Every corner of Mono County is now showing fall color, according to our friends at Mono County Tourism. While green still lingers in some areas, colder nighttime temperatures and another possible storm early next week will surely accelerate the change. Fall color is always at the mercy of Mother Nature though, so if you’ve been waiting to visit, now’s the time.
This weekend, plan to focus on Lobdell Lake Road and Virginia Lakes, which are all peaking — go now before the weather rolls in. Even areas still in the 10–50% “Patchy” range are absolutely worth the trip, so for that reason, consider the entire county a GO NOW destination.
If the weather cooperates, we expect the show will continue to unfold and shift in spectacular ways through the end of the month.
Friendly Reminder: It’s deer migration season, and they blend in well with the fading rabbit brush. Our color-spotting team has had close encounters in every location and at all times of day. Please slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for wildlife — including some late-season fawns that may be braver (and less predictable) than usual.
Thank you for helping keep the Eastern Sierra, its wildlife, visitors, residents, and yourself safe this fall.
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.)
Monitor Pass has crossed into the 50-75% Near Peak category, and we expect it will be peaking next week. There are a variety of colors and changes on this drive with some areas staying fairly green and others showing strong caches of orange and red. This scenic drive is well worth the trip, offering sweeping views of Mono County’s Antelope Valley.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200′) — 10-50% Patchy
This area has progressed to the high end of Patchy. Yellows are spreading all around the river and valley – we’d say about 45%. The towering cottonwoods along US 395 near Topaz Lake, and the tress around the shore, are just getting started. This Northern Mono County region generally peaks later or last, but the cooler weather this week could speed things along, and we’ll update next week with any progress asap.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.)
Sonora Pass has also crossed in the 50-75% Near Peak category, and we expect it will be peaking next week. This stunning route rivals Tioga Pass in beauty and shouldn’t be overlooked — vibrant bursts of color are already appearing at various elevations, with even more on the way. It’s a spectacular drive right now and only getting better.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) — 10-50% Patchy
Lobdell Lake Road is stunning right now, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. A few green pockets remain, but change is progressing quickly, making this a great spot to visit this weekend or next. Note: Lobdell Lake Road is in bad shape this year and we do not advise driving past the recommended turnaround spot (see map). Up to that point, you’ll enjoy big, beautiful views and have a safe place to turn around. Beyond, expect severe washouts, water crossings, deep ruts, and rough terrain—not worth it, especially since the lake itself is a low reservoir. Burcham Flat Road (county-maintained) is generally well-graded but does show some wear and tear. Best access is from the south end via US 395 (just south of Sonora Pass), though a loop can be made with East Side Lane in Walker. Keep in mind that cell service is spotty to nonexistent, and a tow would be extremely expensive.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) — 10-50% Patchy
There are vibrant reds and yellows visible on the steep mountain slopes above the lakes. Some lake level trees are displaying vibrant yellows while others are patchy or still yet to change.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!)
Some leaves near the resort and lake have dropped, but the drive is still absolutely worth it – good now/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) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!)
This scenic area is moving quickly toward peak color. Dundergberg 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 is a classic Eastern Sierra fall color location and well worth a visit now — with even more beauty to come in the days ahead.
Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200’+) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.)
This 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.
Tip: This fall color adventure area between Bridgeport and Lee Vining would be perfectly paired with a visit to Bodie State Park.
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!)
The colors this week have really flourished. Brilliant yellows and oranges have popped up along the waterfall near Warren Fork and Lee Vining Creek looking towards Tioga Peak, with some greens still hanging on at lower elevations. For dramatic fall color views, this drive is a must for your weekend itinerary (and despite the shutdown, Yosemite National Park remains open).
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) -Lee Vining Creek has some thick groves of yellow and orange near the water and around the meadow. However, it still has a way to go with many patches of green still hanging on.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.)
Most of the canyon is now in the 50–75% range, with plenty of color still to enjoy for 1-2 weeks to come. The lake and resort are easily accessible, but beyond the resort the road narrows to dirt/gravel. Beaver ponds, vibrant foliage, and a great hiking trail await—go early and be prepared to turn around if parking is full. This area can get busy, so drive slowly, park safely, and enjoy the fall scenery responsibly.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) — Past Peak. You missed it.
We received a report from a fellow leaf-peeper that Sagehen Summit is officially done for the season. If you do venture here, you will still be reward with gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Note: This is a remote dirt road with no cell service or facilities. Stop at a visitor center visitor center in Lee Vining before heading out, and bring plenty of gas and water. Wildlife is abundant here, so drive slowly, pack out all trash, and use designated parking or pullouts (never stop in the road). Enjoy the colors on foot, and watch for cars and OHV riders.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) — 10-75% Patchy to Near Peak
The higher slopes are showing beautiful color – but a few high spots are pushing past peak. The lake and road level have progressed a bit from last week. June Lake is a bit patchy in general, Gull Lake is golden, and Silver Lake is ramping up. Visiting this weekend for Leaves in the Loop will be incredible, and the next few weeks promise even more. Anytime you go in the coming weeks, the scenery is sure to impress – go now, go later, or find a way to stay here for a few weeks if you can – the loop is magical in fall! See this week’s photos here.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!)
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) — 10-50% Patchy
With the cold front from this past weekend, the colors around Mammoth Lakes have truly come alive! Brilliant golds and fiery oranges are spreading fast, we’re now seeing about 50% color change and counting.
CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) — 50-75% Near Peak to Peak (Go Now.)
The creek, trails, and canyon are bursting with vibrant color, while the campground remains mostly green. This area is solidly in the 50–75% range. The forecast has us expecting it to reach full peak within the next 1–2 weeks.
Crowley community (6,781′) — 10-50% Patchy
Brilliant color is appearing on the hillsides above town, while areas along Crowley Lake Drive remain mostly green. Check out Hilton Lakes Trail and Crowley Lake Park for some lovely fall views.
Note: Please remember Crowley is a residential community. Drive slowly, watch for people and kids walking and biking, and be respectful of residents and their space.
Convict Lake (7850′) — Near Peak (50-75%). Convict Lake is showing off its fall charm! Brilliant yellows are lighting up the back side of the lake, mixing with a few patches of green. Peak colors are quickly approaching!
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!)
Rock Creek Lake is currently peaking! This weekend may be the last to see colors around the lake. Anything above the lake is past peak, but the lower sections of Rock Creek Road still have plenty of color waiting to turn, promising a fantastic fall show in the weeks ahead.
Lower Rock Creek Road — 10-50% – Patchy
