mcgee creek

The Eastern Sierras have over the years become a favorite autumn destination for me. There are many little and larger canyons you can easily reach from highway 395. Mc Gee Creek's Canyon is one of those. You don't have to drive in very far to see awesome displays of yellow, orange, and red leaves. In many spots when you turn around you get Owens Lake into the picture. The Sierras are always looming right in front of you. Bring a picnic lunch or visit the town of Mammoth Lakes with its myriad of dining opportunities. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll let the pictures do the talking. These were taken October 10th. However, the autumn leaves' color development may vary by as much as 2 weeks every year. If you are too early for Mc Gee Canyon drive North on 395 to Virginia Lakes or Lundy Canyon. It's higher up and might have good colors earlier.

The lodge at the creek is great for baked goods and coffee . The quiches loooked good but breakfast was too close in the past.I plan to stay in the winter during desert exploring

This is my 5th year spending the summer at this relaxing RV Park located about 37 miles north of Bishop Ca and 8 miles south Mammoth Lakes Ca right off Hwy 395. Mono County..Eastern Sierra offering a multitude of outdoor activites within minutes. Hiking trails for the beginner to advance. Outstanding fishing in Crowley Lake and dozens of lakes, streams and creeks nearby, kayaking, paddleboard, ATV/Jeeping trails throughout. Easy drive to Tioga Pass and entrance to Yosemite

Very quiet and cozy with friendly people who treat you right.. Restaurant has great home style food.

McGee Creek Lodge with a small bakery next door makes this get-away in the Eastern Sierras a favorite.

Gorgeous hike to Grass Lake amidst massive drifts of colorful wildflowers. Some fun creek crossings and a gradual climb made this the perfect day hike.

April is the earliest we have hiked here - almost all is in the John Muir Wilderness. Yesterday we walked up the trail from the parking lot. It took us from 10am-5pm to hike up about 1800 ft and 8 miles round trip. We're slow because we photographed lots of nature along the way. We had to stop where we did because the snow was too deep to follow the trail, although there's little chance of getting lost in the steep canyon.The lower trail goes through Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush and a host of small plants and shrubs. In late April, about five flowers are starting to bloom, especially the Mountain Heather.The top is a rich Lodgepole Pine forest (lots of fungi in the Fall).Several small lakes line the trail, one with an active Beaver dam about 150 ft long and a dome house in the middle of the lake.Fall colors with Aspen and Cottonwood trees along the creek and more Birds are well worth the hike in September and October.The trail is (without snow) easy to follow and can be done in running shoes, but it does go constantly UP, so be prepared for that. There are two stream crossings across double-wide logs. Some people will like using a hiking pole on these. The trail offers access to the high country for backpacking.