The end of October is near, which in Mono County means ski season is just around the corner. Mammoth Mountain plans to open in less than 25 days on November 13. However, while the higher elevations are beginning their winter prep (cue the snow!), the lower elevations aren’t done with fall yet.
Topaz, Walker, Twin Lakes and the June Lake Loop still have plenty of color left to show off. The trees around Lundy Lake have lost their leaves, but there’s still color in the campground and closer to the trailhead. Spotters from Mono County Tourism caught a glimpse of a few pockets of color along Summers Meadow Road from over the ridgeline on their way to Twin Lakes.
There are still pockets of color like this scattered throughout Mono County, so keep exploring! You may be surprised by how much fall color you can still find along the way.
The forecast is looking good for Friday and beyond, but mountain weather can change quickly as we move closer to winter, especially at higher elevations. Tioga Pass, Monitor Pass and Sonora Pass are temporarily closed (starting 10/21) due to inclement weather. For the latest information and updates on reopening , check Caltrans QuickMap and Yosemite National Park road conditions before heading out. October 27 is a National Park Service fee-free day, so it’s a good time to head over Tioga Pass and visit Yosemite National Park if the weather cooperates.
Whether you’re headed to a lecture or a lakeshore, please check the forecast before heading out and bring a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. If you’re traveling over the passes or exploring dirt roads, a little extra preparation goes a long way this time of year. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Locations from north to south:
WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). Just when you thought fall was over, North Mono County begins to light up. From Topaz all the way to the north edges of Bridgeport along 395, color continues to usher you right to Mono County’s heart.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Past Peak (You Missed It).
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak (You Missed It). Monitor Pass is closed temporarily due to an incoming storm on Wednesday, 10/21
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Past Peak (You Missed It). As we drove to Topaz we were able to see there is some remaining color evolving on the hillside as you first start along highway 108 from highway 395. Leavitt Meadows Pack Station is still open, so hop on a horse and maybe catch a last minute color surprise. Sonora Pass is closed temporarily due to an incoming storm on Wednesday, 10/21
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). The color here hung on through another breeze or two. Highlights include the grove right between the two lakes.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Past Peak (You Missed It).
Green Creek – Past Peak (You Missed It).
Dunderberg Meadow – Past Peak (You Missed It).
Conway Summit (8,143) – Past Peak (You Missed It). This is likely the last call on any sort of color at Conway Summit.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Past Peak (You Missed It)
LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past Peak (You Missed It). Tioga Pass is closed temporarily due to an incoming storm as of 5pm on Wednesday, 10/21. Call (209) 372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions in the park.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). We are hoping to have a report from this canyon on Friday but expect that most of the color will be protected and hang on for another week. Stay tuned for an update here.
Lundy Canyon and Lake (7,858′) – Past Peak (You Missed It) While we are going to officially move this area to the “past peak” category, there is still color in this canyon. The lake itself has no color left, but everywhere else is mainly intact and continues to dazzle.
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′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). The color continues around the Loop with the area between June Mountain Ski Area and Grant Lake being the real show. Some color did wane in the wind, but enough is left and still evolving to make this a top highlight of the week.
CONVICT LAKE/MCGEE CREEK
Convict Lake (7,850′) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). While some groves are past peak, there are still lovely pops of orange and red around the lake, resort, and campground.
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – 75-100% Peak (GO NOW!). A bit of color continues to keep this area aglow. The weather through Friday will dictate what remains, however.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Past Peak (You Missed It).
Lower Rock Creek Road – 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now.). A great place to grab some last minute color and spend some time on the trail before winter arrives.
