the hikes to shoot it.
McGee didn't fare as well with the snows of last week but there are a few pockets of green to turn to yellow. The color along the creek is beginning to turn, but there was a lot of limb damage so you might have to scramble over them to get good angles.
Convict cottonwoods are beginning to turn nicely and should be in full color by mid-week.
Rock Creek canyon's walls are still pretty good but falling rapidly. The color is best at the lower end of the canyon. The upper half of the canyon is mostly down especially around the lake.
Luckily, Lee Vining and Lundy canyon's leaves turn late so there shouldn't be much of an issue with these areas.
See the map with color rankings here.
Weather
The weather this weekend is supposed to be sunny and in the mid 60s in Bishop and mid 40s at the lakes in the Bishop Creek area.
Just dress warmly and bring plenty of memory cards.
Get complete weather forecasts and information here.
On the road
Highway 88 at Carson Pass is still controlled by red lights and is one lane. The wait isn't that bad and the trees around Caples Lake are worth the drive when they turn color. Next week should be good in this area.
Gas is about the same price as it was last week. I always fill up at Topaz Lake Casino, which is three miles north of where Highways 89 and 395 meet. I paid $3.89 again. Then I fill up in Bishop. Gas along Highway 395 from Walker to Bishop still averages about $4.90. Gas in Bishop at the Giggle Springs, Arco and Paiute Casino stations is still $3.87.
Lodging
Normally, this weekend is light on tourism for fall colors. However, all the late good color has created a rush for rooms, so call ahead to book.
Try these websites for hotel listings:
Good eats
This time of year, many of the restaurants are seasonal and begin closing as traffic subsides and mountain passes begin to close. The restaurants in the Bishop area are open year-round.
Don't pass up Walker Burger if find yourself in Walker in the Antelope Valley. This great hamburger stand will be closing for the year on Sunday, Oct. 15.
For great authentic Mexican food in Bishop, the locals and tourists flock to La Casita on 175 South Main St. (Highway 395). I'm told by a local friend that the salsa is the best "on the far side of the Sierra."
If you're looking for upscale dining in a casual environment, I'd suggest Whiskey Creek in Bishop. They've got a well-rounded menu. Call ahead for a reservation, because there's usually a wait.
Events
The White Mountains above Bishop are home to the Bristle Cone forest. These trees are magnificent and some date to over 4,000 years old. I recommend visiting them now before more snow storms close the road. Early morning and late evening are the best times to photograph in this area.
If you have an evening free, you might consider seeing a movie in an original small-town theater. The Bishop Twin theater is the only theater for 170 miles. This week the features are "Real Steel" and "Moneyball."
Photography tips
Now's the time to brush up on your photographic skills, so don't miss the opportunity to get help with our Tips & Techniques section.
Share your photos
Upload your own fall foliage photos from any area to the Sacbee reader gallery. Check out what other readers are sharing while you're there.
Email your fall leaf photos from your computer or mobile phone to fall@sacbee.com
Related links
Fall Leaves 2011 special section
Fall Leaves 2011 photo gallery
Fall Leaves 2010 photo gallery
Map: Interactive guide to Sierra fall colors
Story: Plumas County lures leaf peepers
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