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

REPORT DATE: 12/14/25

Farewell Fall - See you next year!

Bodie State Park is still open and not to be missed – if you’re in this area, pop out to the park!

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')
Note: Lobdell Lake Road 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 have 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 (just south of Sonora Pass), though a loop can be made with East Side Lane in Walker. Keep in mind that cell service is spotty to nonexistent, and a tow would be extremely expensive.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000')
Virginia Lakes (9,819’)
Conway Summit/Dunderberg Meadows (~8,143)
Summers Meadow/Green Creek (7,200'+)
Bridgeport/Lee Vining Tip: Bodie State Park is still open and not to be missed – if you’re in this area, pop out to the park!

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

BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’)
Please Note: This is a remote dirt road with no cell service or facilities. Stop at a visitor center visitor center in Lee Vining before heading out, and bring plenty of gas and water. Wildlife is abundant here, so drive slowly, pack out all trash, and use designated parking or pullouts (never stop in the road). Enjoy the colors on foot and watch for cars and OHV riders.

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

MAMMOTH LAKES
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’) – Please note that as of 11/16/25 the McGee Creek area is closed due to impacts from the Pack Fire. You can find a map of the closure area and additional information at fs.usda.gov.
Crowley community (6,781')
Note: Please remember Crowley is a residential community. Drive slowly, watch for people and kids walking and biking, and be respectful of residents and their space.
Convict Lake (7850')

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’)
Lower Rock Creek Road
A few trees are holding onto color at the time of this report but the majority have lost their leaves and are past peak.

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: 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.