The official fall equinox may still be over a week away, but if you are planning to visit the Eastern Sierra for your fall color fix this year, now is the time to review your calendar and pick some dates.
Things are ramping up quickly in the Mono County area, according to color spotter, Samantha Lindberg. Mono County has many high elevations and generally kicks off the fall color season.
In particular Tioga Pass is already beginning its brilliant displays in addition to the Mammoth Lakes Basin, McGee Creek Canyon and Rock Creek Road, which we have already reported on.
“The bushes near Ellery Lake are near peak, while the aspens have a blend of yellows and greens. Go here this weekend if you want to get the first taste of fall color for the 2024 season,” Lindberg said.
And in regard to Rock Creek Road, she added, “Up until Rock Creek Lake, there are patchy sections of colors. However, continuing up toward Mosquito Flat there are patches of aspens that are near peak along the creek. This is another location to check out if you want to experience early-season colors.”
Sagehen Summit and Virginia Lakes, generally some of the first areas to take off, are also well on their way in the patchy range (10-50%).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISITORS THIS FALL COLOR SEASON:
- *** PLEASE NOTE: US 395 is closed between Bridgeport and Walker from September 4-19, 2024 at 6 am for the installation of two wildlife crossings. During this time there will be no vehicle access between the closure points and travelers will need to take a detour. Click here for more information.
- United Airlines is offering flights into the Bishop Airport (BIH) for a limited time this fall. Direct flights are available from BIH to San Francisco (SFO) on Fridays and Sundays from September 6 through October 6, 2024. Read our post about this exciting new way travel to the Eastern Sierra here.
- Please remember to Leave No Trace.
- Please do not park in the middle of the road to take pictures. Use a designated pullout or parking area. Do not park on vegetation.
- Lundy Canyon- The road is narrow with limited sight distance on curves, few pullouts to safely park on, and limited bathrooms facilities. We encourage visitors to park at the Lundy Canyon Trailhead parking lot for their fall colors or walking the road from a pull out to their desired location. Alternative parking locations include the boat launch near the Lundy Lake resort, and the parking lot at Lundy Lake dam which has a vault toilet building.
- Sagehen Peak/ Sagehen Meadows Road- Limited parking and no bathrooms or trash services available in this location. Make sure your vehicle is not blocking the road when you are finding a place to park your vehicle. Do not park on vegetation
- June Lake Loop- Hwy 158 is a narrow road from Silver Lake past Grant Lake. Be especially careful not to park on the road in this section and drive slowly as there is not much room for error. This is also a major crossing area for wildlife.
Mono County – Just Starting to Patchy depending on where you look (0-50%) – start planning!
