The fall colors are really ramping up, and many areas have moved into the “go now” category – this is the time to get out and enjoy the magic of the season! Trails are blanketed in fallen leaves, transforming them into golden roads. The sun’s low autumn angle creates long, beautiful shadows, casting a soft glow through the trees that makes everything feel enchanted. Streams are still bubbling along, sparkling in the sun, adding a soothing sound to the magnificent sights.
A cold front just moved into Mono County today, and cooler temperatures will hopefully deepen the colors even more in the coming days. That being said, the forecast still looks pretty incredible for the coming week – highs in the 50s and 60s and more Sierra sunshine. Grab a sweater, a warm coffee, and head out now to experience it before the season reaches its grand finale.
There’s so much to see that it might be tough to choose. Whether you’re planning a whirlwind tour to take in as many sights as possible or want to focus on just a few select spots to slow down and savor the beauty, you’re in for a treat. Better yet, squeeze in a creek or lakeside picnic, a peaceful hike, or some fall fishing while you’re out. The quiet, colorful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience.
PS: There’s a new Fall Festival at Double Eagle Resort and Spa in June Lake this weekend on Saturday, October 19 from 11 am-6 pm. It’s a free family-friendly event with food, drinks, art vendors, music, and games!
Halloween-lovers, don’t miss Bridgeport’s autumn vibes. 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. Score some spooky souvenirs at shops in town like Sierra Strange and the Grouse House, and, if you’re feeling brave, stay at the (haunted?) Bodie Hotel and Bridgeport Inn.
MONO COUNTY REPORT
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) This area has been at its peak for a while now and is quickly going to be past.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – 10-50% – Patchy. The fall colors in this area are just beginning to emerge, with about 25% of the trees displaying lighter hues. Due to the lower elevation, this region typically experiences one of the latest peak color displays in the county.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) Some patches are showing yellow and orange leaves with the occasional red at the top of the pass.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) There’s a mix of vibrant fall colors and past peak sections right now. About half the trees have shed their leaves, while the others still show beautiful shades of orange and yellow. It’s a great time to visit, but the colors will likely last for about another week, so don’t miss it! Please plan accordingly: high-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 10-50% – Patchy. Not much change from last week, but incoming cold weather may enhance the color palette. 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’) – Past Peak (You Missed it).There are still a few bushes holding on around Virginia Lake, but everything else is past peak.
Conway Summit (8,143) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) The trees near Conway are at their peak, putting on a display of yellows and oranges. Visit soon before the colors fade!
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 75-100% 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′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) Vibrant pockets of peak color are now spreading throughout the canyon. Some trees have yet to change, but there is still plenty of stunning scenery.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) The fall colors now surround Lundy Lake and are nearing their peak. As you drive through the canyon, you’ll encounter vibrant pockets of trees at their peak, along with others that still need a little more time to fully change.
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.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) There are beautiful sections of the June Lake Loop peaking, while others remain green. Fingers crossed we see this location continue to flourish with color in the next couple weeks. You’ll find a mix of yellow and orange driving between Grant Lake and Silver Lake, both at eye level and high in the mountains. Golden hues are showing along the shores of Silver Lake and lining HWY 158 in that area, and beyond. Gull Lake Campground is still colorful. The Loop is known for being exceptionally dramatic when it reaches full peak status, but for now, the drive provides a wonderful fall experience and is worth the excursion.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – 75-100% Peak to Past Peak (You Almost Missed It) – Experience the beauty of the Mammoth Lakes Basin as fall colors are at peak! The trees are glowing in shades of gold and amber, while the bushes surrounding the lakes display a range of colors from being at peak, green, and past peak. Colors are changing quickly within this area, so add this to the top of your list before it’s too late.
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) – The fall colors around town have come along beautifully over the past week. As you explore, you’ll find some areas where the trees are at their peak, while others just need a few more days to reach full color.
CROWLEY LAKE/McGee CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) There are still mixed colors along the road leading to McGee Creek Trailhead, but they will likely peak within the next week. For peaking colors, follow the hiking trail up the canyon for an unreal display of yellows. Please remember to stay on trial and recreate responsibly.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – 10-50% Patchy. At higher elevations, the trees display more vibrant colors, while lower areas are just beginning to show patches of fall color. Please remember that this is a residential community—stay on designated roads and paths to respect the environment and those who live here.
Convict Lake (7,850′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) As you drive along Convict Lake Road, you’ll be greeted by yellow aspens lining Convict Creek. Upon reaching Convict Lake, you’ll notice vibrant yellows and oranges beginning to appear in patches, though much of the fall color is still concentrated on the backside of the lake. This year, the colors are less synchronized compared to previous seasons, so you’ll encounter areas that are peaking alongside others that still need a bit more time to develop.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 75-100% Peak to Past Peak (You almost missed it) – 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.
- Middle Elevation: Past peak
- Lower Elevation: The lower elevations of Rock Creek Canyon are still bursting with color. Now is the time to take a drive through the lower canyon, before it’s too late.
