Backpacker

14 05.PHOTO BY TK``````Come October, the Golden State really earns thenickname. Head out to the eastern Sierra this month tosee why. Here, the sweep of aspens is just beginning.Our recommendation: the 5-mile, unnamed fisherman’strail that links June, Gull, Silver, and Grant Lakes. Thesocial path parallels Silver Creek downstream throughaspen corridors and meadows with peekaboo glancessouth to the granite face of 10,909-foot Carson Peak. Ifyou do plan to cast a line, Silver Lake (near the midwaypoint) offers the best shore fishing (rainbow andbrookies). Park off June Lake Loop (CA 158) near itsnamesake, then pick your way down to the creek; thepath follows it the whole way. Expect colorful aspens(bright yellow or even rosy) through the third week ofOctober. Contact bit.do/ansel-adams-wild``````Get lost.ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS, CALIFORNIAplay list14 10.5