Temperatures are shifting cooler, and Tuesday morning saw the first dusting of snow on the highest Eastern Sierra peaks. This is always an exciting moment and makes for some spectacular images.
The leaves were thankfully untouched – bursting with color up high and mostly green lower down. Wind and rain persist in the forecast, however, so don’t wait on your Sierra color spotting.
Currently in the Southern half of Mono County, the Mammoth Lakes Basin is at Peak. GO NOW! to this location.
McGee Creek Canyon and Rock Creek Canyon are not too far behind!
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!)
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.)
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.)
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) — 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!) The Mammoth Lakes Basin is at its peak at Lake George, with a brilliant display of color along the right side of the lake. Around Twin Lakes, the aspens are still a mix of green and yellow, but by the weekend we expect them to reach their peak as well.
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) — 10-50% Patchy. We’re starting to see more color change around town, with the Town Loop Path and Snowcreek area showing a beautiful blend of yellows and greens.
CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) McGee Creek Canyon has just crossed into the 50–75% range, with the creek, trails, and canyon showing lots of vibrant color. The campground itself is still mostly green, but change is progressing quickly. Recent cooler temperatures and a dusting of snow on the nearby peaks suggest this area could reach peak color very soon — a great spot to visit now!
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 Creek 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 spaces.
Convict Lake (7850′) — 10-50% Patchy. Convict Lake remains in the patchy stage. Trees along the lakeside pathway are starting to turn, and color is beginning to cascade down the mountainside. The large grove on the far side of the lake is already yellow – a beautiful spot to enjoy now, and with more change in the coming days/weeks.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) — 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.) Rock Creek Road has seen significant change and is now peaking. The lower elevations still hold some greens and lime-yellows, but as you pass East Fork Campground, the colors really come alive. Climbing to the lodge and around Rock Creek Lake, the mountainsides are glowing with a vibrant mix of red, orange, and yellow. With cooler temperatures expected in the coming days, this is the perfect time to visit — now or in the next week!
Lower Rock Creek Road — 10-50% Patchy.
