The summer-like weather in Mono County over the course of the last week is quickly coming to an end as Mother Nature plans to remind us it is actually peak fall.
If you’re coming this weekend, there are some incredible places to see colors right now. If you’re coming in the next week or two, don’t worry; color is expected in various parts of the county through October. Mother Nature, of course, gets the final say.
Rock Creek continues to show off throughout the canyon, but the higher elevations (past Rock Creek Resort) are past peak. And while the middle section of Virginia Lakes is bare, the top and bottom sections are still well worth the drive. Tack on Dunderberg and make your way to Green Creek – You will not regret it!
When it comes to Lundy, the upper portion of the canyon as you hike up the trail, is literally glowing! And color has exploded around the lake and down Mill Creek. Now is the time to bask in the sun, the colors, and the quiet of the canyon.
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – 10-50% Patchy. Walker River is still at 10 to 50% though at the high end more in the 40 to 50%. There are a few small patches that have crept into the 50 – 75% category but the vast majority is still showing green with tons of yellow. Expect this area to move within the next week or so into the next category.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). Some of this area’s color has already blown away, and the rest is quickly going to find its way to the ground. However, the color is spectacular if you want to make the drive out this weekend.
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak (You Missed It). Overall, this area has quickly moved past peak in the last week. While still a few lingering brilliant colors on display the vast majority have moved on for the season.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). We would put this area at 94% and would not expect it to last through the weekend.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). Twin Lakes is changing quickly. What was yellow is now orange and the oranges and reds have now progressed to darker shades of those colors. If it freezes next week, it could drastically change the area.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). The quilt of color here is preparing its leaves to blanket the ground for winter. Go now and enjoy the warmth of colors.
Green Creek – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). This is the star of the week. If this is your favorite area, make plans to see it before the weather rolls in next week.
Dunderberg Meadow – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). For the last two weeks we have been telling you to go to Dunderberg. If you haven’t, you can’t blame us. This is likely your last chance to see these beautiful colors.
Conway Summit (8,143) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). Orange is really showing the variety of its hue across Conway Summit. There is still enough green to keep it leaning near peak, we will see what Mother Nature decides to do here after a cool spell.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). This is the last call for Virginia Lakes. Beautiful colors at the top and bottom still make the drive worth it but don’t wait any longer.
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). The aspens along the pass are still putting on a show but with weather incoming please be aware that conditions along the road could change quickly.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – 10-50% Patchy. While we are keeping this in the 10-50% category, it really is at 49%. There are some heavy green groupings in the middle of the canyon but at the lower pond moving along the creek to the west the display of colors is quite fantastic. You don’t have to go far – Just stop to fill up your water at the water tanks and you’ll be treated to a perfect fall photo opportunity.
Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). The aspens around the waterfall make the whole canyon glow. Now is the time to get your hike in. The beaver ponds all the way to the Resort are absolutely stunning.
Lundy Lake – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). Color has now developed all the way around the lake and down canyon through the campground and out mill creek. Lundy is a place to catch color over the next few weeks.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak (You Missed It). The leaves have said goodbye for this year but adventuring in the Glass Mountains is still in. If you are in the area, you might find a surprise pocket or two.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). Areas around Silver Lake have a true lemon lime vibe. Rush Creek and the hillsides coming down to Grant add blazes of orange to the scene. The coming weeks in June Lake are going to be stellar.
CONVICT LAKE/MCGEE CREEK
Convict Lake (7,850′) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). While some bits of green can be found, the golden hue of fall is taking over the lake. This is another area we expect to keep showing off through next week as long as Mother Nature cooperates.
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!. The trail up McGee Canyon is absolutely peaking. One hiker is quoted as saying “it doesn’t matter how far you’re going, it’s spectacular every step of the way.” It is the lower canyon that still continues to evolve and keeps this area on the lower side.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 75-100% Peak to Past Peak (GO NOW!). This is your last call on Rock Creek Lake and above. From Rock Creek Resort all the way down to Tom’s Place there is no shortage of color to see. But it will go fast.
