LEAF PEEPING IS IN FULL SWING
10/2/2025
Fall is putting on a show in Mammoth Lakes, and you won’t want to miss it. Tuesday’s light snowfall sprinkled the mountain peaks in white, while the valleys below were bursting with brilliant yellows and oranges. Twin Lakes and Lake George’s golden aspen groves are pure magic—and it won’t last long.
Now’s the time to plan your trip, pack your camera, and see the Eastern Sierra at its most stunning. Whether you’re strolling through colorful trails, sipping something warm after a brisk hike, or just soaking in the views, this weekend is shaping up to be peak fall perfection.
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!
Discounts on lodging are in abundance before the winter season hits so book now! Below are a few resources to make sure your post-leaf peeping adventures end with cozy vibes and delicious bites.
- Looking for a place to stay? 10% off your next stay with MammothBNB.
- Residents rejoice! Outbound Mammoth have a California & Nevada resident rate.
WEATHER, ROAD AND LOCAL UPDATES
Stay prepared for your fall adventures in the Eastern Sierra with the latest updates road conditions, activity updates, and weather forecasts.
Current Closures:
- Sherwin Lakes Trail, now open!
- Reds Meadow Access — closes for the season on Oct. 5
- Heart Lake/Mammoth Pack Station Trail, closed Sept. 5 – Nov. 15
Please note that Mammoth Lakes is open during the Government Shutdown! Restrooms, trash service, and trails are available. However, some federal land services may be limited.
As the temperatures drop, it’s important to remember weather is variable in the Eastern Sierra. Check out upcoming forecasts in our Essential Seasonal Resources Guide.
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
10-50% Patchy
Still overall on the patchy side. Some impressive grouping of trees already hitting vibrant orange with the majority still showing yellow.
VIRGINIA LAKES
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
Virginia Lakes is glowing in shades of gold. Some groves have already lost a portion of their leaves, while lower areas near the creek display a mix of mostly yellow and gold, with a few trees starting to turn orange. Very little green remains in these areas. It’ been cold in this area, and it’s unclear how the recent cold temperatures will affect the colors. A small, fresh dusting of snow can also be seen on the mountain above the lake!
CONWAY SUMMIT
10-50% Patchy
The dirt road just off Virginia Lakes Road is now creeping into the 75-100% range, but the lower elevations of this area is a beautiful blend of yellow and green (40%). There is change still to come.
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Sagehen Summit was the first “Go Now” spot of the season and it’s still holding strong! Plan your visit soon as this is the prime time to catch them.
TIOGA PASS
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Aspens at the 9,000’ elevation mark are currently at peak, joined by vibrant willow bushes around Ellery Lake. Higher up, near 10,000’ at the pass, the willows have already moved past peak. For dramatic fall color views, this drive is a must for your weekend itinerary.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
10-50% – Patchy
A few trees around the loop are beginning to show pops of color, but the area as a whole still needs more time before the full display arrives. In contrast, the mountainsides and Parker Bench are already in the 75–100% ‘Peaking (GO NOW!)’ category.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The Lakes Basin is at its peak at Lake George, with a brilliant display of color along the right side of the lake. Around Twin Lakes, the aspens are still a mix of green and yellow, but by the weekend we expect them to reach their peak as well.
CONVICT LAKE
10-50% – Patchy
Not much has changed from last week, but the trees along the pathway are starting to turn, as well as cascading down the mountainside. The aspen grove in the back has not shown significant color yet but will soon.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
This area has seen a lot of change since last week. The campground is still in the early stages, but the creek, trail and canyon have exploded in color. Temperatures dipped and Tuesday’s snowfall stuck on the mountain peaks, so expect this area to peak fast.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
This area has seen significant change. Lower elevations are still hanging onto some lime green, but as soon as you pass the lodge the colors are showing off their yellow and orange hues. All around Rock Creek Lake, along the dock and the beginning of the Hilton Lakes trail show significant colors blooming on the mountainside.
SOUTH LAKE
75-100% -Peaking (GO NOW!)
South Lake is stunning right now, this weekend is the time to go. Aspens are in full color with cascades of colors running down the mountain sides.
LAKE SABRINA
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Fall colors are in full effect! Many of these areas will be past peak very shortly, especially if we get more weather.
Be sure to check out our blog for an even more detailed 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.
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