While this past weekend’s strong winds wrapped up the fall color season for much of the area, our friends at Mono County Tourism were still able to find some beautiful vibrant patches. June Lake, Twin Lakes in Bridgeport and Lower Rock Creek still showcase those beautiful fall hues.
They do expect the next few weeks to be warm and sunny, so anyone hoping to squeeze in one more fall adventure won’t be disappointed. You can still bike, fish and enjoy autumn events in the county. Check their Fall Events page for more.
Don’t miss stopping by Mono Lake South Tufa in the golden hours of fall for a true rejuvenating moment with nature.
Night and early morning before the sun rises enough to break over the peaks can be cold, and the days with glorious low fall sunlight can feel quite warm – layers are key for fall visits. As we creep closer to winter, please do be sure to check weather and road conditions before and during your travels.
To fully embrace the last breath of fall, spend some time with the local ghosts at Bodie Historic State Park, open daily 9am to 4pm.
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Likely past peak
The higher elevation passes took most of the storm head on so while we did not get up the passes this week, we do believe they are past peak.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Topaz Lake continues to hold onto its color and it is the only area in Mono County NOT past peak. However, the rest of the Walker and Coleville area are past peak. Some light color has hung on through the wind in the river canyon, but we suspect it will be gone soon.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Likely past peak
The higher elevation passes took most of the storm head on so while we did not get up the passes this week, we do believe they are past peak.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) — Past Peak (You Missed It)
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Virginia Creek is a bit sheltered as it moves toward Bodie, but the higher elevation is completely wind affected.
Conway Summit/Dunderberg Meadows (~8,143) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200’+) – likely Past Peak (You Missed It)
We didn’t venture in on these dirt roads but were able to view the colors from Bridgeport. Green Creek is a bit more sheltered than Summers Meadow so if there is color in this area it will likely be in the Green Creek drainage.
Bridgeport/Lee Vining Tip: Bodie State Park is still open and not to be missed – if you’re in this area, pop out to the park!
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
The color that remains is near the resort and the beaver ponds.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak (You missed it.)
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
The area around Silver Lake and in the town portion of June Lake is where you will find any of the color that remains here.
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Past Peak – (You Missed It).
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) – Past Peak – (You Missed It). With the wind event this past weekend, most of town is past peak, but you may be able to still find some random trees holding on.
CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
Crowley community (6,781′) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
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′) — Past Peak (You Missed It)
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) — Past Peak (You Missed It)
Lower Rock Creek Road – Past Peak (You Missed It)
A few trees are holding onto color at the time of this report, but the majority have lost their leaves and are past peak.
