Hiking Lundy Canyon combines fall color and waterfalls, providing for a very scenic and exhilarating fall color adventure.
Darrell Sano spent Friday in Mono County hiking the long, enjoyable trail up Lundy Canyon to its beautiful waterfalls, and still had time to visit Sagehen Summit and watch the sun set over Mono Lake and the Eastern Sierra.
The Lundy Canyon hike begins in Patchy, green, lime and yellow aspen, continuing through “pockets of color.” to areas with barren trees stripped of color. Overall, the trail is Patchy. This will likely be Near Peak next week.
At Sagehen Meadows, pockets of peak color remain among wind-swept aspen. Though, the area has lost a lot of color and is declining.
Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Sagehen Summit (8,139′) – Peak to Past Peak – GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Leavitt Meadow, Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Leavitt Meadow Pack Station, Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (CA-108) has never been better, Jeff Simpson of Mono County Tourism tells us.
He drove the route yesterday to find glorious orange and yellow quaking aspen and golden cottonwood along the way.
Leavitt Meadow is awash with warm-toned grasses and ringed with full peak aspen.
Once over Sonora Pass, it’s a short drive to refreshment in the high plains ranch town of Bridgeport (US 395) , not far from Bodie State Historic Park (CA 270), or continue on US 395 to Conway Summit and a search for nearby peak color along Virginia Lakes, Dunderberg, Summers Meadow and Green Creek Roads.
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (10/1/18) Adam Potts
This has been a mind-boggling past week up Bishop Creek Canyon. You might say, “it was over the top!”
North Lake finally caught up with Lake Sabrina and South Lake, rushing from Patchy to Peak in a few days. Then, clouds, rain, snow, refreshing clear autumn air and rainbows filled the skies over Inyo County.
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/30/18) Douglas Van Kirk
All that action attracted so many photographers that local color spotter Gigi de Jong described them as leapfrogging over one another for “the sweet spot and that great shot.””
What they saw, she described, were “soft clouds” sweeping across the sky “as the cumulus built in the late afternoon heat, then dissipated as the cool winds scattered them about.
“As the shadows played over the landscape, the colors seem to change from within. Sunlight brightened the yellows and shade deepened the oranges and reds.
North Lake Bishop Creek Canyon (10/1/18) Tracy Zhou
Every vista had something magical about it,” Gigi said, causing observers to see things they hadn’t noticed before, like an old log cabin opposite Weir Pond and lovers as in love with the scene as they were with each other.
So many images arrived, that it’ll take days to post a representative selection, here. We’ll do our best, but there are many repeats and we like to show variety. In the meantime, we’re over the top over what we received.
As for the outlook, color has almost peaked at the highest elevations, but there’s still great color to be seen up Bishop Creek Canyon for another two weeks. Presently, the color is peaking under 9,000′, and the storm just made it better.
Autumn Storm, US 395, Independence (10/3/18) Ursula Esser
South Fork, Bishop Creek
South Lake (9,768′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
Wier Pond (9,650′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
Willow Campground (9,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Patchy (10-50%)
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2018-10-04 10:45:162020-11-04 10:11:26Bishop Creek's Over The Top
That 395 House (10/2/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
It’s last call above 9,000′ feet in Mono County, and what a way to close out fall color viewing at those elevations!
Snow dusted the mountain tops above 10,000′ today, though this didn’t damage fall color. In fact, it improved it, providing a spectacular backdrop for the color and rainbows.
Virginia Lakes (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Silver Lake, June Lake Loop (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
McGee Creek (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Convict Lake (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Mono County is tracking exactly as it has in past years, so check this site for peak color previously and make your plans to see favorite areas, accordingly.
This is likely the last week to enjoy peak color at the Virginia Lakes, Upper Rock Creek, Lobdell Lake Road, Sagehen Summit, Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass. Jeff Simpson of Mono County Tourism reports. “All of these areas are at full peak and looking spectacular right now but will be rapidly approaching past peak as the week goes on.”
There are too many great trails peaking right now to name one as Hike of the Week. So, we’re suggesting this package of choices for inspirational hiking. Be advised, they climb to high elevations. So, be prepared with plenty of water, hiking sticks, a backpack holding extra layered clothing, sun screen, a hat, sunglasses and your camera or mobile device, of course.
Now that you’re forewarned, be prepared for fair beauty along the Upper Rock Creek, McGee Canyon, Parker Lake, Lundy Canyon and Molybdenite trails with quaking aspen at higher elevations that will be perfect, this weekend.
For a driving tour, start at Conway Summit (US 395) and drive up Virginia Lakes Road to Dunderberg Meadows Road, then to Green Creek and down through Summers Meadows road exiting back at US 395 on Green Creek Road. This loop has incredible color right now and you’ll be able to see five of Mono County’s premiere fall color destinations at once. AWD recommended.
East Bay color spotter, Darrell Sano was one of the photographers who headed to Mono County this past week in search of color. His route took him over Tioga Pass and through Yosemite National Park, before descending Lee Vining Canyon into Mono County, reporting “incredibly intense” rain during today’s storm and crawling at 30 mph in what appeared to be nightfall at 2 p.m.
Now you know why the National Park Service closes Tioga Pass once it snow accumulates. Fortunately it didn’t and CA-120E remains open to Mono County as peak color spreads across it.
Walker/Coleville/Topaz
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – The pass is gilded with yellow and lime on the way up/down.
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Fantastic color is hanging on, though this is likely the last Peak week for this elevation. AWD recommended.
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Towns of Walker & Coleville- Just Starting (0-10%)
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW! – Another week of strong color with Peak color over the pass and lime and yellow in Leavitt Meadow.
Bridgeport/Virginia Lakes
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Will be Near Peak next week.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Wow. Virginia Lakes has had two solid weeks of peak color, but this is likely its last, as some stands are Past Peak near the lake, but still strong going up the road. AWD recommended.
Conway Summit (8,143) – Patchy (10-50%) – We like Conway best when it’s a mix of green, lime, yellow and orange … like, right now. This broad area should hold for another two weeks of Near Peak and Peak color. Though technically Patchy, GO NOW!
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Green along the road, but with emerging color yellow, orange and red higher up. In some years, Summers Meadow is one of the most beautiful areas of the Eastern Sierra. A definite must-see.
Lee Vining
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – There’s lovely color near Tenaya Lake and spots of it through Tuolumne Meadows and over the pass. Saddlebag Lake Road is worth a sidetrip.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Benton & 120 East
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) –Peak to Past Peak GO NOW as YOU ALMOST MISSED IT! – Still beautiful and worth the detour, but approaching Past Peak.
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Still early.
Parker Lake (8,000′) – – Patchy (10-50%) – Best bet.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are still bright and vibrant. Definitely worth stopping by Lake George, then making your way back through Twin Lakes.
Crowley Lake/McGee Creek/Convict Lake
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50) – McGee is dragging its feet, but then it’s always been later than other canyons. Look for it moving to Near Peak next week and Peak the following week.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Convict Lake (7850′)- Patchy (10-50) – Color is appearing around the lake, but it’s got another week before it truly gets electric.
Rock Creek Canyon
Rock Creek Road (8,500’+) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – With snow coating peaks above Rock Creek Lake, this is definitely the Peak of the Week above 8,500′.
Conway Summit (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Conway Summit (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Carson Iceberg Wilderness (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
McGee Creek (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Carson Iceberg Wilderness (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Siesta Lake, Yosemite National Park (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Warren Fork, Lee Vining Canyon (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Warren Fork, Lee Vining Canyon (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Mono Lake Lookout, Lee Vining Canyon (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
It snowed today in the Eastern Sierra, providing the spectacular image of fiery-orange aspen against snow-coated sawtooth peaks.
Mammoth Lakes color spotter Josh Wray, lucky guy, was there and could only describe it with one word, “Gorgeous!”
Well, truth be known, he needed three words, also writing, “Wow!” and “Stunning.” Not even Ernest Hemingway could have said it better.
Rock Creek (8,500’+) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Josh wrote, “Wow. Just wow!” The colors are still pretty green below 8,500′ but above that, it’s stunning and made even more dramatic when contrasted against the snow-covered Eastern Sierra.
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,000’+) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – -– Colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are still bright and vibrant. Definitely worth stopping by Lake George, then making your way back through Twin Lakes.
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50) –Not a whole lot happening here at the moment. Colors should change in the next couple of days as nighttime temps drop to the 20’s at night.
Convict Lake (7850′)- Patchy (10-50) – Similar to McGee Creek, this location is off to a slow start. Should pick up in the next few days. Colors are quite beautiful up high in the canyon.
McGee Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Convict Lake, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Surjanto Suradji submitted a heavenly look at Bishop Creek Canyon, forwarding his vision of fall color at night.
He wrote that the photos were taken Saturday night, as he was “curious to see these amazing landscape and gorgeous fall colors at night time.”
His results were better than he anticipated and truly remarkable, due to “the mystical quality of nighttime, with the milky way and millions of stars … added another level of richness to an already amazing landscape.”
Surjanto began photographing an hour after sunset but before moonrise, so that the milky way could be seen. He continued to midnight, providing for the long star-trails exposure. Heavenly.
Note: To learn more about taking star trails timelapse photographs, CLICK HERE.
Dunderberg Meadow, Mono County (9/30/18) Phillip Reedy
Dunderberg Meadow, Mono County (9/30/18) Phillip Reedy
Dunderberg Meadow, Mono County (9/30/18) Phillip Reedy
Fall color junkies will go to any length to satisfy their craving for color, even if it means driving for three days straight.
Phillip Reedy proved that this past weekend when he took a road trip that we’ll call “The Big Loop.”
He began by crossing Carson Pass (CA-88), then Monitor Pass (CA-89), before heading down US 395 as far south as Bishop Creek Canyon (with numerous stops along the route).
Phil reports, “Carson Pass to Red Lake Creek is bursting with colors right now, but it ranges from all green to nearly past peak. The meadow by Red lake is just starting to turn, but heading down 88 from there to Red Lake Creek and the cabin the colors are brilliant yellow and oranges. In another week those trees will likely be losing their leaves.”
He continued, “At the Carson bridge 1/2 mile west of the 88/89 intersection the grove right above the river is looking great with green, yellow and deep reds. But just across the valley to the north, the trees are nearly all green. From the 88/89/ intersection to Sorensen’s Resort there are great colors but some groves near Sorensen’ are losing leaves fast. In another week this area will be getting bare.
West Carson River (10/2/18) Phillip Reedy
West Carson River (10/2/18) Phillip Reedy
Reedy continues that Monitor Pass has some nice yellow areas but still-green trees seem reluctant to change and estimates that in a week “this area will be looking nice.”
Mono County has been getting rave reviews so far this autumn, with Dunderberg Meadow southwest of Bridgeport “in full glory right now. Beautiful yellow, oranges and reds. Don’t wait for this one.”
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (10/2/18) Phillip Reedy
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (10/2/18) Phillip Reedy
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (10/2/18) Phillip Reedy
Reedy was impressed by Bishop Creek Canyon, particularly South Lake, Lake Sabrina, and North Lakes as all looking great, as were the creeks near the lakes. North Lake is amazing right now. There are still some greens, but I would definitely go in the next week. Just downslope Aspendell is completely green so it will be a week or two before the colors look good there.”
Lake Sabrina (9/30/18) Mike Caffrey
North Lake (9/30/18) Mike Caffrey
Surveyor’s Meadow 10/1/18) Mike Caffrey
S. Fork Bishop Creek (10/1/18) Mike Caffrey
Mike Caffey also traveled a similar route this weekend, commenting that South Lake, Weir Pond and Parcher’s are nearly Past Peak. While there’s still color to be seen, it’ll be gone, soon. He was similarly pessimistic about how long peak would remain at North Lake and Lake Sabrina, though through the weekend it was “spectacular.”
I write this every autumn, but it never ceases to flabbergast me as to why people ask what they’ll see at North Lake in two weeks, when I’m reporting GO NOW! So, I answer, “bare branches.”
Remember, peak color lasts about two weeks. So, when you first see GO NOW! on a Near Peak destination, pack your bags. If you see it on a Peak destination, the car should be running and you should be heading out the door. If you don’t, YOU MISSED IT.
Red Lake Creek Cabin, Hope Valley (9/30/18) Mike Caffrey
Note that just because it’s Past Peak at one elevation, you haven’t missed it everywhere. If you’re truly in search of beauty, go to a lower elevation. For example, plan now to visit June Lake from Oct. 11 – 18. It should be gorgeous, then. I can make no promises, however, how good June Lake will be on Oct. 20.
Hope Valley (7,300′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – It’ll be great for maybe another week.
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Dunderberg Meadows (8,609′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – This is a wow destination right now.
June Lake Loop (7,654′) – Just Starting to Patchy (0 – 50%) – Plan now to visit in mid October.
South Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9,768′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU MISSED IT! – There will still be great color down the canyon, but it’s almost past peak at the highest elevations.
Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon (9,150′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Are your bags packed?
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Is your motor running?
Red Lake Creek Cabin, Hope Valley (10/2/18) Phillip Reedy
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2018-10-02 23:29:252018-10-03 00:11:35Road Trip: The Big Loop
Dunderberg Rd., Mono County (9/29/18) Bruce Wendler
Sagehen Summit, Mono County (9/29/18) Bruce Wendler
Virginia Lakes, Mono County (9/29/18) Bruce Wendler
Do gentlemen prefer blonds or redheads?
When it comes to deciding between red or yellow autumn leaves, it’s a toss-up.
Bruce Wendler visited Sagehen Summit, the Virginia Lakes and Dunderberg Road, finding beautiful blonds, redheads and even trendy orange-frosted trees.
Though, he cautions, Sagehen is now almost Past Peak, the same at Virginia Lakes. Though still peaking, go immediately or you’ll miss it.
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/29/18) Douglas Van Kirk
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9/29/18) Douglas Van Kirk
Douglas Van Kirk found the “fiery” redheads climbing the slope beyond North Lake to be “Absolutely beautiful.” While, their blond relations at lake level were “just starting.”
North Lake appears to be about what it did last year, getting hot upstairs while still warming downstairs.
On his return (Sunday), Bruce found Tioga Pass still open (it often remains open until November) with more red to be seen along the west shore of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park.
Dunderberg Rd (7,500′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Sagehen Summit (8,139′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Virginia Lakes (9,770′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park (8,150′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Shrubs and ground covers are at peak.
North Lake (9/28/18) Larry Salmi
North Lake (9/30/18) Bruce Wendler
Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park (9/30/18) Bruce Wendler
In a week, Mammoth Lakes has transitioned from Patchy to Peaking. And, Mammoth Lakes color spotter Josh Wray was sky high over it.
To see it all, he rode an exhilarating scenic flight with SkyTime Helicopter Tours out of the Mammoth Airport. Then, returned to earth to hike with a friend around lakes and along trails that are natural boulevards through bright yellow arbors of rustling aspen leaves.
Josh reports that fall color has matured quickly and though it will likely remain good for at least another week, we’re declaring Mammoth Lakes as a GO NOW! destination and the Rainbow Falls trail as this week’s Hike of the Week.
This is big country. Hikes can vary from heart thumping to easy romantic strolls. Josh recommends, “Head up to Lake George an hour after sunrise for the best light.” Or do as Josh did and get above it all on a helicopter tour. Anyway you experience Mammoth, it’s a 360-degree adventure.
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,000′ and Up!) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2018-09-27 23:00:302018-09-28 10:30:00Sky High Over Mammoth
Sagehen Summit (9/25/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Mono County has listed four locations as must-see fall color destinations for the weekend: Lobdell Lake Road, Rock Creek Road, Virginia Lakes Road and Sagehen Summit, with more orange to be seen than at Sunkist Growers. (Click on photos to enlarge)
Aspen, Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (9/20/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Angler, Virginia Lakes (9/20/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (9/20/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sagehen Summit (9/25/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sagehen Summit (9/25/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Monitor Pass (9/21/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Little Antelope Pack Station (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – “Sagehen Summit, in particular, has never been more brilliant as deep oranges and reds are currently covering the mountain from top to bottom.” Mono County’s Jeff Simpson urges, “head to this location first, as the colors won’t last much longer.
“Virginia Lakes Road and Rock Creek Road are at full peak along the upper sections of the roads. If you’re driving to Virginia Lakes, consider taking Dunderberg Meadows road to Green Creek for additional groves of quaking aspens. (AWD is recommended for this dirt road).
“Lobdell Lake Road is a lesser known destination off of Burcham Flat Road between Bridgeport and Walker.” Jeff says, “You’ll find full groves of oranges and reds near the top while yellows and greens are plentiful at the bottom. (AWD is recommended for this dirt road.)”
Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – “Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass are both showing significant change in the upper elevations,” Simpson continues. “You’ll find peaking groves of aspens along the tops of the passes and at turnouts along the road. Some sections are still green the closer you get to US 395. Golden Gate Mine Road out of Walker/Coleville was absolutely brilliant earlier this week. Take this road to Little Antelope Pack Station at Rodriguez Flat for panorama views of yellows and oranges in the mountains above. (AWD is Recommended for this dirt road.) Book a pack trip or take a hike up Correl Valley Trailhead for additional viewing.”
Aspen, Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Walker/Coleville/Topaz
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Full peaking colors at the top with green/yellow leaves at the bottom. Colors should be great here for the next 10 days.
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Towns of Walker & Coleville- Just Starting (0-10%)
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW! – Still patchy in places but great near the top of the pass.
Bridgeport/Virginia Lakes
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Great color along the road and at lake level. Still green near the Conway Summit turnoff. Take Dunderberg Meadows Road to Green Creek Road for additional groves of color. (AWD is recommended)
Conway Summit (8,143)- Just Starting (0-10%) – Still mostly green with a few yellow trees. A good 7-10 days away from a recommendation.
Summers Meadow (7,200′)- Just Starting (0-10%) – Still mostly green along the road with some reds visible at the highest elevations.
Lee Vining
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW! – Patchy in sections, especially at lower elevations. Saddlebag Lake Road should be your best bet.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Benton & 120 East
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) –Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! -Unbelievable color there, right now. Go as soon as you can, as this will be the first location to go Past Peak. Then, you’ll be kicking yourself because YOU MISSED IT!
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Parker Lake (8,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Patchy (10-50%) – There is significan color change occurring in the Lakes Basin. Laurel Canyon looks fantastic from US 395 if you want to make the hike or off-road drive (OHV required).
Crowley Lake/McGee Creek/Convict Lake
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50) – Colors look fantastic in the upper elevations from US 395. Green trees are still present near the road at US 395.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Convict Lake (7850′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Rock Creek Canyon
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now! -Full peak around the lake and down the road. Still green near US 395.
