June Lake Fall Colors Trip Report – October, 2021

-by Jay Murdock, SDKC Safety Editor

Gull Lake (photo by Kirk Rozelle)

This was the 8th time we have gone up to the June Lake Loop to paddle, hike, and see the wonderful fall colors of the Aspens. Because of health, work, and weather issues, we lost more than half the sign-ups, but those who went kept warm and enjoyed the crisp air. There were new people on this trip, and a couple from Arizona drove over to join us. We even experienced a taste of winter, with snow and 14-degree temperatures on two nights.

Camping at Reversed Creek, Kirk making coffee
Friday morning snow and 14 degrees (cold, what’s cold?)

Because of the snow, most of us went to see the Tufa’s at Mono Lake, then drove over to Mammoth for the day on Friday.

Mono Lake and Tufas (photo by Susan Stiver)
Early snow near Mammoth (photo by Susan Stiver)
The drive to the Mammoth ski lifts (photo by Kirk Rozelle)
Mary at…Lake Mary
A winter wonderland

Saturday had great weather (sun and mild breezes), and we took advantage of that with a fun paddle on Silver Lake.

Launching from the Silver Lake dock, Mary and Kirk
Up the creek…with paddles
The turnaround point, Lynne, Susan, and me (photo by Kirk Rozelle)
Britt, Clear water and fall colors (photo by Kirk Rozelle)
Mary and Kirk in an Innova kayak (photo by Susan Stiver)
A beautiful place to paddle
Lynne at the dock
Kevin looking good

Some of us then hiked around Gull Lake, where we took some amazing photos of the trees and lake. We ended the day with a wonderful dinner together, then a warm campfire. The mountains are beautiful in the fall for those who are willing to experience the wonder.

Hiking around Gull Lake
Aspens near Gull Lake (photo by Susan Stiver)
Dinner at Eagles Landing