Colors Abound in Mono County

Mcgee Creek (10 8 24) Photo Jeff Simpson Mammoth Lakes Tourism 8
McGee Creek (10/8/24) Jeff Simpson/Mammoth Lakes Tourism

The fall color progression continues to sweep through Mono County. While a few areas have now reached Past Peak status, there is still plenty of beautiful foliage to be seen and to come. Go Now areas will be absolutely stunning this weekend, while others are not far behind, making them well worth visiting now or in the coming week or two. Favorable weather also seems here to stay, with a slight cooldown to very comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s expected next week. 

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ 

Monitor Pass (8,314′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!)  A large patch of bright yellow and orange aspens along the highway are near peak. Recommended to go now before it’s too late! 

West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – 0–10% – Just Starting.

Sonora Pass (9,623′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) 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′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) Some spots are near peak on the road up to the lake, with bright yellows, orange, and a bit of red. Many trees in this area are just starting to turn. Please plan accordingly: high-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal.

10.7.24 Cattle Creek Trailhead Bridgeport Liz Grans Mono County Tourism
Cattle Creek Trailhead, Bridgeport (10/7/24) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
10.7.24 Conway Summit Liz Grans Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/7/24) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES 

Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 10-50% – Patchy. There are colors on the road up to the lakes and the colors at the campground are the most vibrant right now.

Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) Various colors at peak or near peak on the road to Virginia Lakes. The colors at the lake are past peak and many trees at the top have lost their leaves.

Conway Summit (8,143) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.)  The leaves on Conway are near peak and will only get better within the next week or two. Lots of patches with yellow/orange leaves and a large patch with some red leaves.

Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) This network of rough dirt roads is super fun to explore for those who are comfortable and capable. The color change is sweeping through this area and should be enjoyed sooner rather than later!  Please plan accordingly: high-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal.

LEE VINING  

Tioga Pass (9,943′) –   Past Peak. You Missed It. There are still some pockets of color along the lower elevations of Tioga Pass road but the majority of locations are now past peak.

Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – 10-50% – Patchy. Still mostly green with a few pockets of color near the USFS Ranger Station. This location should progress nicely by the weekend and into next week. Target the days of October 15-20 for peak color here.

Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – 10-50% – Patchy. Colors are showing nicely in some spots but others are still green. This is a location to keep an eye on for more progress soon.

10.7.4 Lundy Lake With Fall Colors
Lundy Lake (10/7/24) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism

BENTON & 120 EAST  

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak. You Missed It. Sagehen Summit is traditionally the first location in California to reach peak fall colors, but is also the first to shed its leaves. Put this on your bucket list for 2025 around the last week of September.

Photo Oct 05 2024, 1 50 37 Pm
Gull Lake on the June Lake Loop (10/5/24) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism

JUNE LAKE LOOP 

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – 10-50% Patchy. Higher elevation is showing color. Along the loop road (HWY 158) you will find sections that are peaking including a couple spots around June Lake, Gull Lake and spots in the Silver Lake area. The loop may move to 50%-75% by next week’s report as large sections of green aspens have turned lime getting ready to transition.

Mammoth Lakes Basin (10 7 24) Photo Jeff Simpson Mammoth Lakes Tourism 3
Mammoth Lakes Basin (10/7/24) Jeff Simpson/Mammoth Lakes Tourism

MAMMOTH LAKES 

Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) –  50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) – Varying degrees of colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin right now depending on where you’re heading. There are some overachieving orange trees near Tamarack Lodge but still mixed-green coloring in most sections.  

Convict Lake Fall Colors (10.7.24) Photo Credit Jenna Andersen Mammoth Lakes Tourism8
Convict Lake (10/7/24) Jenna Andersen/Mammoth Lakes Tourism

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE 

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) Not much change from last week! There are still mixed colors around the pack station but it is absolutely stunning up McGee Creek Trailhead. Make sure to hike up past the bend to the river crossing for the best viewing spots. It should get much better into the weekend and next week.

Around Crowley community (6,781′) – 10-50% Patchy. Higher up in the mountains the trees have more intense color and the lower elevations have developing patches of fall color.

Convict Lake (7,850′) – 10-50% Patchy. As you drive to this location on Convict Lake Rd, you’ll see yellow aspens lining Convict Creek. Once you arrive to Convict Lake, you’ll notice yellows and oranges are starting to show up in patches, with the majority of fall color still on the backside of the lake.

Mcgee Creek (10 8 24) Photo Jeff Simpson Mammoth Lakes Tourism 7
McGee Creek (10/8/24) Jeff Simpson/Mammoth Lakes Tourism

ROCK CREEK CANYON 

Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) – 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. Upper Elevation: Past peak above Rock Creek Lake but still stunning at the lake level. Deep oranges were located on the north side of the lake but they should only be there for another few days as some sections were actively blowing off.  Middle Elevation: It’s peak showing time for the middle section of the road with terrific colors from Palisade Campground to Rock Creek Lake. GO NOW, as it will be a perfect spot for this weekend.  Lower Elevation: Making progress at the lower levels but still in the 10-50% patchy range. This drive will be worth the trip for the next 7-10 days!

More Fall Events
Fall events add to the brilliant fall season celebration. This weekend brings the highly anticipated Leaves in the Loop event in June Lake, which you won’t want to miss. Highlights include a Paint and Sip session, car show, Leaves Walk, pumpkin patch, historic walking tour, and a photo contest. The family-friendly Pumpkin Patch at Big Trees Farm in Chalfant opened on October 5 and will be open daily through October. Perfect for little ones, the pumpkin patch includes an Autumn picture area, games and mazes, pumpkins and fall flowers, a cool vintage firetruck, and a picnic area. 

Bridgeport’s Autumn Vibes
Bridgeport is another awesome place to experience autumn, especially for Halloween-lovers. As the gateway to Bodie Ghost Town, Bridgeport also has its fair share of history and hauntings. Take a self-guided walking tour which includes the Mono County Courthouse (the second oldest operational courthouse in CA) and the wild-west jailhouse built in 1883. Stop by the High Sierra Bakery for arguably the best donuts in the world (they close for the season next week!), shop for spooky stuff at shops in town like Sierra Strange and the Grouse House, and, if you’re brave enough, spend a night or two at the Bodie Hotel and Bridgeport Inn (haunted? You tell us!).

10.7.24 Good Reminders At Lundy Lake And Elsewhere Around Mono County Fall Color Hot Spots
Good reminders for all fall color viewing spots (10/7/24) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism

Important Safety Reminder
Wherever your fall adventures take you, please stay mindful of the increased deer activity this time of year. Be alert when driving, no matter the time of day. Check out our Fall Color Safety Tips to ensure you stay safe, protect wildlife, and help preserve this beautiful region.

Fall Color Safety Tips:

  • Be aware of wildlife: tis’ the season! Animals (like black bears) are preparing for winter and others (like mule deer) are migrating. Slow down and be cautious when driving, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. 
  • Park safely: Use designated parking areas and avoid parking in the middle of the road or on vegetation. Some roads are narrow and parking is very limited.  
  • Road safety: our roads can be narrow, winding, and have several blind spots. With so many out walking, taking photos, biking, and driving (+ wildlife!), please be especially alert on the roads.
  • Be aware of changing weather. Weather can change quickly in the mountains; always check weather and road conditions before and during your visit. 
  • Please remember to Leave No Trace.
  • Communicate with others: many areas of Mono County have no or very little cell service. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or any other activity, please let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. 
  • Stay on trails: if you’re hiking this fall, please know that staying on designated trails ensures safety, protects plants and animals, minimizes environmental impact, and prevents erosion… to name just a few reasons. 
  • Camp Like a Pro and check for any alerts, notices, and fire restrictions.
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ABOUT

California Fall Color

CaliforniaFallColor.com is a seasonal news site that reports on autumn’s show throughout California. The site is written, edited and published by Lara Kaylor, a travel and outdoor journalist based in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

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