THE FINAL ACT
10/30/2025
As autumn winds down and the Eastern Sierra gears up for winter, the trees at lower elevations are entering their final act in a stunning, fiery display. Areas like Round Valley, Owens Valley and Bishop are just a short drive away from Mammoth Lakes; perfect for a day trip.
Here in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding areas, there are still pockets to see, and plenty to do in town. In this newsletter, you’ll find tips on how to enjoy opening weekend at Mammoth Mountain, as well as a few itineraries around town for the last few weeks before winter takes hold.
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!
Opening Day at Mammoth Mountain is Nov 14, 2025.
A couple weeks ago, Mammoth Lakes received 16″ of snow, which blanketed the fall foliage in a brilliant winter coat. That was just a preview of what’s to come this winter.
Here are a few tips to plan your trip here for opening weekend:
- First chair and banner breakthrough: If you want the coveted spot on the first chair up for the 25/26 season, you’ll need to arrive early.
- Festivities: Live music and a seasonal toast usually kick off the fun activities. Stay tuned for updates.
- Events in town: There is also plenty to do in town including: a movie premiere, happy hour and après parties.
For more details and a full itinerary, read the blog post:
MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN OPENING WEEKEND ITINERARY
FEATURED PHOTO
EVENTS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Get ready—Halloween is tomorrow! Mammoth Lakes is packed with fun events for all ages.
- Creative Costumes & Coloring Party at the MAC: Celebrate Halloween at the Mono Arts Council’s free, family-friendly event from 2–4 pm, featuring festive art activities, costumes, and fun for all ages.
- Live Music Night at Distant Brewing: Catch the fun from 7 – 9 pm. Costume contest + live local band.
- Annual Halloween Costume Crawl: Begins at the Clocktower Cellar (7:30 pm) then moves to Lakanuki (9:30 pm‑midnight). Categories: best costume, best couple costume, scariest costume—$100 gift cards for winners.
- 6th Annual Halloween Bash at Dos Alas: Party kicks off at 9 pm with LIVE music from the Mammoth All Stars, costumes, and plenty of Halloween fun. $10 cover.
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
Past Peak (You Missed It)
VIRGINIA LAKES
Past Peak (You Missed It)
CONWAY SUMMIT
Past Peak (You Missed It)
LEE VINING
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
With a little exploration, you will still find some pockets of beautiful color, but this past weekend’s wind cleared a lot of the trees’ leaves off.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
MAMMOTH LAKES
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
With the wind event this past weekend, most of town is past peak, but you may be able to still find some random trees holding on.
CONVICT LAKE
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
The classic ring of color around the lake has passed its peak, but the willow bushes along the paved path are still putting on a beautiful show. You’ll also find vibrant fall colors near Convict Lake Resort.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
ROUND VALLEY
75-100% Peaking – (GO NOW!)
Colors at the north end of Inyo County will be winding down soon. While there are LOTS of yellows and golds, and some trees still holding onto some green, some of the trees are beginning to lose their leaves.
Nevertheless, this is the spot to check out this weekend as the cottonwoods are exploding with vibrant colors.
BISHOP/OWENS VALLEY
75-100% Peaking – (GO NOW!)
The Owens Valley is absolutely beautiful right now. With temperatures in the low seventies, it makes for a fantastic time to jump in and out of the car taking photos (being considerate and pulling off the road in designated turnouts, of course)! Or, the perfect time to enjoy whatever it is that you love doing: trail running, fishing, golfing, etc.
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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