FALL COLOR REPORT

CURRENT FALL COLOR REPORT: October 9, 2024

The fall color progression continues to sweep through Mono County. While a few areas have now reached Past Peak status, there is still plenty of beautiful foliage to be seen and to come. Go Now areas will be absolutely stunning this weekend, while others are not far behind, making them well worth visiting now or in the coming week or two. Favorable weather also seems here to stay, with a slight cooldown to very comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s expected next week. 

More Fall Events
Fall events add to the brilliant fall season celebration. This weekend brings the highly anticipated Leaves in the Loop event in June Lake, which you won’t want to miss. Highlights include a Paint and Sip session, car show, Leaves Walk, pumpkin patch, historic walking tour, and a photo contest. The family-friendly Pumpkin Patch at Big Trees Farm in Chalfant opened on October 5th and is open daily through October. Perfect for little-ones, the pumpkin patch includes an Autumn picture area (perfect for family photos!), games and mazes, pumpkins and fall flowers, a cool vintage firetruck to climb on, and a picnic area. 

Bridgeport's Autumn Vibes
Bridgeport is another awesome place to experience autumn, especially for Halloween-lovers. 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. Stop by the High Sierra Bakery for arguably the best donuts in the world (they close for the season next week!), shop for spooky stuff at shops in town like Sierra Strange and the Grouse House, and, if you’re brave enough, spend a night or two at the Bodie Hotel and Bridgeport Inn (haunted? You tell us!).

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.

Our next report will be posted on Wednesday, October 16th - until then, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. 

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!) A large patch of bright yellow and orange aspens along the highway are near peak. Recommended to go now before it's too late! 
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200') -- 0-10% The West Walker River corridor is just barely starting. Color change around these northern Mono County towns isn't expected until a bit later in October. 
Sonora Pass (9,623') -- 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) Still more color change to come, but some patches are showing peaking yellow and orange leaves with the occasional red at the top of the pass. Mostly yellow/green on the drive up.  
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') -- 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. 

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000')  -- 10-50% Patchy. Some gorgeous hues of orange appearing in the area around the lake, campgrounds, and Robinson Creek. Trees are in transition showing lots of yellow but still lots of green in spots. This area will be gorgeous for another week or two. 
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) -- 75-100% Peaking (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.
Conway Summit (8,143) -- 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)  The leaves on Conway are near peak and will only get better within the next week or two. Lots of patches with yellow/orange leaves and a large patch with some red leaves.
Dunderberg Meadows/Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200'+) -- 50-75% Near Peak (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. There are still some pockets of color along the lower elevations of Tioga Pass road but the majority of locations are now past peak.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') -- 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.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858') -- 10%-50% Patchy. Colors are showing nicely in some spots but others are still green. This is another location to keep an eye on for more progress soon. Please note, the single-lane dirt road to the trailhead is rough in spots, with some large ruts and puddles - should be fine for most vehicles but please drive slowly and carefully. There are two portapotties at the trailhead and two near Lundy Lake Resort (LLR does not have public restrooms). There is no trash removal from this area - whatever you pack in must be packed out. Please plan accordingly. 

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') -- 10-50% Patchy. Higher elevations are showing color, especially around the Parker Bench. Hikers should head to Parker Lake and/or Walker Lake. Along the loop (Hwy 158) there are spots around June Lake, Gull Lake Campground and in the Silver Lake area that are near-peak. Colors are ready to explode here, plan to visit in the next week or two. Coming this weekend? Don't miss June Lake's Leaves in the Loop event from October 11-13th!

MAMMOTH LAKES 
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996') -- 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.  

CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) -- 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!) Not a huge change from last week! There are still mixed colors around the pack station but it is absolutely stunning up the McGee Creek Trail. 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.
Crowley community (6,781') -- 10-50% Patchy. Higher up in the mountains the trees have more intense color and the lower elevations have developing patches of fall color.
Convict Lake (7850') -- 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.

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. If you're coming this weekend, GO here for an absolutely beautiful array of colors. Stop into Rock Creek Lakes Resort for a tasty breakfast or lunch before they close for the season on October 14th. 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!
Lower Rock Creek Road & Trail: TBD

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

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: