EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR UPDATES
10/5/2023
While there are still bright green aspens to be found, golden trees and bushes are showing off throughout all our fall color regions. No matter where you venture, you’ll find the eye-catching hues that make fall in the Eastern Sierra so special.
Weather report: With parts of the country reaching temperatures over 80 degrees fahrenheit, it doesn’t feel very “fall.” Lucky for you, Mammoth Lakes provides the perfect sunny, crisp autumn weather you might be craving. Highs this weekend are expected to reach the mid-60s, while lows dip to the 40s. Following last weekend’s storm cycle, the brief snowfall has melted at lower elevations but continues to frost the high peaks. You don’t want to miss these one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
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!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Visit Mammoth and its partners would like your feedback and opinions regarding the destination, any past experiences visiting Mammoth Lakes, and your general travel behavior.
We strive to bring you the best experience every time you visit Mammoth Lakes. Your feedback will guide us as we work to improve future visits.
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Thank you for keeping Mammoth Lakes an unreal outdoor destination!
WHERE TO WARM UP: COFFEE SHOPS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
After a long day of crisp hikes and exploring the mountains, a cafe is the perfect place warm up and relax. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fanatic or hot chocolate aficionado, the coffee shops of Mammoth Lakes will please every leaf hunter.
ACTIVITY AND ROAD UPDATES
Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on Mammoth Lakes happenings while planning your fall adventure.
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
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The Virginia Lakes basin once again holds the top spot for this week’s fall color viewing. Find the brightest yellow trees near the top of Virginia Lakes Road, both along the road and around the lakes.
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The aspen groves at higher elevation will likely be at their peak in the next 5 days!
Note: There are no bathroom facilities at this location. Please do not park on the side of the road blocking access.
ROCK CREEK
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Take a drive-up Rock Creek, where the whole canyon is now showing off in yellow and orange. Golden trees now surround Rock Creek Lake, making it the ideal location for spectacular fall photography.
TIOGA PASS
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Golden grasses, bushes, and shrubs continue to flourish near the Tioga Pass area. Aspen trees around Lee Vining and up the canyon are beginning to turn, and the bushes and grasses provide an excellent foreground of fall color for scenic views of Mono Lake.
CONWAY SUMMIT
10-50% Patchy
There are a few standout groves of yellow up the hill, but mostly green near US 395 at the summit.
CONVICT CANYON/CROWLEY/MCGEE CREEK
10-50% Patchy
McGee Creek Canyon: Shades of yellows and lime line the creeks, casting colors throughout the canyon.
Convict Lake: 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.
Crowley Lake: Deciduous trees in the Crowley Lake community are now beginning to change, with colors that will slowly cascade down the hill into town over the next few weeks.
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!
JUNE LAKE LOOP
10-50% Patchy
Yellow leaves have made their appearance near the Parker Bench. A couple groves of color have begun to appear north of Silver Lake but are still getting going.
Note: Use caution on Hwy 158, as it is a narrow road from Silver Lake past Grant Lake.
