FALL IS HERE IN THE EASTERN SIERRA
9/25/2025
Fall has officially arrived in the Eastern Sierra, and with it comes one of the most breathtaking displays of the year. The aspen groves are beginning to glow with golden hues, mountain valleys are painted in fiery shades of orange and yellow, and the crisp alpine air makes every hike, drive, and overlook feel like you’re stepping into a postcard. Whether you’re chasing peak color or simply savoring the season, now is the time to experience the magic of autumn in the Sierra.
As you adventure this autumn, 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 enthusiasts!
APRÈS ADVENTURE EATS
In Mammoth Lakes, the adventure doesn’t stop when the trail ends. Every hike, ride, paddle, or drive day comes with a well-deserved reward — a meal that’s every bit as memorable as the journey.
With Après Adventure Eats, you can discover the perfect trail-to-table pairings that make Mammoth Lakes so special. Think warm cinnamon rolls after a sunrise hike, a refreshing craft cocktail after a mountain ride, or a hearty dinner to top off a day of leaf peeping.
Here, dining isn’t just fuel — it’s part of the adventure. Come hungry, leave inspired, and see how every bite in Mammoth Lakes is earned.
PLAN OUT YOUR LOCATIONS
The aspen colors are starting to emerge at the Mammoth Lakes Basin and what a great time to drive, bike or hike around. If you need inspiration for your leaf peeping adventure, here are a few local favorites:
- Rent an e-bike and take on the Mammoth Lakes Basin path
- Catch some trout at Twin Lakes
- Bring a picnic to Lake George and enjoy the scenery
- Paddle it out on Twin Lakes for some aspen colors
- Hike across the bridge near Tamarack Lodge for a golden aspen grove
ACTIVITY AND ROAD UPDATES
As you start preparing for your fall adventure, stay current on Mammoth Lakes road work, seasonal activities and more by clicking the button below.
Current Closures:
- Sherwin Lakes Trail, closed Sept. 4 – 28
- Heart Lake/Mammoth Pack Station Trail, closed Sept. 5 – Nov. 15
- Coldwater Campground-Closed Oct. 1
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
75-100%-Near Peak (Go Now!)
Sagehen Summit was the first “Go Now” location of the season — and is now the first to hit 75–100% this fall! It’s truly leading the way and peaking now – this is the week to go if you can. If you miss it this weekend, there’s a chance color will hold into next week. We’ll see!
TIOGA PASS
10-50% – Patchy
Patchy. The willow bushes along Ellery Lake are showing increased yellowing, and a small group of aspens is starting to display more noticeable color changes.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Poised to change quickly! While the lower portion of Rock Creek Road remains mostly patchy with greens and yellows, the lake area and above are now moving toward near peak. You’ll find a beautiful mix of orange and yellow with some green still sprinkled throughout. With the drop in temperatures at the end of this week, this area could shift to peak at higher elevations very quickly — so plan a visit now or in the coming week!
VIRGINIA LAKES
10-50% Patchy
One stretch near the resort turnoff and road to the trailhead is glowing orange (50–75%), while most everything else around lakes and along the road is still green to lime green (0–10%). Plenty more change to come!
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Tops of the aspens within the community are showing color, with some cascading yellows and oranges down the mountainside.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
10-50% Patchy
The area around Tamarack Lodge in the Twin Lakes area has some heavy patches of yellow across the bridge and around the lake. Rabbitbrush and bushes are showing significant color change. Lake George has a nice patch of yellow and orange cascading down the mountain face.
CONVICT LAKE
10-50% Patchy
More trees and bushes along the pathway are continuing to shift. The aspen grove in the back is at about 50% peak with patches of green still lingering. Lots of brushes and cottonwoods are showing significant color changes. The aspen grove cascading down the mountain continues to change to yellow and orange, at about 30% peak.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
0-10% Just Starting
A few more yellows are starting to creep down. The loop is always worth the drive – if it isn’t already, add it to your list for a sprinkle of fall color this weekend. There’s plenty more on the way in October though, so stay tuned!
SOUTH LAKE
50-75% Near Peak – GO NOW!
The area surrounding the lake itself has patches of color still with yellow and orange hues, however the area above the lake is at 50-75% near peak so GO NOW!
LAKE SABRINA
50-75% Near Peak-GO NOW!
There are patches that have already peaked above the lake and plenty of yellows around the lake, so closer to 50%. Near Cardinal Village is almost in full color, as well as near the overlook.
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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