Almost time to see nature’s spectacular displays of color


And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

— John Muir

I realized I had stopped fishing.

I had entered a paradise of natural beauty where time and purpose seemed to stop.

I could only sit by the banks of the Sierra stream as the water tumbled musically over the rocks and gasp at the splendor that surrounded me.

This was the first day of what would become an annual fall trip to the Eastern Sierra. It was early October, and I knew the aspen groves would be ablaze in autumn hues, but I was not prepared for what I was seeing.

I had come to fish, but nature was on full display.

This was one of those spectacular fall color years in the Sierra, but on many trips since some years were better than others, but none have ever been bad.

Over time, my annual October fishing trips have turned into fall color visits with a little fishing tossed in.

California’s Eastern Sierra is an overpowering vertical world, created by massive geological forces, grinding glaciers, torrential water flows and howling winds.

Within the embrace of the Sierra there are also vast forest expanses, gentle meadows, summer fields of wildflowers, sparkling streams and untouched wilderness.

But when the aspen groves ignite in autumn glory there is more than visual beauty.

The season brings a focus to nature’s cycles.

There is an intensity as both plants and animals prepare for the coming winter, and a reverence for the overpowering beauty.

The American Northeast has traditionally been considered the epicenter of fall color, but the Eastern Sierra is not far behind as the reds, oranges and yellows begin to appear at higher elevations and then flow down aspen-choked canyons as winter gets nearer.

Last fall I wrote about the more subtle but beautiful fall colors that can be found here in San Diego County’s backcountry.

The black oaks at higher elevations of Mount Palomar, Julian, Cuyamaca and Laguna fade from summer green to delicate hues of red and yellow in October.

Drivers along San Diego’s rural highways can discover groves of cottonwood trees sporting dazzling fall yellows in late October and November.

I often forget to alert readers to these coming shows of nature’s beauty, and I’m always surprised at how many messages I get asking when and where to go to see autumn leaves.

Just in time, a note came from Lara Kaylor, the new editor of California Fall Color, a popular, free website that launches each fall with real-time information on where autumn hues are emerging throughout the Golden State.

“We have a fresh look just in time for the 2024 fall season,” Kaylor wrote.

The website, californiafallcolor.com, will have a different look, but content will remain the same, providing viewers with reliable and up-to-date information to track the fall bloom.

Volunteer color spotters send in regular reports during the fall color season, and California Fall Color is always looking for new spotters to provide the latest information. Guidelines for submitting color reports are available on the website.

“Photography is still the highlight of the website, but with improved navigation to the latest posts, tracking fall color across California and planning your own trip is easier than ever,” Kaylor said. “Our website is known for its user generated content.”

Kaylor recently took over as editor of California Fall Color and decided it was time for a new look.

Working with designers, a new logo was created, but the archive of historical photos submitted over the past 15 years has been retained.

“Because 80 percent of Californians live along the Pacific coast where there is very little fall color, most Californians don’t think of their state as having much fall color to go out and see. However, California has the longest and most varied seasonal change of fall color in North America,” Kaylor said.

Visits to California Fall Color can provide leaf peepers with the latest information on what foliage is in color, the location and the phase from just starting to patchy, near peak, go now, peak or past peak color.

The site also contains maps, tips and trip planning information to help those looking to travel to the prime color locations.

Some of the most popular spots, such as the color canyons of the Eastern Sierra, can become crowded during the two weeks or so of peak color. Now is the time to secure lodging if you are thinking about an October visit.

A little time in the glowing aspen groves of fall can most certainly help you find your soul.

Cowan is a freelance columnist. Email ernie@packtrain.com or visit erniesoutdoors.blogspot.com.

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