FALL COLORS UPDATES
10/8/2026
Fall is in full swing at lower elevations around Mammoth Lakes, as the season continues to move down from higher elevations, with Convict Lake and McGee Canyon now showing off their own bursts of color.
June Lake is putting on an impressive display too, which makes the whole region the place to be this weekend. Grab a camera and a warm layer, and see the iconic Eastern Sierra palette while it lasts.
Get inspired and plan your trip with our Fall Colors hub, featuring fun hikes, activities and places to see. Don’t forget to take advantage of discounted lodging in Mammoth Lakes as the ideal home base for enjoying this season.
As you adventure around the region, please remember to Recreate Responsibly and Keep Mammoth Lakes Unreal for future generations.
Read below for fall inspiration and this week’s color report.
– Kim from Mammoth Lakes, California
5 Easy Ways to Help Keep Fall Unreal
A few small habits go a long way toward keeping our aspens golden and our trails pristine for years to come. Here’s how to enjoy the season while giving a little love back:
- Plan ahead – Check weather, roads, and maps before heading out. Mountain weather shifts fast, and cell service and restrooms can be limited once you’re out there.
- Park smart – Stick to designated spots. Aspens have shallow roots, so keeping cars off soft shoulders and plants helps them thrive for seasons to come.
- Tread lightly – Brush off boots and gear before hitting new trails, stay on the path, and admire those paper-thin aspen trunks without leaving a mark.
- Stay aware – Pull over only in safe spots and skip stopping in the road for photos. Country roads see more traffic than you’d think.
- Pack it in, pack it out – Trash (even food scraps) adds up fast during peak color season. Extra credit for grabbing litter you didn’t leave.
LOCAL’S GUIDE TO AUTUMN
Fall in the Mammoth Lakes region is a time to reset, relax and connect with nature before winter arrives.
The temperatures are just right and the Eastern Sierra landscape is glowing with color.
Our locals’ guide to a fall getaway shows you how to make the most of a weekend here. Read the full guide and start planning fall color hikes, fishing, where to dine, and more.
FALL THROUGH YOUR LENS
Got a fall photo you’re proud of? Show us your favorite images!
This week we received these amazing images from images from Jessica Piche, Daniel Hauck, Alyssa Graham, Tracey Hadan, Emily Robertson, Jaclyn Arkelian and Brenda Linan.
Want to submit yours? Click the link below:
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
TIOGA PASS
75-100 Peaking (GO NOW!)
The aspens along the pass are still putting on a show, but with weather incoming, please be aware that conditions along the road could change quickly.
LEE VINING
10-50% Patchy
There are some heavy green groupings in the middle of the canyon, but at the lower pond moving along the creek to the west, the display of colors is quite fantastic. You don’t have to go far and you’ll be treated to a perfect fall photo opportunity.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Areas around Silver Lake have a true lemon lime vibe. Rush Creek and the hillsides coming down to Grant add blazes of orange to the scene. The coming weeks in June Lake are going to be stellar.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The Lakes Basin is still glowing with fall color. Aspens along the bike path are holding their full yellow, and the willows around Lake Mary are still showing off their orange. Some foliage has slipped past peak, but there’s plenty left to enjoy.
MAMMOTH LAKES TOWN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
For the best color right now, head to Mammoth Creek, where yellow and orange are at full peak. Then wander the Town Loop or Snowcreek Meadow, where the trees are peaking as well, and keep an eye out for little pockets of vibrant color around town.
CONVICT LAKE
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
While some bits of green can be found, the golden hue of fall is taking over the lake. This is another area we expect to keep showing off through next week as long as Mother Nature cooperates.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
The trail up McGee Canyon is absolutely peaking. One hiker is quoted as saying, “it doesn’t matter how far you’re going, it’s spectacular every step of the way.”
ROCK CREEK
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
This is your last call on Rock Creek Lake and above. From Rock Creek Resort all the way down to Tom’s Place there is no shortage of color to see. But it will go fast.
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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