North Lake
Bishop Creek Canyon, California · 9,252 ft
Aspen groves ring a shallow lake directly under the Piute Crags, and on a windless morning the whole rock wall reflects. Peak gold usually lands in the first week of October.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 21 – Sep 29
A few weeks out. Expect this to move by several days.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces WNW (285°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Drive CA-168 west from Bishop about 17 miles, turn right on North Lake Road just past Aspendell, then follow two miles of narrow dirt to the day-use lot and walk 200 yards to the shore.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- willow
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 25Typical color progression for North Lake. No change from Aug 18 to Sep 4. First color from Sep 4 to Sep 13. Approaching peak from Sep 13 to Sep 21. Peak from Sep 21 to Sep 29. Past peak from Sep 29 to Oct 9. Bare from Oct 9 to Oct 23.
North Lake is typically at approaching peak on this date.
Light at peak
North Lake on September 25, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:18 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 90° | 6:44 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 34 min of low, warm light | 7:19 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:46 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 34 min before sunset | 6:13 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 269° | 6:47 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:13 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 12h 3m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Sunset: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Based on the classic composition here facing WNW (285°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.