"It ain't over 'til it's over" pretty much sums up this season of fall leaf color watching in the Eastern Sierra.
While the color has run its course at all our map stops, Yosemite is still hanging on. There are still enough late-turning big leaf maples to provide a good amount of color.
The few trees that still have leaves are again centered mainly in the Fern Spring area and will hold barely through the weekend if the snow and wind allow.
Where there isn't color there really is: The fallen leaves have created a beautiful brightly colored path through the trees along the Merced River. You will need a tripod because this area is in dense shadow. Do a custom white-balance too as the colors will look more natural.
There are scattered big leaf maples turning color throughout the rest of the valley that are visually nice but probably not what photographers would call "filling the frame."
As I mentioned last week, the black cottonwoods are 100 percent fallen and the oaks aren't far behind. There is a tiny bit of color in a few oaks in the Cook's Meadow area but El Capitan and Bridalveil meadows are completely fallen.
The infamous elm tree in Cook's Meadow has turned brown and most of the leaves have fallen. Check the gallery for photos.
But, as a friend told me, "anytime in Yosemite is better than no time."
Ironically, the only good reflection of a couple yellow big leaf maples in the Merced River area is near the Bridalveil Fall turnout on Northside Drive. That's completely blocked with sewer construction. Hopefully that won't be an issue if you're planning a trip to Yosemite this weekend.
If you're traveling to Yosemite this weekend, be prepared for rain and snow in the upper altitudes. I spoke with a ranger today who said the forecast is calling for snow to about 5,400 feet. Yosemite Valley is about 4,000 feet, so no snow there but rain.
He also mentioned that Highway 120, the Tioga Pass road, will probably be closed as well as the road to Glacier Point.
I did find some very bright color on Highway 41 toward Fresno that will more than make up for the sparse color in the valley.
One mile north of Chinquapin on Highway 41 is an artist's pallet of color alongside the mountain. Four miles south of Chinquapin on Highway 41 is a stand of dogwood trees that is in perfect red color, much better than the flat pink ones in the valley.
This drive will reward you with great color. The overcast sky will add to the range of colors available to photograph. Make sure to perform a custom white-balance in your camera so the colors will render perfectly.
Next week, I'll begin tracking color in the foothills and Sacramento area. Send us your sightings.
Best bets for leaf color
Besides Yosemite, Christmas Valley has one good river scene left, but it's not worth the trip for that alone.
All other areas have completely fallen.
Antelope Valley has really surprised me as the color there this week has gone mostly brown. My guess is that the heritage cottonwoods Antelope Valley is known for will probably be in full color next week. If that's the case, it will be worth the drive.
My other best choice is Bishop and Round Valley. The heritage cottonwoods are full of color and will last through next week unless the storm is more severe than forecast. Pastures, barns and farm machinery are just a few of the compositional elements to choose from.
See the map with color rankings here.
Weather
The weather this weekend will be a concern so check before you go. Many travelers won't want to be on the "far side" of the Sierra with a storm approaching, but remember this photographic tip about a landscape photograph: "light gives it life but clouds give it character."
Get complete weather forecasts and information here.
On the road
All construction has been completed and no delays are expected. Check the CalTrans website for road conditions before you leave.
Gas prices have fallen since last week. I always fill up at Topaz Lake Casino, which is three miles north of where Highway 89 meets Highway 395. I paid $3.77. Then I fill up in Bishop. Gas along Highway 395 from Walker to Bishop still averages about $4.90 to $5.00. Gas in Bishop at the Giggle Springs, Arco and Paiute Casino stations is in the $3.77 range.
Lodging
Most motels in the Eastern Sierra have rooms but if the snow closes passes on Highway 395, rooms may be hard to find. It is a good idea to call ahead just in case.
Try these websites for hotel listings:
Good eats
The restaurants in the Bishop area are open year-round. The Thai Thai restaurant at the airport in Bishop is reported to have excellent food. Old friends tell me it is the best.
Photography tips
Brush up on your photographic skills 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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