By mid-afternoon, the aspen amplify the sharp sunlight. Found in colonies in canyons and along the water, they need full sun and cool summers to survive. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Still waters heighten the effect of the changing trees. The trout fishing can still be good, though the lakes are no longer being stocked at this time of year. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
The aspen travel in crowds, in groves that hug the hillsides. They are also found along lakefronts and streams. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
A young buck along a trail north of Gem Lake, a three-hour hike from the town of June Lake. The mule deer are plentiful along the Rush Creek Trail leading out of Silver Lake. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
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The late-afternoon sun pours through the trees surrounding Gem Lake, a three-hour hike from June Lake. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Like many of the Sierra lakes, Gem is low but still a stunning site on an early autumn day. (Chris Erskine/Los Angeles Times)
