“This fall season has brought one of the longest color displays we’ve seen in years,” said color spotter Liz Grans. “Rather than ending the spectacle, recent wind and snow have added a stunning contrast, making the remaining fall colors pop against the early winter snow. The low autumn sun and dynamic cloud cover are creating dramatic lighting effects, giving us the best of both seasons!”
This week, and into the weekend, top areas to visit include Convict Lake, the June Lake Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Twin Lakes Bridgeport, as well as Walker and Coleville/Topaz. Be prepared for wintry conditions. Cooler temperatures seem here to stay, and more snow is expected starting Friday night into Saturday morning. While the forecast signals that the season is nearing its end, Grans and her crew are planning one more update next week, hoping a few pockets of vibrant color remain amidst the snow.
Color spotters who want some unique images should plan to head out this weekend.
As always, please check weather and road conditions before traveling. The National Weather Service in Reno offers the most accurate local forecasts. For road conditions, refer to Caltrans Districts 9 and 10, as GPS services like Google and Apple Maps often don’t reflect current conditions in Mono County. Tioga Pass (SR 120 West) is likely to close again before the next storm, and Sonora Pass (SR 108) remains closed from the previous one. These closures are likely temporary—full seasonal closures for the mountain passes typically don’t occur for a few more weeks.
As the last leaves turn, enjoy these final moments of autumn mingling with winter’s first signs. Bundle up, stay safe, and happy exploring—we hope this season brings a memorable close to your fall adventures!
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) –Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! The colors in this area are now approaching peak. This is one of the regions that will hold onto colors the longest due to elevation, so if you missed peaking colors in other areas, this is your best bet to experience the last of the colors for the season.
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′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! While Upper Twin Lake is past its peak, there is still color around Lower Twin Lake from the other trees that were delayed in changing color earlier this season.
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′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! This canyon is now at peak and bursting with color. NOW is the time to go exploring within this stunning area.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) Peak to Past Peak. You almost missed it. The aspens within the town and around Gull and June Lake are now mostly past peak, but between Silver and Grant Lake on HWY 158, sections are still peaking, especially looking up on the hillside. If you were hoping to still catch colors along the loop, we recommend going ASAP, as the colors likely won’t last much longer.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) You almost missed it. – The fall colors around town are at their peak, with some sections now past peak. Take a walk or a bike ride through the colors along the Lakes Basin Path along Lake Mary Road or the Town Loop Path – be sure to check out the area around Snowcreek. Read more here.
CROWLEY LAKE/McGee CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
Convict Lake (7,850′) Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! Colors are holding on strong this year at Convict! While some patches are past peak, much of the area is still peaking, including around the lake and the creek.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Past Peak. You Missed It.
