Things to Do

Fall Colors

Visit one of America's Best Fall Foliage Forests!

Mono County and the surrounding Eastern Sierra provide the best show of glowing golden-orange-crimson fall colors in California and the western United States. Our natural landscape in the Eastern Sierra, where rugged granite canyons are carved by rushing streams and framed by an azure sky, offers a spellbinding contrast of colors during autumn. Starting in the higher elevations and working down, the colors glow starting mid-September through October all along US 395. Travel to Rock Creek, Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop, Yosemite (Tioga Pass), Lundy Canyon, Bridgeport, Sonora Pass, Walker, Coleville and beyond to see fall colors at their finest.

FALL COLOR REPORT

CURRENT FALL COLOR REPORT: See you September 2025!

Mono County is officially past-peak. It's been our pleasure to share these fall color reports and updates with you, thank you for following along with us during this remarkable 2024 fall season. We hope you were able to get out and enjoy the vibrant colors and unique seasonal contrast that make this time of year so special.

If you missed the fall color show this year, remember that it’s never too early to plan for next season. If there's anything we can do to help, please reach out at tourism@mono.ca.gov.

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')
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200')
Sonora Pass (9,623')
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274')

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000')
Virginia Lakes (9,819’)
Conway Summit (8,143)
Dunderberg Meadows/Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200'+)

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943')
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781')
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858')

BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’)

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654')

MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996')
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’)

CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’)
Crowley community (6,781')
Convict Lake (7850')

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’)

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.

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