FALL COLOR REPORT

REPORT DATE: 9/17/25

What a gorgeous week in Mono County! As of 9/17, the Garnet Fire in Fresno County is 87% contained. Huge thanks to everyone involved with this incredible effort - we’re wishing for safe progress to full containment soon. With such a good handle on the fire, smoke impacts are now minimal to none, and should only improve with increased containment. (This fire is not located in and poses no threat to Mono County)

And now for the colors…things are just getting started! This week, the most noticeable change is at Virginia Lakes, Rock Creek, and Sagehen Summit.

Virginia Lakes
There’s one stunning stretch from the turnoff to the resort and the beginning of the dirt road to the trailhead—brilliant orange, 50–75% change, almost peaking - it’s the most fall color we’ve seen so far! Elsewhere, around the lakes and along the road, things are still green to lime green (0–10%). Don’t worry, there’s much more change ahead for this high-elevation hot spot.
Tip:  Virginia Lakes Resort (celebrating 100 years! closed on Tuesdays) is a charming stop for breakfast, lunch, or a few essentials before hiking or fishing. Also nearby is Virginia Creek Settlement, another great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (and an unforgettable place to stay, with motel rooms, cabins, tent cabins, or even covered wagons!). This fall color adventure would be perfectly paired with a visit to Bodie State Park.

Rock Creek
Similar to Virginia Lakes, Rock Creek is currently around 10–50% with patchy color. Most trees are still green, with many shifting into lime green. Upper elevations above the lake are showing more yellow, with a few small pockets of orange around the lake. Expect more change in the coming week—this area is a great early-peak spot for fall color.
Tip: Stop at Rock Creek Lakes Resort for breakfast, lunch, or a slice of pie a la mode before or after a hike—YUM! Tom’s Place, at the base of the road where it meets US 395, is a classic landmark: when you reach it coming up the 395 grade, you know you’ve arrived! It’s a cozy, rustic spot to enjoy on a day of leaf-peeping.

Sagehen Summit
Currently 10–50%, it’s on the lower end of that range but advancing nicely - we expect much more in the coming week. We’ll be back out there tomorrow (9/18), so check social media for updates.
Tip: Pair this trip with a picnic at the Mono Mills historic site and wander Mono Lake’s surreal shoreline on the South Tufa trail.
Road notes: Sagehen Summit is accessed via dirt road. The road is in pretty good shape but bring plenty of gas, pack everything out (even fruit peels!), and watch for wildlife, especially along Hwy 120.

Looking Ahead
We’ve had a couple of cool, rainy days, but the forecast looks gorgeous. Colors should really ramp up over the next two weeks—book your lodging or campsites soon if you haven’t already!

Fall Events

• Sept 27: Busy Saturday with June Lake Autumn Beer Festival (beer garden is ticketed and sold out, but majority of event is free and open to all!), Ridge Rambler Half Marathon, and the final Bodie Ghost Walk of 2025!
• Oct 1–4: Mono Arts Council's Paint Mono County event with plein air workshops & a competition with $4,000 in prize money!
• Oct 10–12: June Lake Chamber’s Leaves in the Loop now includes a chili cookoff, arts & crafts fair, pumpkin patch, pottery workshops, and more!

Check our Fall Events page for more!

Safety Reminder
Even with some rain, fire risk remains very high. Wildlife is on the move, roads are winding and busy, and cell service is limited. Fall Color Safety Tips are listed below the report—please take a moment to read and refresh. 

Thank you for helping keep the Eastern Sierra, its wildlife, visitors, residents, and yourself safe this fall.
If we can help with any questions or concerns, or mail you a fall color map, please e-mail us 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') -- 0% 
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville & Topaz (5,200') -- 0%
Sonora Pass (9,623') -- 0%
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') -- 0-10%. The road to Lobdell Lake is in bad shape this year and we do not advise driving past the recommended turnaround spot (see map). Up to that point, you’ll enjoy big, beautiful views and a safe place to turn around. Beyond, expect severe washouts, water crossings, deep ruts, and rough terrain—not worth it, especially since the lake itself is a low reservoir. Burcham Flat Road (county-maintained) is generally well-graded but does show some wear and tear. Best access is from the south end via US 395, though a loop can be made with East Side Lane in Walker. Keep in mind: cell service is spotty to nonexistent, and a tow would be extremely expensive.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000') -- 0%  
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) -- 10-50% Patchy. 
One stretch near the resort turnoff and road to the trailhead is glowing orange (50–75%), while most everything else around lakes and along the road is still green to lime green (0–10%). Plenty more change to come!
Conway Summit (8,143) -- 0%
Dunderberg Meadows/Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200'+) -- 0%

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943') -- 0-10% Just Starting.
The willow bushes along Ellery Lake are beginning to have a yellow hue and a small collection of aspens are just beginning to change colors.  
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') -- 0%
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858') -- 0%

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) -- 10-50% Patchy. 
Sagehen is progressing nicely with more consistent yellows and a few isolated spots edging into orange. Some areas are on the lower side of the range (still green or lime green), but change is moving quickly and more color is expected in the coming week.

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654') -- 0-10% Just Starting. 

MAMMOTH LAKES 
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996') -- 0-10% Just Starting. 
Town of Mammoth Lakes (7,881’) -- 0-10% Just Starting. 
Follow Visit Mammoth for the most up-to-date information for Mammoth Lakes: VisitMammoth.com

CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) -- 0-10% Just Starting. 
Crowley community (6,781') -- 0% 
Convict Lake (7850') -- 0-10% Just Starting. 

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) -- 10-50% Patchy. Similar to Virginia Lakes: most trees are still green, with many shifting into lime green. Upper elevations are showing more yellow, with a few small pockets of orange starting to appear! 
Lower Rock Creek Road -- 0%

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.