EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR UPDATES
10/23/2024
Recent snow dustings and chilly temperature dips make it clear time is inching closer to winter each week — but for now — fall is still in full force in the Eastern Sierra, and there are plenty of locations to choose from currently in peak fall color status. This week and into the weekend you’ll likely have ideal and comfortable weather in the 60s during the days, followed by cool autumn evenings. We recommend making the trip here ASAP to get the ultimate autumn experience. This report shows that most locations are in the 75%-100% fall color range, meaning many will move to past peak shortly. While we’re sad to be nearing the end of this exciting time of year — the anticipation for unreal snow adventure grows stronger every day.
As you explore this fall, 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 enthusiasts!
TOP 5 LAKES FOR FALL COLOR
Any fall color in the Eastern Sierra is already breathtaking on its own, but seeing it reflected along the perimeter of a turquoise alpine lake is totally mesmerizing. Find some of the best spots to experience the awe of autumn near the glistening shorelines of crystal-clear lakes.
ACTIVITY AND ROAD UPDATES
Ensure smooth travels during your autumn adventures. Stay up-to-date on Mammoth Lakes road work, and seasonal activities.
A quick reminder for your fall visit: Please practice responsible tourism — make sure to drive the speed limit, do not park in the middle of the road to take pictures, use designated pullouts or parking areas, and do not park on vegetation.
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The fall colors around town have come along beautifully over the past week. Take a walk or a bike ride through all the colors along the Town Loop path. The two most notable locations to explore along this path are near Mammoth Creek and within the Snowcreek area. Now is the time to experience peaking fall colors right within Mammoth Lakes.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
This is likely the ‘last call’ to catch any remaining fall colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. While the aspens have mostly lost their leaves or will soon, yellow and orange colors still linger in the bushes around Twin Lakes and Lake Mary.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
As one of the highest paved roads in California, Rock Creek Road climbs almost 3,000′ in about 10 miles – so, understandably, colors can vary wildly from top to bottom. Upper Elevation: Past peak. Middle Elevation: Past peak. Lower Elevation: The lower elevations of Rock Creek Canyon are still bursting with color. Lower Rock Creek is a great area for mountain biking or hiking, just keep in mind it’s a shared trail for both these activities so be aware of each other.
MONITOR PASS
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
This area has been at its peak for a while now and is quickly going to be past.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Now is the time to experience peaking fall colors along the McGee Creek! Any colors that were already peaking throughout the canyon are past peak or will be soon.
LUNDY LAKE & CANYON
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Lundy has it all – green, yellow, orange, red, brown, and bare trees. The colors along the road driving in and the day-use picnic spots are beautiful, but the campground is stunning – super colorful. There are still colors around the lake and trail, though some groves (like the south shore, accessed from the dam road) are past-peak. It’s still absolutely worth the drive.
LEE VINING CANYON
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Most of the Lee Vining Canyon is now closer to peaking at 75%. Within the next week, this area should hopefully be fully peaking! You will still come across a few patches of green trees, but every year, they end up being the last to peak.
TWIN LAKES
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
While Upper Twin Lake is approaching past peak, there is still lots of color around Lower Twin Lake – and maybe even more to come. Color pacing this year has us puzzled, as it’s more sporadic than in the past, but there are still some green areas, and depending on the weather, there could be bonus color here for some time. This is a great place to focus your fall color efforts this coming weekend.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
The June Lake Loop is really stretching out its color timing this year. Aspens within the town have been peaking, but between Silver and Grant Lake on HWY 158, the trees are holding on at 50/50, a blend of yellows and green. Even though it hasn’t reached its peak between that section, you’ll find brilliant patches of yellow and orange, both at eye level and high in the mountains. This area is known for being exceptionally dramatic when it reaches full peak status, but for now, the drive is still showing off plenty of stunning color and is worth the excursion.
CONVICT LAKE
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
As you drive along Convict Lake Road, you’ll be greeted by yellow aspens lining Convict Creek. This year, the colors are less synchronized compared to previous seasons, so you’ll encounter sections of trees that are peaking, still green, and past peak. Regardless, of all the different phases happening here, this is still an unreal location to add to your list this fall.
SONORA PASS
Past Peak (You Missed It)
LOBDELL LAKE ROAD
Past Peak (You Missed It)
For more detailed information and additional images updated weekly, visit our Fall Color Blog.
PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE
Help preserve Mammoth Lakes’ unreal alpine beauty. 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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