MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
10/23/2025
Autumn isn’t over yet in the Eastern Sierra! Vibrant colors are still lighting up the Mammoth Lakes region, with peak hues continuing in June Lake. As winter edges closer, now’s the perfect time to catch the season’s final burst of gold before it fades for the year.
This week, we’re spotlighting some of the best mountain biking routes to enjoy the fall scenery. So dust off your bike, grease those gears, and hit the trails for unforgettable views framed by autumn’s glow.
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!
Top Mountain Bike Trails Near Mammoth Lakes
Autumn in the Eastern Sierra offers a unique opportunity to experience vibrant foliage from the saddle of your mountain bike. Fall colors are still here and the trails around Mammoth Lakes are alive with golden color and crisp mountain air.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual enthusiast, here are three must-ride trails to immerse yourself in the fall beauty:
- Mammoth Rock Trail: A 2.5-mile singletrack carved into the mountainside, this iconic trail offers sweeping views of aspen-dotted meadows and vibrant fall foliage. It’s a favorite for both biking and hiking enthusiasts.
- Lower Rock Creek Trail: Located less than 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, this 8-mile downhill trail follows the cascading Rock Creek, surrounded by thousands of aspen, alder, and cottonwood trees displaying their colors in late October.
- Yost Meadow Trail: Starting near June Lake, this 6-mile out-and-back trail takes riders through a breathtaking canopy of bright yellow quaking aspens, leading to the expansive Yost Meadow.
For more details and trail maps, visit the full blog post:
THREE AUTUMN MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
FEATURED PHOTO
Always remember to 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.
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
TWIN LAKES
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Yellow and gold are sprinkled all around the lakes and the dock at Mono Village was a respite in the sun on Monday Morning. Both lakes were incredible. Don’t forget fishing season doesn’t end until November 15.
VIRGINIA LAKES
Past Peak (You Missed It)
CONWAY SUMMIT
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
This continues to be one of the most scenic juxtapositions for fall and winter. The color is done here but continues to hang on until the next storm probably.
LEE VINING
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Colors are at their peak along this scenic stretch below Tioga Pass, where aspens line a creek within the canyon with towering granite cliffs. Please use caution and watch for work vehicles in the area.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
There are still lots of colors to see in the loop this weekend! If you haven’t made the trip yet, there’s still time to catch the show.
MAMMOTH LAKES
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Colors around Mammoth Lakes Basin won’t last much longer; there are still pockets of yellow and orange along Lake Mary Road and around Twin Lakes. Be sure to check it out this weekend before it’s past peak. Town is really showing off it’s fall color, especially around the Town Loop and near Mammoth Creek. Color will hang on for a little while longer, so don’t delay.
CONVICT LAKE
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
Convict Lake is always a stunner, and this week is no exception. There are some pockets past peak, but the aspen grove in the back is still showing off, as well as trees near the picnic area and along Convict Creek leading out of the lake and down towards Hwy 395.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
While the back of the canyon itself is past peak, the colors are really turning out in the campground and along the creek leading down to Hwy 395. Make sure to bring your fishing pole and enjoy a lovely afternoon of leaf peeping and relaxing.
ROUND VALLEY
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
Beautiful colors on the cottonwoods can be seen in this area, especially right off Pine Creek Rd and Lower Rock Creek Rd, with views of Mt. Tom and Wheeler Crest in the background.
BISHOP/OWENS VALLEY
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
The Owens Valley is pretty spectacular right now. City Park still has lots of greens, and the rest of town still has some green, and lots of yellows and golds.
Lone Pine Area: it’s a beautiful time to be down there, perhaps take a picnic out to the Alabama Hills or the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery!
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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