Alpine Aspen Festival

September 28, 2016 by Tim Hauserman

Without a doubt one of the best places to see fall colors in the Sierra is Hope Valley, at the junctions of Highways 88 and 89. The valley and slopes surrounding it are awash in aspens, which means a blast of yellow and reds can be found in late September and into October. But even though it is just an hours drive from North Lake Tahoe, it sometimes takes a bit of a push to make the drive. The Alpine Aspen Festival can be your push.

The Alpine Aspen Festival on October 8th and 9th is located in Hope Valley at the Sno-Park where Highway 88 meets Blue Lakes Road. Organized by the Alpine Watershed Group and Friends of Hope Valley, it is a celebration of all things Hope Valley. There are hikes, horseback rides, fly fishing classes, yoga, dutch oven cooking exhibitions, photography and water color classes, as well as hands-on river restoration work. There will also be Tent Talks, passing on information about the history and geology of the Hope Valley region. Many of the activities are free, while others charge a nominal fee.

Some events are limited (there are only so many horses) so go online to alpineaspenfestival.org for more information or to sign up for an activity.

“This year will be the 3rd annual Alpine Aspen Festival and it just keeps getting better,” says Debbi Waldear, Board President of the Friends of Hope Valley. “New this year is star gazing, yoga in the aspens and a hike from Red Lake to Carson Pass,the home of bald eagles, bear and beavers.” said Waldear.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Alpine Watershed Group, whose mission is to preserve and enhance the Alpine County Watershed. While Alpine County is the least populous county in California, it’s high peaks are the ultimate source for six major watersheds (including Lake Tahoe) where over 5 million people live. And of course once you’ve seen the beauty of this amazing place, you will be ready to do your part to keep it this way.