October is a good time to visit California’s Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From Lone Pine to Mammoth Lakes, the colors were on fire!
Fall Colors In California’s Eastern Sierras
Tag: Owens Valley
Alabama Hills Is In California!
It’s at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range near Lone Pine, California. It’s made up of unusual rock formations and large boulders that climbers love to tackle. It is a desert type ecosystem located on Federal BLM land. You may have recognized the landscape as this area was used in the opening scene of the movie “Iron Man”.
California’s Eastern Sierras
Although not covered in deep snow yet, the Eastern Sierras from Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills are sublime. The morning light along with some clouds and fog made for some good shots.
The Sierras Are Practically Snowless
I took a turn out of Northern Death Valley NP and went into California’s Owens Valley. Not surprisingly, the Sierras had little snow. The first image is from last winters snow level in Owens Valley and the last three are from this years winter. Quite a difference.
Wintry Owens Valley
In the middle of my visit to Death Valley last week, I made a side trip through California’s Owens Valley. The snow level was much lower than in previous years as California has been hit with numerous storms this winter. Unfortunately, low clouds obscured the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
A Splash Of Yellow, Orange, Gold, Red And Everything In Between
More autumn color from the Sierra Nevada Mountains which are adjacent to Owens Valley in Eastern California.
The Majestic Sierra Nevada’s
The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is very approachable from Owens Valley. You can drive up to 9,000 feet in elevation and experience the rugged peaks and fresh snow.
California’s Owens Valley
Some autumn images at California’s Owens Valley.
Detour to Alabama Hills in California’s Owens Valley
The normal road I take to Eureka Dunes at Death Valley National Park was washed out. So I had to go around and wouldn’t make it to the dunes that night. So I camped at Alabama Hills near Lone Pine California. It has great views and the camping is free! And the full moon was to rise that night.
California’s Owens Valley
California’s Owens Valley is home to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the west and The White Mountains to the east. Some of the tallest peaks in the country are here. Two weeks ago, a winter storm was blasting through the area and as happens frequently, was unable to move further east to Owens Valley or Death Valley. That’s why these 2 valleys are so dry, especially Death Valley. Located near Lone Pine is the Alabama Hills Recreation Area which is a haven for rock climbers because of the steep and vertical rock formations. The movies Gladiator and Iron Man were partly filmed there along with dozens of others.
