Binoculars in the Backcountry: Fall Colors and Big Mountains along Bishop Creek

Two hikes were planned this past weekend included seeing the start of the fall colors season at the highest elevations in two of Bishop Creeks major basins. Friday we went up the middle fork to its farthest reaches at Echo Lake, and Sunday was a jaunt to North and Grass Lakes on the north fork.

Echo Lake

18 miles

Map track

Trail tunnel through color

The shorter fall days call for an early start from the Lake Sabrina trailhead for what we know will be a long day, so we are off by 7:30. The aspens above 9,000 feet are peaking now and the entire lake basin is alive with patches of color. Moving along the ups and downs of the trail beside Sabrina we can't help but stare out over the lake at the cliff faces on the west side. This color stays with us most of the way to Blue Lake as we enter the higher alpine country and move beyond the aspens.

Aspen color on the west side of Lake Sabrina

The roller-coaster that is the divide between Blue Lake and Dingleberry Lake always seems more difficult than it is, but soon enough we are past it and on our way farther up the middle fork of Bishop Creek as it drains four separate glacial cirques from higher in the canyon. The namers of the lakes in this basin obviously had a good time with monikers like: Topsy Turvy, Pee Wee, Hungry Packer, Hell Diver, Bottleneck, and Fishgut. Some of the most impressive mountains on the Sierra Crest stand guardian over these lakes: Clyde Pinacles, Picture Peak, Mt. Darwin, Mt. Wallace, and Mt. Haeckel. It is awe inspiring to visit anywhere in this basin.

Blue Lake with morning shadows

Dingleberry Lake

Sailor Lake with Picture Peak

Sierra Granite

Moonlight Lake

From the outlet of Moonlight Lake the rest of the route is occasional faint use trail ending in the 500+ foot ascent up a talus and scree slope to the outlet of Echo Lake. This large lake sits at the base of the impressive Clyde Pinnacles and makes a great spot for a late lunch.

With sunset coming earlier these fall days, we push a little to reverse the route back to the start. We make it with a few minutes to spare, no headlamps needed this day, enjoying the beautiful sunset over Lake Sabrina.

Moonlight Lake from near Echo Lake

Final approach to Echo Lake

Echo Lake

Conglomerate boulder

Moonlight Lake

Sunset over Lake Sabrina

Bird Lists:

Lake Sabrina
Blue Lake
Dingleberry Lake
Topsy-Turvy Lake
Moonlight Lake
Echo Lake

North and Grass Lakes Loop

8 miles

Map track

While Friday was all about big mountains and seeing some fall colors along the way, this hike was all about leaves. This is our favorite exercise hike from Aspendell, one we do all year long including in winter with snowshoes. We get started early again climbing the old trail from Aspendell to North Lake above the Cardinal Mine. From North Lake we ascend the fisherman trail to Grass Lake and return on the Lamarck Lake trail. The birding highlight of the morning is a small flock of noisy Red Crossbills at the Grass and Lamarck Trail intersection. The trees so far this year are an interesting mix, some have already shed leaves completely, others are at peak, while many are still completely green. I suppose the lingering drought has an effect on the trees and how they respond to shorter days and cooler temperatures. Still, a beautiful morning of hiking!