Eastern Sierra Hiking: Bishop Creek Canyon in Fall

If I had to pick one season to hike in the Eastern Sierra, it'd be fall. And if I had to pick one place, it'd be Bishop Creek Canyon. The combination is hard to beat.

By September and October, the crowds thin out, the aspens turn, and the air has that crisp quality that makes you want to keep going just one more mile. The lakes up high — South Lake, North Lake, the Sabrina basin — are at their absolute best.

A few tips if you're heading up: start early, bring layers (the temperature swings up there are no joke), and don't underestimate the altitude if you're visiting from sea level. Drink water. Take it slow. The trail isn't going anywhere.

Living in Bishop means I get to wake up and be on a trail in twenty minutes. I don't take that for granted. If you're visiting, take a fall morning and go up the canyon. You'll see why those of us who live here never quite shut up about it.