Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → Eastern Sierras → Lone Pine to Bishop → Aspendell

Location: West of Bishop, Eastern Sierras, California

Time Required: 1 hour

Red Tape/Notes: None.

What’s Nearby?: Lake Sabrina, Bishop Pass Trail to Long Lake, Bishop Pass Trail to Dusy Basin, North Fork Big Pine Creek

Bishop is mainly notable for two things: it provides one of the easiest access trails to the High Sierra backcountry (via the Bishop Pass Trail, starting at South Lake from where you can hike to Long Lake or continue on over Bishop Pass to Dusy Basin) and it has some of the nicest fall foliage displays you’ll find anywhere (seriously, anywhere…I’m not just talking about in California). And you don’t have to hike to find these magnificent pockets of fall colors, you just drive and there they are. Driving the 168 towards Lake Sabrina, you’ll pass through the small community of Aspendell, which hosts a stunning display of (not surprisingly) aspens. There are some convenient spots to pull out and hike around to enjoy the scenery and colors before heading on to other destinations in the area. Aspendell colors generally peak later than nearby Lake Sabrina and North Lake, so if you miss the peak colors there, Aspendell is a nice option. The California Fall Color blog posts regular updates on peak color conditions starting in September; peak for the area is typically in mid-October.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → Eastern Sierras → Lone Pine to Bishop → Aspendell