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Fall Colors, South Fork Bishop Creek Canyon
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The Bishop Creek area is only the largest, most accessible location to view the fall bonanza from the town of Bishop. Further north, up Hwy 395 towards Mammoth Lakes, youll find other valleys full of changing leaves. Elevations are higher though the roads arent quite as steep. Stop at Toms Place, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, or Mammoth Lakes. Each posses unique qualities that are waiting for discovery. The northern edge of Owens Valley reveals the June Lake Loop. At higher altitudes, tree stands are much larger and cover greater portions of the surrounding terrain in this region then at the lower altitudes like those in the Bishop area. Unlike the region near Bishop Creek, the mountain slopes are distant enough to get a larger view of color and rock. Still, we arent talking the wide-open color extravaganza that youd see out east. Im saying theres just enough color to really accent the usually stark nature of the rocky mountains. The northern border of this fall expedition is the town of Lee Vininggateway to Yosemite National Parkat the shores of Mono Lake. This little town is the other end of the valley from Bishop. While Bishop is a thriving metropolis of 4,000 people, Lee Vining is a pittance in comparison. Counting only a couple hundred full time residents in town, Lee Vining is at the crossroads of Hwys 395 and 120. Fortunately, Lee Vining is just the right distance from a morning start in Bishop to relieve the weary leaf hunter from a day enjoying the fall spectacle. It has all the major services such as lodging, gas, sight seeing, and food. Oh the food... Unquestionable the finest eating establishment in Lee Vining and perhaps the entire Owens Valley is the Mobile gas station---the Tioga Gas Mart--at the 395 and 120 crossroads. Sized like a huge convenience store, the station is less a fueling location than a full featured service stop for travelers. Upon entry youll see all the normal tourist trappingsmaps, $3 dollar plastic gifts for 5 years olds, you get the picture& Further in, the wine selection materializes then finally the food counter of the Whoa Nellie Deli. Staffed by its high energy chefMatt Tioga Toomey, theyre waiting to serve you from a menu that includes everything from fish tacos to the finest meatloaf anywhere, excepting of course my deceased Grandma Essie Maes. I think 3/4s of the appeal of the place beyond the outstanding food is the unexpected discovery of its culinary delights. Its a must stop location worthy of adjusting an entire days itinerary just to ensure a visit. You wont be disappointed. The Owens Valley fall experience is unlike any in the United States. While the colors arent the most spectacular, where else will you find such a combination of super high mountain peaks, deep valleys, and colorful Aspens mixed in. Its a study of color and granite thats accessible by anyone with a will. Tom Hill 2 Sep 02 |
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Fall Colors and Visitor at Bishop Creek Canyon
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