Eastern Sierra’s amazing autumnal palette
An aspen grove lights up the area around South Lake. Higher elevations like this have peaked, but the stretch along California 168 still offers vibrant fall colors. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Recent snow replenished this waterfall along Bishop Creek, just minutes from the U.S. 395 turnoff in Bishop. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
In Mammoth, the skiing is usually the thing. But before the big snows hit, check out the area’s lakes. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Aspen against June Lake, visible from the June Lake Loop, which is worth the trip all by itself. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
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The full Sierra palette is on display in the June Lake Loop: blues, buttermilk granite, leaves of all color, but mostly golds. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
At Gull Lake, off the June Lake Loop, the woods and shorelines are full of late autumn colors. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Country roads like this are particularly peaceful this time of year. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Aspen leaves make a distinctive clicking sound when the breeze hits them. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
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Lundy Lake shimmers through an aspen grove in late October. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Early-morning clouds against the Eastern Sierra in the Lundy Canyon area, north of Mono Lake. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Recent snows have made the aspen fields even more dramatic around Lundy Canyon. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
McGee Creek is minutes off U.S. 395, and features great hiking and camping. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
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Sheep move through a pasture along U.S. 395, just south of Mammoth Lakes. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)