Fall Meets Winter

The Eastern Sierra is putting on quite a show this week! A recent storm dropped up to 16 inches of fresh snow at Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge, blanketing the region in a beautiful layer of white. While winter is starting to make its grand entrance, pockets of vibrant fall color are still holding strong for the weekend.

If you’re planning a visit to experience this rare collision of seasons, drive safely, observe parking rules and pack layers of warm clothing to prepare for variable temperatures.

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!

Mammoth Mountain opens in less than 30 days for skiing & snowboarding!

• Official opening day is Nov 14 (conditions permitting)
• Ikon Passes are currently on sale
• Kids Ski Free the week of Dec 6-12! Mark your calendars and plan your trip
• Air service resumes with United from San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN) to Bishop on Dec 11 (DEN) and Dec 18 (SFO) and with Advanced Air from Carlsbad (San Diego) and Hawthorn (LA/Orange County) to Mammoth on Nov 26.
• TWO FLIGHTS with United on Saturdays from SFO to Bishop and on weekends from DEN to Bishop- NEW THIS YEAR! More information here for air service.

PLAN YOUR TRIP FOR OPENING WEEKEND

FEATURED PHOTO

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.

ESSENTIAL SEASONAL RESOURCES

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
75-100% – Peaking (Likely)

Monitor Pass was just re-opened today, Oct 16, following the most recent storm. As a result of it being closed, no reports were made. However, it is likely there’s still some color, and this scenic drive is always well worth the trip with sweeping views of Mono County’s Antelope Valley.

VIRGINIA LAKES
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)

Reports were not conducted this week; however, based on recent observations, lake levels appear to be past peak while the roadway continues to display beautiful pockets of color. An updated report will come soon—stay tuned.

CONWAY SUMMIT
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)

As the photos show, Conway Summit is absolutely stunning right now. As you head south on Hwy 395, use the large pullouts on the west side overlooking Dunderberg Meadows. Don’t miss this spot!

SAGEHEN SUMMIT
Past Peak – (You Missed It)

TIOGA PASS
Past Peak- (You Missed It)

While Tioga Pass might be past peak, just below it is Lee Vining Canyon which is currently peaking. 120 is now open post-storm, up to the Yosemite National Park gate, which remains closed. Definitely check this area out for peaceful creek views and vibrant colors against the granite cliffs towering above. Please watch for work trucks in the area.

JUNE LAKE LOOP
75-100% Peaking (Go Now!)

The colors are truly putting on a fall show. With the recent snowfall this week, driving through the loop is a magical winter and fall experience. Definitely check the entire loop out this week!

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)

The recent snowfall brought a beautiful blanket to Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Mountain and the Lakes Basin. The colors are still hanging on and pockets of snow are expected to remain in high elevations through the weekend.

Please note: the gate on Lake Mary Rd is now open as of Wednesday, Oct 15th! The gates on Old Mammoth Rd and just beyond Tamarack Lodge remain closed.

CONVICT LAKE
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)

Colors along the lake are still at peak with a few sections towards the back moving past peak. With the weather from this week, this area is likely to move past peak soon.

MCGEE CREEK CANYON
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)

The canyon is glowing yellow and orange. While some patches that peaked earlier in the season have now faded, a handful of color still remains. With high winds and snow this week, this may be your last chance to enjoy the fall colors here.

ROCK CREEK ROAD
Past Peak- (You Missed it!)

The Lake and Upper Rock Creek Road is now past peak, but Lower Rock Creek Road, still has some colors to check out!

SOUTH LAKE & LAKE SABRINA
Past Peak- (You Missed It!)

The recent storm sped up the season in Bishop Creek Canyon. Most of the higher elevations are past peak. There are still trees that have yet to change, and it will just depend on how chilly the nights are getting as to how long the leaf peeping up there will last.

BISHOP AREA
50-75% -Near Peak

Down in the Owens Valley, including Round Valley, the Bishop area, and south towards Big Pine and Lone Pine, there are yellow hues throughout, with some trees displaying beautiful golds, and yet there is still a lot of green in the Valley.

Be sure to check out our blog for an even more detailed report!

FULL 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.

LEARN MORE