FALL COLOR REPORT

CURRENT FALL COLOR REPORT: October 23, 2024

This fall color season is stretching out a bit longer than usual, showcasing a funky mix of colors across the county. Most areas aren’t quite in sync, featuring everything from bare trees and past peak hues to vibrant oranges and yellows...and, surprisingly, still some greens. 

For the rest of this week and weekend, focus your efforts on Twin Lakes Bridgeport, Lundy Lake and canyon, Lee Vining Creek, June Lake Loop, Convict Lake, and Lower Rock Creek. All feature a myriad of beautiful colors! 

The weather is pleasant for now, but snow is forecasted to arrive around Sunday night. We wish we could predict what’s next, but this season seems anything but predictable. Snow (and wind) could signal the farewell to fall, or a light dusting could provide the contrast needed to make lingering leaves pop again. If areas with yellow and green leaves survive the storm, they should hopefully continue to progress and give us bonus time to enjoy. Either way, don’t cancel any travel plans just yet—keep an eye on the weather and make the most of this unique autumn palette while you can.  

Our next report will be posted on Wednesday, October 30th - until then, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

PS:

Halloween-lovers, don't miss Bridgeport's autumn vibes. As the gateway to Bodie Ghost Town, Bridgeport also has its fair share of history and hauntings. Take a self-guided walking tour which includes the Mono County Courthouse (the second oldest operational courthouse in CA) and the wild-west jailhouse built in 1883. Score some spooky souvenirs at shops in town like Sierra Strange and the Grouse House, and, if you’re feeling brave, stay at the (haunted?) Bodie Hotel and Bridgeport Inn. 

Families with young children, the Pumpkin Patch at Big Trees Farm in Chalfant is open daily through October. Perfect for little ones, the pumpkin patch includes an Autumn picture area (family photos!), games and mazes, pumpkins and fall flowers, a cool vintage firetruck to climb on, and a picnic area. 

Important Safety Reminder
Wherever your fall adventures take you, please stay mindful of the increased deer activity this time of year. Be alert when driving, no matter the time of day. Check out our Fall Color Safety Tips below to ensure you stay safe, protect wildlife, and help preserve this beautiful region.

Guide:
0-10% Just Starting
10-50% Patchy
50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak (You Missed It)

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ 
Monitor Pass (8,314') -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Still a bit hanging on - enjoy the drive while you can!  
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200') -- 10-50% Patchy. The fall colors in this area are just beginning to emerge, with about 25% of the trees displaying lighter hues. Due to the lower elevation, this region typically experiences one of the latest peak color displays
Sonora Pass (9,623') -- Past Peak. There may be a colorful pocket or few left - this is another drive to enjoy before this gorgeous mountain pass closes for winter. 
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') -- Past Peak. Please plan accordingly: high-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal. 

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000')  -- 75-100% - Peaking (GO NOW!) While Upper Twin Lake is approaching past peak, there is still lots of color around Lower Twin Lake – and maybe even more to come. Color us confused, but there are still some green areas, and depending on the weather, there could be bonus color here for some time. This is a great place to focus your fall color efforts this coming weekend.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) -- Past Peak. 
Conway Summit (8,143) -- Past Peak. There are a few patches of color hanging on, but they mostly blend in with the hillside. A little snow could make them pop again though… so don’t completely write-off Conway quite yet.
Dunderberg Meadows/Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200'+) -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) This network of rough dirt roads is super fun to explore for those who are comfortable and capable. The color change is sweeping through this area and should be enjoyed sooner rather than later!  Please plan accordingly: high-clearance AWD or 4WD recommended, no restrooms, no trash removal. 

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943') -- Past Peak. 
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Most of the Lee Vining Canyon is now closer to peaking at 75%. Within the next week, this area should hopefully be fully peaking! You will still come across a few patches of green trees, but every year, they end up being the last to peak. 
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858') -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Lundy has it all - green, yellow, orange, red, brown, and bare trees. The colors along the road driving in and the day-use picnic spots are beautiful, but the campground is stunning – super colorful. There are still colors around the lake and trail, though some groves (like the south shore, accessed from the dam road) are past-peak. It's still absolutely worth the drive!

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) -- Past Peek. Sagehen Summit is traditionally the first location in California to reach peak fall colors, and also the first to then shed its leaves. Put this on your bucket list for 2025 around the last week of September.

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654') -- 75-100% - Peaking (GO NOW!) The June Lake Loop is officially falling behind schedule for peak colors this year. The aspens within the town have been peaking, but between Silver and Grant Lake on HWY 158, the trees are 50/50, a blend of yellows and green. Even though it hasn’t reached its peak between that section, you’ll still find patches of yellow and orange, both at eye level and high in the mountains. The Loop is known for being exceptionally dramatic when it reaches full peak status, but for now, the drive still gives a wonderful fall experience and is well worth the excursion!

MAMMOTH LAKES 
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996') -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) This is likely the 'last call' to catch any remaining fall colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. While the aspens have mostly lost their leaves or will soon, yellow and orange colors still linger in the bushes around Twin Lakes and Lake Mary.
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) The fall colors around town have come along beautifully over the past week. Take a walk or a bike ride through all the colors along the Town Loop path. The two most notable locations to explore along this path are near Mammoth Creek and within the Snowcreek area. Now is the time to experience peaking fall colors right within Mammoth Lakes.

CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Now is the time to experience peaking fall colors along the McGee Creek! Any colors that were already peaking throughout the canyon are past peak or will be soon.  
Crowley community (6,781') -- 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!) Wow, will your jaw drop when you see the community of Crowley from US 395 - so much color! Please remember that this is a residential community—stay on designated roads and paths to respect the environment and those who live here. 
Convict Lake (7850') -- 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) As you drive along Convict Lake Road, you'll be greeted by yellow aspens lining Convict Creek. This year, the colors are less synchronized compared to previous seasons, so you'll encounter sections of trees that are peaking, still green, and past peak. Unusual, but still beautiful! 

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’)  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.
• Middle Elevation: Past peak
• Lower Elevation: The lower elevations of Rock Creek Canyon are still bursting with color. Lower Rock Creek Road is neat alternative to US 395. The road and trail follow the creek, and make for a nice drive, hike, or mountain biking ride. If you are on foot, do make sure to watch out for bikes as it’s a shared trail.

BISHOP & INYO COUNTY - Follow Bishop Chamber of Commerce (aka Visit Bishop) for the most up-to-date information for areas like North Lake, South Lake, Lake Sabrina, etc.: BishopVisitor.com

EASTERN SIERRA & ALL OF CALIFORNIA: Follow California Fall Color at CaliforniaFallColor.com

Fall Color Safety Tips:

• Be aware of wildlife: tis' the season! Animals (like black bears) are preparing for winter and others (like mule deer) are migrating. Slow down and be cautious when driving, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. 
• Park safely: Use designated parking areas and avoid parking in the middle of the road or on vegetation. Some roads are narrow and parking is very limited.  
• Road safety: our roads can be narrow, winding, and have several blind spots. With so many out walking, taking photos, biking, and driving (+ wildlife!), please be especially alert on the roads.
• Be aware of changing weather. Weather can change quickly in the mountains; always check weather and road conditions before and during your visit. 
• Please remember to Leave No Trace and always mind your Mountain Manners. 
• Communicate with others: many areas of Mono County have no or very little cell service. Whether you're driving, hiking, or any other activity, please let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. 
• Stay on trails: if you're hiking this fall, please know that staying on designated trails ensures safety, protects plants and animals, minimizes environmental impact, and prevents erosion... to name just a few reasons. 
• Camp Like a Pro and check for any alerts, notices, and fire restrictions.

Eastern Sierra Fall Color Map and Guide: click to view, download, or request by mail: