The fall transformation in Mono County continues at a steady pace, with colors slowly but surely changing across the region. Many of the high-elevation areas are either peaking or beginning to move past their prime. Sagehen Summit has already shed its leaves, though splashes of color can still be seen along the road. The higher elevations of Rock Creek Road and Tioga Pass are also nearing the end of their peak season, so catch them while you can.
On the brighter side, locations such as Virginia Lakes, Sonora Pass, and the higher elevations of McGee Canyon are shining with vibrant color. These areas are perfect to enjoy right now, whether you prefer outdoor activities, scenic drives, or simply relaxing in the sun and crisp-mountain air.
There’s plenty to explore as most locations across the county are showing at least some color, and, with the unseasonably warm weather persisting, it’s shaping up to be another beautiful week ahead.
The season continues to impress, and we look forward to seeing how the colors progress in the coming days!
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) A large patch of bright yellow and orange aspens along the highway at near-peak.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200′) — 0-10% The West Walker River corridor is just barely starting. Colors around these northern Mono County towns aren’t expected until a bit later in October.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) — 10-50% Patchy. Still more to go in terms of color, but some patches are showing yellow and orange leaves with the occasional red at the top of the pass. Mostly yellow/green on the drive up.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) — 10-50% Patchy. Very close to 50-75%. A few spots are near peak on the road up to the lake, with bright yellows, orange, and a bit of red. However, the majority of trees in this area are just starting to turn. Please plan accordingly: AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal.
BRIDGEPORT/ VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) — 10-50% Patchy. Patchy. Some gorgeous hues of orange appearing in the area around the lake, campgrounds, and Robinson Creek. Trees are in transition showing lots of yellow but still a bit green, too.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) Several colorful patches around Virginia Lakes Resort, Trumbull Lake Campground, and Big and Little Virginia Lakes. Yellows and oranges have made progress here, and midway up the road is one of the prime spots, while some lower parts are still green. Virginia Lakes Resort closes for the season on October 7 – enjoy breakfast or lunch there soon!
Conway Summit (8,143) — 0-10% Just Starting.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) — 0%-10% Just Starting.
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) The best colors are located along the road about a mile before Ellery Lake. The color wheel is on full display here as green, yellow, orange, and even crimson are all bunched together. Head to Saddlebag Lake for additional viewing while it lasts!
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) — 0-10% Just Starting. Still very green in Lee Vining Canyon. Put this spot on your list around 10-14 days from now. It could accelerate rapidly by this time next week as there were full peaking orange aspens along Tioga Pass Road around 1,000 feet up.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) — 0-10% Just Starting. Still lots of limey green, although colors are glowing higher up! This area should be showing more change very soon. Please note, the single-lane dirt road to the trailhead is rough in spots, with some large ruts and puddles – should be fine for most vehicles but please drive slowly and carefully. There are two porta potties at the trailhead and two near Lundy Lake Resort (LLR does not have public restrooms). There is no trash removal from this area – whatever you pack in must be packed out. Please plan accordingly.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) — 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Peak to past peak as the main summit has officially shed its leaves. There’s still some great color along the road the further you head south. Go now as this will be the first “past peak” location on our list by this time next week. Please plan accordingly: AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) — 10-50% Patchy. Higher elevations are showing color, especially around the Parker Bench. Hikers should head to Parker Lake and/or Walker Lake. Along the loop (Hwy 158) there are spots around June Lake, Gull Lake Campground and in the Silver Lake area that are near-peak. Don’t miss June Lake’s Leaves in the Loop event, which happens right when colors should be peaking there, October 11-13.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) — 10-50% Patchy. Colors are continuing to reveal themselves, coming in closer to 50%. There are more patches of yellow and orange aspens within the area, starting on Lake Mary Road as you head up. The strongest fall colors can be seen along Lake George.
CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) Still mixed colors along the lower elevations of US 395 with the leaves around the pack station starting to approach peak. The main show is 1-2 miles up McGee Creek Canyon where orange and yellow leaves can be seen cascading down the mountain – another great spot for a hike this weekend. We expect this entire area will be at full peak around this time next week.
Crowley community (6,781′) — 10-50% Patchy. Higher up in the mountains there is fall color and the lower elevations are just starting.
Convict Lake (7850′) — 0-10% Just Starting. Some trees, mainly the aspens at the back of the lake, are starting to show fall color.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) As one of the highest paved roads in California, Rock Creek Road climbs almost 3,000′ in about 10 miles – so, understandably, colors can vary wildly from top to bottom. If you’re coming this weekend, GO here for an absolutely beautiful array of colors. If not, don’t fret, there’s more to come. Stop into Rock Creek Lakes Resort for a tasty breakfast or lunch before they close for the season on October 14.
Upper Elevation — 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Absolutely stunning color around the lake right now that will hopefully stick around through the weekend. Deep orange and yellow leaves surround the lake and up to Mosquito Flat Trailhead.
Middle Elevation — 10-50% Patchy. Mixed colors at this elevation with groves of yellow mixed in among the green. This section should be peaking by next week!
Lower Elevation — 0-10% Just Starting. Still very green the closer you get to US 395 and Tom’s Place so this road will still be worth the drive for the next 10-14 days!
