An aspen grove lights up the area around South Lake. Higher elevations like this have peaked, but the stretch along California 168 still offers vibrant fall colors. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Recent snow replenished this waterfall along Bishop Creek, just minutes from the U.S. 395 turnoff in Bishop. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
In Mammoth, the skiing is usually the thing. But before the big snows hit, check out the area’s lakes. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Aspen against June Lake, visible from the June Lake Loop, which is worth the trip all by itself. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
The full Sierra palette is on display in the June Lake Loop: blues, buttermilk granite, leaves of all color, but mostly golds. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
At Gull Lake, off the June Lake Loop, the woods and shorelines are full of late autumn colors. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Country roads like this are particularly peaceful this time of year. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Aspen leaves make a distinctive clicking sound when the breeze hits them. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Lundy Lake shimmers through an aspen grove in late October. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Early-morning clouds against the Eastern Sierra in the Lundy Canyon area, north of Mono Lake. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Recent snows have made the aspen fields even more dramatic around Lundy Canyon. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
McGee Creek is minutes off U.S. 395, and features great hiking and camping. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Sheep move through a pasture along U.S. 395, just south of Mammoth Lakes. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
