The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

Living here helps with the hiking at altitude. I work at 8000' everyday. That is a huge plus when hiking above 10k. lol

If you can free up 3-4 days the best hike in the area, IMO, is the North Lake to South Lake loop. It's long and the elevation gain and loss is a bit punishing but it puts you in arguably the most beautiful section of the Sierra. There's enough info online that I won't bore you with the logistics but it's 33 miles with about 10K of gain and loss throughout the hike. Super awesome hike.

 

I'll definitely have to check this out! Sounds like it'd be a great few day backpacking trip.

 

+1 for the beauty.

But something always troubles me. The Trinity Alps. Maybe because it's just different but you owe yourself a visit to the place.

 

Love it. We did Horton (and beyond) in the fall and it was fantastic. Blue looks amazing, will need to add that to the list.

 

Awesome fall colors! I'm hoping to make it up the 395 in the next month or so to check the colors out myself.

 

Reposting incase anyone can help dude out. From 4 runner forum.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/new-here-and-im-stuck-in-ca.34007/

 

Seems to be making progress on his own.

edit: And he reports being out of trouble....

 

Loved backpacking in Trinity Alps. Doing Devils backbone, not so much......

 

https://youtu.be/qJkt8VqC7WI?si=sI-1r-sOEAeyqJXi

 

From a "fall colors" email from Mammoth:


COLOR GUIDE
0-10% - Just Starting
10-50% - Patchy
50-75% - Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% - Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak - (You Missed It)

VIRGINIA LAKES
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The Virginia Lakes basin once again holds the top spot for this week's fall color viewing. Find the brightest yellow trees near the top of Virginia Lakes Road, both along the road and around the lakes.

SAGEHEN SUMMIT
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The aspen groves at higher elevation will likely be at their peak in the next 5 days!
Note: There are no bathroom facilities at this location. Please do not park on the side of the road blocking access.

ROCK CREEK
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Take a drive-up Rock Creek, where the whole canyon is now showing off in yellow and orange. Golden trees now surround Rock Creek Lake, making it the ideal location for spectacular fall photography.

TIOGA PASS
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Golden grasses, bushes, and shrubs continue to flourish near the Tioga Pass area. Aspen trees around Lee Vining and up the canyon are beginning to turn, and the bushes and grasses provide an excellent foreground of fall color for scenic views of Mono Lake.

CONWAY SUMMIT
10-50% Patchy
There are a few standout groves of yellow up the hill, but mostly green near US 395 at the summit.

CONVICT CANYON/CROWLEY/MCGEE CREEK
10-50% Patchy

McGee Creek Canyon: Shades of yellows and lime line the creeks, casting colors throughout the canyon.

Convict Lake: Golden and lime hues line the banks of Convict Lake, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a leisurely stroll among the trees; a scenic path winds its way along the back of the lake, immersing you in a lush canopy of changing leaves.

Crowley Lake: Deciduous trees in the Crowley Lake community are now beginning to change, with colors that will slowly cascade down the hill into town over the next few weeks.

LAKES BASIN
10-50% Patchy
Colors within the Mammoth Lakes Basin have become more widespread, especially with the bushes. This is a great option for call colors right within Mammoth Lakes!

JUNE LAKE LOOP
10-50% Patchy
Yellow leaves have made their appearance near the Parker Bench. A couple groves of color have begun to appear north of Silver Lake but are still getting going.
Note: Use caution on Hwy 158, as it is a narrow road from Silver Lake past Grant Lake.

 

Posting. Yes I was stuck out there and over my head, I'm working my research and skills now. I'm acquainted with the local tow service too.

 

I really wish I had time to go this month. Going to have to save it for next year.

 

This makes me even more impatient for our upcoming trip at the end of this month.

 

I'm headed up Oct 22-25. Hoping to catch the tail end of the colors!

 

I'm interested in if we can loosely organize weekend check in schemes for 395 south / north. People are coming and going, and yeah everybody has lotsa miles to cover out there, but we can do quick meetups at stops or quick daytrips for those with open days. And if shit gets weird /broken for someone out there we've got some word of mouth going. A very mild general support scheme. An internet offroad thread.

I have a few friends and they're all pretty busy and live hours from me.

 

Does this site allow actual private messages, or, are the conversations we start public?

 

They're private.

 

Just you, the person you're talking to, and your assigned FBI agent.

 

Wrong agency....

 

I'm not clear on what you're asking. What does "scheme" mean in this context?
Is it trip reports?
Fall colors?
Road conditions?
Or are you inquiring about a group excursion? The latter would be difficult because of logistics. If you're asking for a group trip, be the planner and throw out possible dates and see who's in.

I'd ask first if you've read through this thread? It seems you're new to TW. Welcome.
Where, and how, do you do your research? There are many here who have done a lot of research online and by actually driving the roads out in the region. Please be specific if there's a place you're curious about and most likely you can get some information. Some places may be lesser known and you may not get information. Keep it secret, keep it safe. Too many places have been overwhelmed by people seeking attention on the gram/social media and because of this they have now come under tighter regulation and management.