EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR UPDATES
9/28/2023
The best is yet to come for fall colors — now is the time to secure those travel plans! Our current standout region is Virginia Lakes. The section at the top of the road is the first location to reach the 50-75% “near peak” category. There are some great groves along the upper sections of Virginia Lakes Road and the dirt section up to Big Virginia Lake. You can also find elusive full orange trees on Dunderberg Meadows Road (AWD or 4WD recommended), located off Virginia Lakes road.
Weather report: Late summer warmth will finally wind down by the weekend, dropping as low as 20-25 degrees fahrenheit. Cold snaps are excellent news for fall colors! We may have a dusting of snow Saturday night into Sunday. Last season, visitors were treated to the stunning contrast of gold leaves on white snow. This may be your chance for unparalleled photos.
Check out the links below for planning your fall adventure in the Eastern Sierra. Please remember to abide by Leave No Trace principles, no matter where you recreate. We look forward to seeing you!
THE TOP 3 FALL COLOR SCENIC DRIVES
With hundreds of miles of roads lined with deciduous trees, the Eastern Sierra is home to some of the best fall foliage viewing accessible by car in the Western United States. Be sure to check out these three unforgettable and breathtaking autumn drives from Mammoth Lakes.
TIPS FOR FALL COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Getting a compelling photo of fall colors in the Sierra Nevada is no easy task. Peak areas are constantly changing, and small pockets of color can be hard to capture. Click below and read our tips from a professional photographer.
COLOR GUIDE
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
VIRGINIA LAKES
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
The Virginia Lakes basin has absolutely flourished since our last report! Find the most vibrant yellow trees near the top of Virginia Lakes Road, both along the road and around the lakes.
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
10-50% Patchy
This week, color density is closer to 50% than 10%, so Sagehen may flourish by the next report.
Note: There are no bathroom facilities at this location. Please do not park on the side of the road blocking access.
ROCK CREEK
10-50% Patchy
Take a drive-up Rock Creek, where the whole canyon is now showing off in yellow and orange. We predict this zone to be in the 50-75% range by the next report, if not sooner.
CONVICT CANYON/CROWLEY/MCGEE CREEK
10-50% Patchy
Shades of yellows and lime line the creeks, casting colors throughout the canyon. Golden and lime hues line the banks of Convict Lake, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a leisurely stroll among the trees; a scenic path winds its way along the back of the lake, immersing you in a lush canopy of changing leaves.
LAKES BASIN
10-50% Patchy
Colors within the Mammoth Lakes Basin have become more widespread, especially with the bushes. This is a great option for call colors right within Mammoth Lakes!
TIOGA PASS
10-50% Patchy
Golden grasses, bushes, and shrubs continue to flourish near the Tioga Pass area. While there are few aspen trees right around Lee Vining, you will still find fall color in the bushes and grasses with scenic views.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
0-10% Just Starting
Yellow leaves have made their appearance near the Parker Bench. Silver Lake is typically a standout fall colors location, so stay tuned.
Note: Use caution on Hwy 158, as it is a narrow road from Silver Lake past Grant Lake.
LUNDY CANYON
0% Still Summer
Stay tuned for updates!
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