Our prior trip to the "East Side" back in May of 2024 was a tour de force of cramming in a little bit of everything, with time in Death Valley, Nevada and the usual Mammoth Lakes and local sites mixed in. https://wentzelphoto.com/death-valley-east-side-and-berlin-nevada-2024
With only four nights to spare, we opted to call the town of Mammoth Lakes, California our home base for the entirety of this adventure. Logan planned our dates crossing our fingers that we'd arrive with fall colors on full display, and boy did were they ever.
Day 1 - A rainy start over Sonora Pass
Day 1 - A rainy start over Sonora Pass
Unsurprisingly, we were the only people that had pulled into this vista point. I thought the lack of views made it quite moody!
Granite Views from Sonora Pass
Leavitt Meadows
Coming into Bridgeport
Another view from Bridgeport
Storm clouds kissing the tops of distant peaks as we came off Sonoma Pass near Hwy 395
Day 2 - Sky Drama, McGee Creek, LA City Water Infrastructure, Mono Lake, Oh my!
Our apartment in Mammoth Lakes, like most of the city, was above 8,000 ft / 2,500 m and it takes a day to acclimate. The first night's rest is usually rough and on this trip we found ourselves up before dawn.
We were treated to an incredible sunrise with sleet and snow coming in shortly thereafter.
We were treated to an incredible sunrise with sleet and snow coming in shortly thereafter.
I had long heard legends about McGee Creek's fall colors, but really didn't grasp that it wasn't just a creek and a dirt road. "Oh a parking lot, a trail and a beautiful valley!" My interests was piqued, and it was a very short drive from Mammoth Lakes.
I'd hope to have met up with my brother Matthew to explore McGee together, but he was still at least one to two days out and this was our only chance to see the valley with dramatic mixed lighting conditions. Sorry Matt!
I'd hope to have met up with my brother Matthew to explore McGee together, but he was still at least one to two days out and this was our only chance to see the valley with dramatic mixed lighting conditions. Sorry Matt!
Owens River Gorge | Los Angeles City Water District
