EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR UPDATES
10/2/2024
It’s been an eventful week for fall colors in the Eastern Sierra — we now have 7 locations in the “near peak” and “peaking” categories! Autumn is settling in nicely and that means it’s time to button up the details of your fall escape to Mammoth Lakes. Browse our website for plenty of pro-tips on lodging, activities, dining and more.
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!
FAMILY FRIENDLY FALL ADVENTURE
Fall is an ideal time for a weekend getaway to Mammoth Lakes with the whole family, dogs included! You’ll find fewer people and better deals during this season which sets you up for a relaxing recharge in this unreal landscape. Come enjoy incredible autumn color and superb weather — cozy daytime temperatures where you’ll be perfectly content in a t-shirt soaking up the sunshine, but by nightfall you’ll be grabbing sweaters and s’mores to hang around the firepit.
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.
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
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Peak to past peak as the main summit has officially shed its leaves. There’s still some great color along the road the further you head south. Go now as this will be the first “past peak” location on our list by this time next week. Please plan accordingly: AWD or 4WD is recommended, with no restrooms, and no trash removal.
TIOGA PASS
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
The best colors are located along the road about a mile before Ellery Lake. The color wheel is on full display here as green, yellow, orange, and even crimson are all bunched together. Head to Saddlebag Lake for additional viewing while it lasts!
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: FULL PEAK! Absolutely stunning color around the lake right now that will hopefully stick around through the weekend. Deep orange and yellow leaves surround the lake and up to Mosquito Flat Trailhead. Middle Elevation: Mixed colors at this elevation with groves of yellow mixed in among the green. This section should be peaking by next week! Lower Elevation: Still very green the closer you get to US 395 and Tom’s Place so this road will still be worth the drive for the next 10-14 days!
MONITOR PASS
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Along the road leading up to Virginia Lakes, there are sections of trees that are near peak. Around the lake, the trees and bushes are bright lime green.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Still mixed colors along the lower elevations of US 395 with the leaves around the pack station starting to approach peak. The main show is 1-2 miles up McGee Creek Canyon where orange and yellow leaves can be seen cascading up the mountain. This entire area will be at full peak by this time next week.
SONORA PASS
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Still more to go in terms of color, but some patches are showing yellow and orange leaves with the occasional red at the top of the pass. Mostly yellow/green on the drive up.
VIRGINIA LAKES
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Yellows and oranges have made progress here while some parts are still green. Midway up the canyon is currently one of the prime spots.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
10-50% Patchy
Patchy. Colors are continuing to reveal themselves, coming in closer to 50%. There are more patches of yellow and orange aspens within the area, starting on Lake Mary Road as you head up. The strongest fall colors can be seen along Lake George.
LOBDELL LAKE ROAD
10-50% Patchy
A few patches are near peak on the road up to the lake, with bright yellow colors and some red. The majority of patches are just starting to turn.
TWIN LAKES
10-50% Patchy
Some gorgeous hues of orange appearing in the area. The Honeymoon Flat Lower Campground has trees that are in transition showing lots of yellow but still a bit green too.
LUNDY CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Colors are showing nicely midway up the canyon. This area is still mainly green at the trailhead.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
10-50% Patchy
Higher elevation is showing color. Along the loop road (HWY 158) you will find sections that are near peak including a couple spots around June Lake, Gull Lake Campground and spots in the Silver Lake area.
CONVICT LAKE
0-10% Just Starting
Some trees are showing off fall color, but for the most part, this area needs more time for the aspens to make their colorful transition.
LEE VINING CANYON
0-10% Just Starting
Still very green in Lee Vining Canyon. Put this spot on your list around 10-14 days from now. It could accelerate rapidly by this time next week as there were full peaking orange aspens along Tioga Pass Road around 1,000 feet up.
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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