First Day of Fall - Happy Equinox

Fall Color in Owen’s Valley

Today is the Autumnal Equinox - equal sunlight and darkness. After today we will be in more darkness than light until Winter Solstice.

Eastern California experiences “fall” in vastly different ways throughout the array of ecosystems present from the High Sierras Nevada Mountains to Death Valley.

In the High Sierras Nevada mountain altitudes below the timber line range from 5,000 - 10,000 feet. At the higher elevations the aspen will glow golden in mid September, while peaking in late September in the lower elevations like Mammoth Lakes.

On the floor of the Owens Valley fall color happens in late October into November. Long after snow has fallen in the mountains.

One doesn’t go to Death Valley for the fall color! Though it is a good time to visit as the temps have decreased to a more comfortable level.

The “fall” element of beauty in Death Valley, I think, comes from the light. Softer light, earlier sunsets make for beautiful viewing.