FALL COLORS UPDATES
10/22/2026
Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding region put on a moody show earlier this week, with low-hanging clouds settling over the peaks ahead of the incoming weather system. Locations like June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Convict Creek and McGee Creek took on that quiet, brooding look that makes the colors pop.
Just this morning, fresh snow coated the higher elevation peaks. If you’re in town, grab a warm drink, keep an eye on the sky, and enjoy the season’s remaining fall colors.
Get inspired and plan your trip with our Fall Colors hub, featuring fun hikes, activities and places to see. Don’t forget to take advantage of discounted lodging in Mammoth Lakes as the ideal home base for enjoying this season.
As you adventure around the region, please remember to Recreate Responsibly and Keep Mammoth Lakes Unreal for future generations.
Read below for fall inspiration and this week’s color report.
– Kim from Mammoth Lakes, California
5 Easy Ways to Help Keep Fall Unreal
A few small habits go a long way toward keeping our aspens golden and our trails pristine for years to come. Here’s how to enjoy the season while giving a little love back:
- Plan ahead – Check weather, roads, and maps before heading out. Mountain weather shifts fast, and cell service and restrooms can be limited once you’re out there.
- Park smart – Stick to designated spots. Aspens have shallow roots, so keeping cars off soft shoulders and plants helps them thrive for seasons to come.
- Tread lightly – Brush off boots and gear before hitting new trails, stay on the path, and admire those paper-thin aspen trunks without leaving a mark.
- Stay aware – Pull over only in safe spots and skip stopping in the road for photos. Country roads see more traffic than you’d think.
- Pack it in, pack it out – Trash (even food scraps) adds up fast during peak color season. Extra credit for grabbing litter you didn’t leave.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Halloween weekend in Mammoth Lakes has something for everyone, with local events happening all weekend.
From the haunted ice rink and live music to the costume crawl and more, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit!
Click below for a full list of fun activities starting next week on October 30th.
FALL THROUGH YOUR LENS
Got a fall photo you’re proud of? Show us your favorite images!
This week we received these amazing images from images from Daniel Oepkes, Stephanie Skiff, and Heather Denman.
Want to submit yours? Click the link below:
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)
TIOGA PASS
Past Peak (You Missed It)
Tioga Pass is closed temporarily due to an incoming storm as of 5pm on Wednesday, 10/21. Call (209) 372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions in the park.
LEE VINING
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Colors along Lee Vining Creek are peaking right now! The dramatic mountain backdrop makes for some incredible views, and the leaves here turn a beautiful, rich orange.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
he color continues around the Loop with the area between June Mountain Ski Area and Grant Lake being the real show. Some color did wane in the wind, but enough is left and still evolving to make this a top highlight of the week.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN
Past Peak (You Missed It)
While fall colors have mostly subsided up here, fresh snow made this area a sneak peak for winter. Always check road conditions before you head out!
MAMMOTH LAKES TOWN
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
While some areas of Mammoth Lakes have been stripped and past peak colors, there are others popping in to steal the show. Snowcreek Meadow and parts of Mammoth Creek are in full swing, as well as some prominent clusters around town are finally showing their yellow and orange hues. With weather moving in this week, these spots might look completely different by the weekend so make sure to check the forecast and dress in layers before heading out for what might be the last call for fall in Mammoth Lakes.
CONVICT LAKE
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
While some groves are past peak, there are still lovely pops of orange and red around the lake, resort, and campground.
MCGEE CREEK CANYON
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
A bit of color continues to keep this area aglow. The weather through Friday will dictate what remains by the weekend.
BISHOP AREA
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
The color show continues for a while longer as fall move downs from the mountains into the Owens Valley and the City of Bishop proper. Round Valley is also putting on a show getting close to peak, with yellows creeping into more of the trees. This is a great region to daytrip to from Mammoth Lakes!
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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