Mono County lies within the Range of Light, a descriptive term for the Sierra Nevada mountains and the collective area of eastern California’s Mono and Inyo counties. This area is home to many natural wonders, and this week, the range of color displaying throughout Mono County is one of them.
It’s been a warm, beautiful week in Mono County, and fall colors are still coming along nicely. A stretch of cooler, rainy weather should help move things along over the next few days.
Mono County Tourism reports that Sagehen Summit is now the first to hit 75–100% GO NOW! status this fall! It’s truly leading the way and peaking now so visit this weekend. There’s a chance color will not hold here into next week.
This weekend and into next week, the top spots to visit are Rock Creek and Virginia Lakes – both are showing beautiful change and worth exploring now or soon.
Looking Ahead
While the colors are ramping up in some places, there’s still plenty of green out there. If you can, visit midweek for quieter roads, trailheads, and lakeshores, and a more peaceful leaf-peeping experience. After all, this is a season that is meant to be savored.
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) — 10-50% Patchy
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200′) — 0%
Sonora Pass (9,623′) — 10-50% Patchy
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) — 10-50% Patchy. This area has progressed a bit from last week and has just crossed into the wide 10–50% range. There’s still plenty of green on the hillsides, but pops of yellow are appearing. There is lots more color still to come here in the weeks ahead.
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 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: cell service is spotty to nonexistent, and a tow would be extremely expensive.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) — 0%
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) — 10-50% Patchy.
One stretch near the resort turnoff and road to the trailhead is glowing orange (50–75%), while most everything else around lakes and along the road is still green to lime green (0–10%). Plenty more change to come!
Conway Summit/Dunderberg Meadows (~8,143) — 10-50%
The dirt road just off Virginia Lakes Road is now creeping into the 50–75% range, but the majority of this area is still green and in the 10-50% range. There are pockets of vibrant orange and red amid plenty of green, so there’s still more change to come.
Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200’+) — 0-10% Just Starting
Tip: This fall color adventure area would be perfectly paired with a visit to Bodie State Park.
LEE VINING
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) — 0%
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) — 0-10% Just Starting
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) — 75-100% GO NOW!
Sagehen Summit was the first “Go Now” location of the season — and is now the first to hit 75–100% this fall! It’s truly leading the way and peaking now – this is the week to go if you can.
Please 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′) — 0-10% Just Starting.
A few yellows are starting to creep down. The loop is always worth the drive – if it isn’t already, add it to your list for a sprinkle of fall color this weekend. There’s plenty more on the way in October though, so stay tuned!
CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) — 0-10% Just Starting.
Crowley community (6,781′) — 0-10% Just Starting.
Convict Lake (7850′) — 0-10% Just Starting. Some color but still green still around the lake. We are guessing there will be more color at the back of this incredible canyon next week.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) — 10-50% Patchy. Patchy, but poised to change quickly! While the lower portion of Rock Creek Road remains mostly patchy with greens and yellows, the lake area and above are now moving toward near peak. You’ll find a beautiful mix of orange and yellow with some green still sprinkled throughout. With the drop in temperatures at the end of this week, this area could shift to peak at higher elevations very quickly — so plan a visit now or in the coming week!
Lower Rock Creek Road — 0%
