EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR UPDATES
10/9/2024
Autumn is increasingly adding splashes of color all over the Eastern Sierra. Weather continues to be lovely and the amount of locations in the fall color ratings of “peak” and “near peak” have grown! Find this week’s low-down below, plus some great Halloween events in Mammoth Lakes to add to your trip itinerary.
As you adventure 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!
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITES
Halloween Bash at CubaRican Cafe
Saturday, October 26th starting at 9pm, Dos Alas is hosting its Fifth Annual Halloween Bash, complete with costume contest and live music, from blues-funk band, The Mudd Foote.
Kid-Friendly Halloween Skate CelebrationÂ
Friday, October 25th, head to the outdoor skating rink (aka the Mammoth Ice Rink in the winter) for a family-friendly Haunted Party on Wheels. Skate rentals for children are only $5.00 while supplies last (non-skating adults are FREE). Celebrate Halloween with spooky fun games, a cakewalk and the scariest, cutest, most creative, and funniest costume contest ever!
Sierra Giant Live at Distant Brewing *Halloween Night*
Thursday, October 31st from 6-9pm, make your way over to Distant Brewing to celebrate with a local band featuring singer and multi-instrumentalist Giacomo Timbrello.
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)
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 above Rock Creek Lake but still stunning at the lake level. Deep oranges were located on the north side of the lake but they should only be there for another few days as some sections were actively blowing off. Middle Elevation: It’s peak showing time for the middle section of the road with terrific colors from Palisade Campground to Rock Creek Lake. GO NOW, as it will be a perfect spot for this weekend. Lower Elevation: Making progress at the lower levels but still in the 10-50% patchy range. This drive will be worth the trip for the next 7-10 days!
MONITOR PASS
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
A large patch of bright yellow and orange aspens along the highway are near peak. Recommended to go now before it’s too late!
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Not much change from last week. There are still mixed colors around the pack station but it is absolutely stunning up McGee Creek Trailhead. Make sure to hike up past the bend to the river crossing for the best viewing spots. It should get much better into the weekend and 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!)
Various colors at peak or near peak on the road to Virginia Lakes. The colors at the lake are past peak and many trees at the top have lost their leaves.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Varying degrees of colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin right now depending on where you’re heading. There are some overachieving orange trees near Tamarack Lodge but still mixed-green coloring in most sections.
LOBDELL LAKE ROAD
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
Some spots are near peak on the road up to the lake, with bright yellows, orange, and a bit of red. Many trees in this area are just starting to turn. Please plan accordingly: high-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal.
TWIN LAKES
10-50% Patchy
There are colors on the road up to the lakes and the colors at the campground are the most vibrant right now.
LUNDY CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Colors are showing nicely in some spots but others are still green. This is a location to keep an eye on for more progress soon.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
10-50% Patchy
Higher elevation is showing color. Along the loop road (HWY 158) you will find sections that are peaking including a couple spots around June Lake, Gull Lake and spots in the Silver Lake area. The loop may move to 50%-75% by next week’s report as large sections of green aspens have turned lime getting ready to transition.
CONVICT LAKE
10-50% Patchy
As you drive to this location on Convict Lake Rd, you’ll see yellow aspens lining Convict Creek. Once you arrive to Convict Lake, you’ll notice yellows and oranges are starting to show up in patches, with the majority of fall color still on the backside of the lake.
LEE VINING CANYON
10-50% Patchy
Still mostly green with a few pockets of color near the USFS Ranger Station. This location should progress nicely by the weekend and into next week. Target the days of October 15-20 for peak color here.
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
Sagehen Summit is traditionally the first location in California to reach peak fall colors, but is also the first to shed its leaves. Put this on your bucket list for 2025 around the last week of September.
TIOGA PASS
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
There are still some pockets of color along the lower elevations of Tioga Pass road but the majority of locations are now past peak.
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.
Discover more from Eastern Sierra Now | Local News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
