In less than one week, Sagehen Summit in Mono County has gone from patchy to brilliant. This beautiful spot is typically one of the first locations in California to show its full array of fall color and it seems this year is no different.
Elsewhere in Mono County, Virginia Lakes has one standout stretch near the turnoff to the resort that is glowing brilliant yellow and orange – almost peak in this small section! Most of the surrounding lakes and rest of the road remains green to lime green, but more change is on the way.
Rock Creek is also showing patchy colors. While many trees still green or shifting into lime green, the higher elevations in this canyon are turning yellow, with a few spots of orange.
A few important reminders: even with cooler weather and precipitation, fire risk remains high and Stage 1 restrictions are in effect. Wildlife is active, roads can be narrow and busy, and cell service is limited in many areas. Please drive carefully, stay on trails, and pack out trash.
Other areas in Mono County
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – 0%
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – 0%
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – 0% Still Summer.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 0%. No update, still summer.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 10-50% Patchy. Just Starting, except for one section that’s basically peaking!
Conway Summit (8,143) – 0%. No update, still summer.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 0%. No update, still summer.
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – 0-10% – Just Starting. The willow bushes along Ellery Lake are beginning to have a yellow hue and a small collection of aspens are just beginning to change colors.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – 0%. No Update, still summer.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – 0%. No Update, still summer.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – 0-10% Just Starting.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – 0-10% – Just Starting. No significant change to this area yet, but there are a few aspens and bushes with yellowing leaves.
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) 0-10% – Just Starting. The tops of aspens are starting to fade from lime green to yellow, but there will be more change in the coming weeks.
CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 0-10%
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – 0%. No update, still summer.
Convict Lake (7850′) – 0-10%.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 10-50% – Patchy. Most trees are still green, with many shifting into lime green. Upper elevations above the lake are showing more yellow, with a few small pockets of orange around the lake. Expect more change in the coming week, this area is a great early-peak spot for fall color.
