FALL COLOR REPORT

Report Date: November 4, 2026  - FINAL REPORT
(Updated every Wednesday by 6pm throughout the season)

Winter has officially arrived! And that means it's time to bid farewell to our fall foliage and our fall color report. While this will be our last report, there are little pockets of color still to be found for those still on the hunt for one last burst of fall. 

In northern Mono County, Topaz and Walker continue to glow with yellows and oranges but as you travel south through the Walker River Canyon it is clear that fall has fluttered away. That said, a stop along the river at Mountain Gate Park is well worth it - a great place to take a walk, sit in the sun, and soak up the remaining color. 

Lower Lee Vining Creek trail is another place to bask in the sunshine as the leaves flutter to the ground around you. If you need a warm-up, make your way south the Lower Rock Creek trail for a nice hike or mountain bike ride. 

Now it’s on to another season, one that brings its own special kind of beauty, although maybe a little less colorful. Last week Mammoth Mountain received between 9 and 15 inches of snow across the mountain, allowing them to move up their opening day to TOMORROW, Thursday, November 5. June Mountain also got enough snow to look all dressed up from the highway, but the lower portion of the resort will need a few more storms. The anticipated opening day for June Mountain is Saturday, December 19. 

No one really knows what winter will bring, but here in the Eastern Sierra we never suggest heading into the season unprepared.  Now is the time to make sure your car is equipped with chains and winter supplies. We also suggest downloading the CalTrans QuickMap App for the most up-to-date information on road conditions. 

Happy Winter! We will see you all next fall, if not sooner ;-)

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

Locations from north to south:

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ 
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200') - Past Peak (You Missed It).
The color at Topaz Lake is right at 100% and while North County still feels like fall, it won’t for long. Stop into Mountain Gate Park and soak up the sun and color here while you can.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Monitor Pass (8,314') - Past Peak (You Missed It). 
Sonora Pass (9,623') - Past Peak (You Missed It).

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000') - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Summers Meadow (7,200') - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Green Creek - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Dunderberg Meadow - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Conway Summit (8,143) - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) - Past Peak (You Missed It).

Bridgeport/Lee Vining Tip:  Bodie State Historic Park is still open and not to be missed – if you’re in this area, go explore the weathered streets and historic buildings at the best-preserved ghost town of the California Gold Rush!

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943') - Past Peak (You Missed It).
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') - Past Peak (You Missed It). Some beautiful color remains in Lee Vining Canyon and along the Lower Lee Vining Creek Trail. If you need to find some color, this is a good place to look.
Lundy Canyon and Lake (7,858') - Past Peak (You Missed It).

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) - Past Peak (You Missed It). 

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654') - Past Peak (You Missed It).  

MAMMOTH LAKES 
Follow Visit Mammoth for the most up-to-date information for Mammoth Lakes: VisitMammoth.com

CONVICT LAKE/MCGEE CREEK
Convict Lake (7,850')  - Past Peak (You Missed It).
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) - Past Peak (You Missed It).

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) - Past Peak (You Missed It). 
Lower Rock Creek Road - 75-100% Peaking (GO NOW!). Lower Rock Creek is lower elevation and sheltered so color remains here. But with temperatures cooling further next week, this area will move past peak in the next week or two. This is always a great place to escape winter for a hike or bike ride, though.

BISHOP & INYO COUNTY 
Follow Bishop Chamber of Commerce (aka Visit Bishop) for the most up-to-date information for the Bishop area: BishopVisitor.com

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

Fall Color Safety Tips:

• Be aware of wildlife: 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. We know it's hard to skip a spot, but if you can't find an appropriate place to park you may need to come back another time.
• 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. It may be tempting to Just stop real quick and grab a picture, but you never know how fast someone might come around the corner. Everybody is wrong so avoid this situation and follow the rules of the road.
• 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.