The scenic area of Dunderberg Meadows is moving quickly toward peak color, according to Mono County Tourism. Dunderberg Meadows Road, just off Virginia Lakes Road, is already in the 75–100% range, with brilliant orange and red pockets lighting up the hillsides. The surrounding slopes are closer to 40–50%, but change is progressing rapidly and should accelerate with cooler weather this weekend. This is a classic Eastern Sierra fall color location and well worth a visit now.
Color spotter Peter Robbins visited early on Sunday, Oct. 5 hoping to capture first light.
“I got there to find complete cloud cover, but as the clouds broke up a bit over the meadows and light improved, the colors revealed themselves to be quite lovely ,” he said
Lovely color was also to be had along Green Creek Road and Luther Pass, according to Robbins.
The Summers Meadow and Green Creek area has jumped to 50% with a vibrant mix of green, yellow, gold, orange, and even hints of red creating a technicolor landscape. Cooler temperatures and a possible storm next week could bring rapid change, with the upper meadow likely peaking soon. Beyond that point, the road becomes steep and rough – be prepared if you venture that far.
Some leaves near Virginia Lakes Resort and lake have dropped, but the drive is still absolutely worth it, so go soon! Along the creek and lower areas, vibrant gold and orange dominate all the way to the Dunderberg Meadows Road turnoff. Beyond that, foliage is sparser, but golden trees remain around the lake – and there’s nothing quite like the peaceful silence here on a midweek visit.
Conway Summit/Dunderberg Meadows (~8,143) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200’+) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
