The fall color season in Mono County is stretching out a bit longer than usual, showcasing a funky mix of colors across the county. Most areas aren’t quite in sync, featuring everything from bare trees and past peak hues to vibrant oranges and yellows … and, surprisingly, still some greens.
For the rest of this week and weekend, focus your efforts on Twin Lakes Bridgeport, Lundy Lake and canyon, Lee Vining Creek, June Lake Loop, Convict Lake, and Lower Rock Creek. All feature a myriad of beautiful colors!
The weather is pleasant for now, but snow is forecasted to arrive around Sunday night. We wish we could predict what’s next, but this season seems anything but predictable. Snow (and wind) could signal the farewell to fall, or a light dusting could provide the contrast needed to make lingering leaves pop again. If areas with yellow and green leaves survive the storm, they should hopefully continue to progress and give us bonus time to enjoy. Either way, don’t cancel any travel plans just yet—keep an eye on the weather and make the most of this unique autumn palette while you can.
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. Due to the lower elevation, this region typically experiences one of the latest peak color displays.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) While Upper Twin Lake is approaching past peak, there is still lots of color around Lower Twin Lake – and maybe even more to come. Color us confused, but there are still some green areas, and depending on the weather, there could be bonus color here for some time. This is a great place to focus your fall color efforts this coming weekend.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Past Peak.You Missed It.
Conway Summit (8,143) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past Peak.You Missed It.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) Most of the Lee Vining Canyon is at Peak at 75%. Within the next week, this area should make it all the way to 100% You will still come across a few patches of green trees, but every year, they end up being the last to peak.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) Lundy has it all – green, yellow, orange, red, brown, and bare trees. The colors along the road driving in and the day-use picnic spots are beautiful, but the campground is stunning – super colorful. There are still colors around the lake and trail, though some groves (like the south shore, accessed from the dam road) are past peak. It’s still absolutely worth the drive.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak.You Missed It.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) The June Lake Loop is officially falling behind on peak colors this year. The aspens within the town have been peaking, but between Silver and Grant Lake on HWY 158, the trees are 50/50, a blend of yellows and green. Even though it hasn’t reached its peak between that section, you’ll still find patches of yellow and orange, both at eye level and high in the mountains. The Loop is known for being exceptionally dramatic when it reaches full peak status, but for now, the drive still gives a wonderful fall experience and is worth the excursion.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) This is likely the ‘last call’ to catch any remaining fall colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. While the aspens have mostly lost their leaves or will soon, yellow and orange colors still linger in the bushes around Twin Lakes and Lake Mary.
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) – The fall colors around town have come along beautifully over the past week. The two most notable locations to explore along this path are near Mammoth Creek and within the Snowcreek area.
CROWLEY LAKE/McGee CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) Now is the time to experience peaking fall colors along the McGee Creek! Any colors that were already peaking throughout the canyon are past peak or will be soon.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) Most of the trees in the community have transitioned to yellow or orange with just a few trees remaining green. 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′) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) As you drive along Convict Lake Road, you’ll be greeted by yellow aspens lining Convict Creek. This year, the colors are less synchronized compared to previous seasons, so you’ll encounter sections of trees that are peaking, still green, and past peak. Regardless, of all the different phases happening here, this is still an unreal location to add to your list this fall.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 75-100% – Peak (GO NOW!) to Past Peak. 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. You Missed It.
- Middle Elevation: Past peak. You Missed It.
- Lower Elevation: The lower elevations of Rock Creek Canyon are still bursting with color.
