Where To Find Fall Color This Week
EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR UPDATES
9/18/2024

Fall is on the move in the Eastern Sierra and the weather has been beautifully moody and dramatic this week. June Lake, Tioga Pass and Rock Creek Canyon charmed any spectators lucky enough to catch a glimpse on Monday after a light blanket of snow. Other areas kept their complete focus on gorgeous fall color. Sagehen Summit, made a huge transformation since last week, turning significantly more orange with splashes of yellow throughout, and a strong emergence of golden hues along Tioga Pass brought it to near peak status as well. It’s safe to say the excitement is ramping up around here.
As you adventure this autumn, 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!

THE TOP 3 FALL COLOR DRIVES
The Eastern Sierra is home to some of the best fall foliage in the Western United States visible right from your vehicle. There is jaw-dropping scenery in just about every direction when it comes to leisurely car cruises. Be sure to check out our top three autumn drives before taking the open road.
ACTIVITY AND ROAD UPDATES

Ensure smooth travels during your autumn adventures. Stay up-to-date on Mammoth Lakes road work, seasonal activities and more by clicking the button below. Please note: that U.S. 395 is currently CLOSED from just south of Burcham Flat Road to the south side of Sonora Junction to install wildlife crossings until September 21st at 5:00 pm. Towns and communities near the project area, including Bridgeport, Walker, Coleville, Topaz, and Twin Lakes, will be accessible throughout the closure. Drivers will also be able to access Buckeye Road west of Bridgeport. Visit CalTrans for more details.
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
This area has seen significant color change since last weeks report.
TIOGA PASS
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Fall colors within this area have excelled since last week. Above 9,000’ the aspens and bushes are near peak creating an impressive scene especially along the lakes.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Around Rock Creek Lake, pops of yellows and oranges are spreading across the landscape. Continuing up towards Mosquito Flat, there are patches of aspens that are nearly peaking along the creek. Check out this location if you want to experience early-season colors.
VIRGINIA LAKES
10-50% Patchy
Along the road leading up to Virginia Lakes, there are sections of trees that are near peak. However, around the lake, the colors are just starting to come out to play.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Near the trailhead there are some colors starting to change, but if you keep going back in the canyon you will discover quite a bit more fall color.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
10-50% Patchy
Colors within the Lakes Basin are moving right along, being closer to 50%. Aspens within the area have changed from mostly lime green to displaying patchy colors of yellow.
CONVICT LAKE
0-10% Just Starting
Some select trees here are showing off fall color, but for the most part, this area needs more time for the aspens to make their colorful transition.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
0-10% Just Starting
There is little color change within this area, except for a few bushes starting to turn. The aspens are beginning to turn lime green, but still need extra time before any other colors appear.
LUNDY CANYON
0-10% Just Starting
There is minimal color change here, but the trees are starting to turn lime green, meaning we will see some color change here in the coming weeks.
For more detailed information and additional images updated weekly, visit our Fall Color Blog.
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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