ENJOY FALL COLORS RESPONSIBLY
10/9/2025
Brilliant yellows and fiery reds are sweeping through the region from the higher elevations down into town, making this the perfect moment for a scenic drive, a lakeside hike, or a cozy weekend getaway before winter arrives.
In this edition, discover expert photography tips from a local pro and learn our top five ways to enjoy fall colors responsibly.
As you adventure around the region, please remember to Recreate Responsibly and keep Mammoth Lakes unreal for future generations. Share your favorite fall pictures with us on social media at @visitmammoth // #VisitMammoth. Happy travels, leaf peepers!
Capture fall’s brilliance with expert insights on photographing golden aspens, experimenting with creative framing, and making the most of the Eastern Sierra’s dramatic light. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned photographer, this blog will help elevate your fall color shots.
Before you head out for your next leaf-peeping or hiking adventure, keep these five simple tips in mind to help protect our beautiful mountain environment and ensure everyone enjoys a safe, scenic season.
In addition, we’ve compiled essential seasonal resources so you can easily prepare for your Eastern Sierra trip with weather forecasts, webcams, road conditions and more. Click below to start planning your getaway.
PARKING ETIQUETTE
- Park off the road and not in it. If a parking lot, pull out or dirt section is full, please keep searching for a spot or move to a different location. Road blockages create a hazard for other drivers, emergency vehicles and staff.
- Don’t park on roots; aspens have a very shallow root system. Any weight on them is damaging not just to that one tree but the entire cluster!
- Check road conditions below; some locations are on dirt roads that require 4×4. Knowing whether it is safe to traverse or not is key!
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
MONITOR PASS
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
Monitor Pass has crossed into the 50-75% Near Peak category, and we expect it will be peaking next week. There are a variety of colors and changes on this drive with some areas staying fairly green and others showing strong caches of orange and red. This scenic drive is well worth the trip, offering sweeping views of Mono County’s Antelope Valley.
VIRGINIA LAKES
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
Some leaves near the resort and lake have dropped, but the drive is still absolutely worth it – good now/soon! Along the creek and lower areas, vibrant gold and orange dominate all the way to the Dunderberg Meadows Road turnoff. Beyond that, foliage is sparser, but golden trees remain around the lake – and there’s nothing quite like the peaceful silence here on a midweek visit.
CONWAY SUMMIT
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
This scenic area is moving quickly toward peak color. Dundergberg Meadows Road, just off Virginia Lakes Road, is already in the 75–100% range, with brilliant orange and red pockets lighting up the hillsides. The surrounding slopes are closer to 40–50%, but change is progressing rapidly and should accelerate with cooler weather. This is a classic Eastern Sierra fall color location and well worth a visit now — with even more beauty to come in the days ahead.
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
TIOGA PASS
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
The colors this week have really flourished. Brilliant yellows and oranges have popped up along the waterfall near Warren Fork and Lee Vining Creek looking towards Tioga Peak, with some greens still hanging on at lower elevations.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
10-50% – Patchy
The north end of the loop is bursting with peak color on the mountainsides, while the rest is just beginning to turn. Gull Lake is golden, and Silver Lake is close behind. This weekend’s Leaves in the Loop event will be incredible, and the colors will only get better in the weeks ahead, don’t miss the fall magic!
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
With the cold front from this past weekend, the colors around Mammoth Lakes have truly come alive! Brilliant golds and fiery oranges are spreading fast. Around town, we’re now seeing about 50% color change and counting.
CONVICT LAKE
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
Convict Lake is showing off its fall charm! Brilliant yellows are lighting up the back side of the lake, mixing with a few patches of green. Peak colors are quickly approaching!
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
Certain sections of the canyon are now at peak, especially toward the back, with vibrant yellows. The front half is close behind, showing a mix of green and golden tones that signal peak color is just around the corner.
ROCK CREEK ROAD
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
While the lake area has started its descent into wintery mix and some leaves are frosted and falling, the road leading up still has plenty to see and enjoy, including some thick groves displaying full yellow and orange brilliant hues.
SOUTH LAKE
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
The drive to South Lake is still pretty spectacular, and there are still greens up at the parking lot, but much of the area is peaking now.
LAKE SABRINA
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
There are still some stunning colors up here, which will not last much longer. Definitely a GO NOW.
Be sure to check out our blog for an even more detailed report!
PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE
Preserve Mammoth Lakes’ Unreal alpine beauty for future adventurers. Check out our Pre-Arrival Guide for tips on how to be an eco-conscious traveler. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining this picturesque destination for future generations.
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