If you are leaf peeping in the Eastern Sierra this weekend, the following are the spots in Mono County that you won’t want to miss.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak – 75-100% (GO NOW!) The bad news is the portion between Dunderberg Road and Big Virginia Lake is past its peak (with just a few last-minute splashes of color around Big Virginia). The good news is there are still some beautiful spots with color along the lower portions of the road. Anyone who ventures to Big Virginia will get a surprise last minute splash of color. That is why we aren’t saying, “you missed it.” But you might.
Dunderberg Meadow – 50-75% – Near Peak – (Go Now.) Tuesday may have been our favorite day ever on Dunderberg Road. This area is very close to being lens shattering. We were out there mid-day and the colors were unreal! You will not regret taking this drive.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) This area is a beautiful patchwork quilt of color across the hillside.
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – 75-100% – (GO NOW!) The trees on Sagehen Summit are past peak and every bit of wind sends a few leaves fluttering to the ground. However, groves below the summit and just past it as you head toward Crooked Meadows and Dexter Creek are still showing plenty of vibrant color.
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now.) The display at Rock Creek Lake right now is incredible. As you drive up the road, the color really starts to show off around East Fork, currently at 50–75%. In the coming weeks, the color will continue down the first section of Rock Creek Road, and later to Lower Rock Creek Road and Trail (which makes for a great end-of-season hike or mountain bike ride).
