The Fall Variety Show Is Here!
The first act of fall has arrived in Mono County—and it’s already putting on quite a show! The leaves are beginning to turn, with bright yellows, hints of orange, and plenty of green still filling the groves. It’s a little bit of everything right now. Think of it as a sneak peek of the spectacular show still to come.
This is the perfect time for a weekend getaway or an impromptu adventure in the Eastern Sierra. Early color is showing up in accessible spots like Rock Creek and Virginia Lakes, while some of the more adventurous colorful locations requires traveling on rocky dirt roads.
That said, there are several ways to experience the season. Make a day of it with a scenic drive, lace up your hiking boots, or pack a picnic and find a quiet spot to soak it all in. Stop for a meal, browse a local shop, pull over for that can’t-miss photo, and take the long way home. Fall in Mono County is as much about the journey as the destination.
The images above and below were taken this week – you can see the show is just getting started. Catch the colors now through October, if the weather cooperates. Follow our weekly Fall Color Report to see what’s changing and when and the Fall Events calendar to help with your trip planning.
Wishing you a colorful and safe autumn!
Liz, Emily, and Amanda
Planning a trip or have a quick question? We are always happy to help point you in the right direction.
E-mail ([email protected]) or give us a call at 800-845-7922. You can also download or request physical copies of our visitor guides and maps at monocounty.org.
Every week in autumn, our team heads out into the mountains, lakes, and canyons of Mono County to scout the changing leaves. We update our Fall Color Report every Wednesday with what we’re seeing on the ground, plus what we expect for the weekend ahead.
Each location is given a color percentage to show how much change has happened. The report highlights where to go, what’s looking best, and includes helpful tips, safety alerts, and other good things to know before you head out.
You can also pair the report with our Fall Color Map – request one by mail, pick one up at local visitor centers and businesses, or download a PDF version online.
The Eastern Sierra is spectacular in fall, but conditions can change quickly. Please review our safety tips, below, before you travel, and help us protect the region’s landscapes, wildlife, residents, and fellow visitors.
- Mammoth Tuff – Sept. 18-20
- Paint Mono County – Sept. 20-27
- Mammoth trailfest – Sept. 24-27
- Bodie Ghost Walk – Sept. 26
- Ridge Rambler Half Marathon + 5k – Sept. 26
- Written in Stone at Convict Lake – Sept. 20
- Paint Mono County – Plein Air Paint Sept. 20-27
- June Lake Autumn Beer Festival – Sept. 26
- Ridge Rambler Half Marathon & 5k – Sept. 26
- Benton Music Festival – Oct. 3
- June Lake Leaves in the Loop – Oct. 9-11
- Bridgeport Oktoberfest – Oct. 10
- National Park FREE Entrance Day – Oct. 27
Fall Safety Tips
Watch for Wildlife
This is an active season! Black bears are preparing for winter and mule deer are migrating. Slow down and stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk. And please, help keep wildlife wild by keeping your distance, never feeding wildlife, and storing food securely (camping or not, this included parked at your hotel or condo).
Park Smart & Drive with Care
Always use designated parking areas—never stop in the road or park on vegetation. Roads can be winding, narrow, and full of blind corners. With wildlife, bikers, photographers, and leaf peepers out and about, please be alert and drive cautiously.
Check the Weather
Mountain conditions can change in minutes. Always check the forecast and road conditions before and during your trip.
Leave No Trace & Mind Your Mountain Manners
Pack out what you pack in, respect others, and help keep Mono County wild and beautiful.
Communicate Your Plan
Many areas of Mono County have very little or no cell service. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or enjoying another outdoor activity or adventure, please let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Stay on Trail
If you’re hiking this fall, please know that staying on designated trails ensures safety, protects plants and animals, minimizes environmental impact, and prevents erosion as well as the spread of invasive species.
Camp Like a Pro
Check the CLAP website for alerts, notices, and current fire restrictions.
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