FALL COLOR REPORT

Report Date: September 30, 2026  
(Updated every Wednesday by 6pm throughout the season)

The colors continue!
We are settling into one of our favorite times of year. No matter what is happening, this is the time when a walk outside can leave you feeling refreshed.

If you’re coming this weekend, there are some incredible places to see colors right now. If you’re coming in the next week or two, don’t worry. We still found pockets of green this week but all of Mono County is blooming into an incredible quilt of colors. We expect color in various parts of the county through October, and we’ve even had color linger into November in some years. Mother Nature, of course, gets the final say.

Virginia Lakes, Sagehen Summit & Rock Creek Lake are 75–100% “GO NOW”. Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek Lake are showing off some truly spectacular color, and they’re worth seeing as soon as possible. Sagehen is a little different, with the area below the summit at peak color while the summit itself is past peak after Monday’s windy weather.

The mountain passes are quickly marching toward peak status, too, making this a great time for a road trip. There’s also fantastic color showing up along some of our dirt roads, including the Conway Summit area (Green Creek, Dunerberg, Summers Meadow) and Lobdell Lake Road, and beyond Lundy Lake into Lundy Canyon. 

Many of the locations currently in the 10–50% “Patchy” range should be moving into “Go Now!” territory over the next 1–3 weeks. 

Weather can be the wildcard. The 10-day forecast looks amazing, but fall storms can move in (and out) quickly. Our best advice is to pack layers and check the forecast often and before heading out. 

Events
This weekend, take in the autumn night sky at the Walker Star Party on October 2. Join Western Nevada College Observatory Director Dr. Thomas Herring and his colleagues who will guide observations of the beautiful night sky with provided high-powered telescopes (or, bring your own!). 

Pair your Sagehen leaf peeping with the Benton Music Festival on October 3 from 11am to dusk at Benton Park, featuring headliner Sandy and the High Country. And if you’re traveling with little ones, the Big Trees Farm pumpkin patch in Chalfant is open for pumpkins, cider, donuts, and fall fun.

Tune into the livestream of the Mammoth as athletes cover 218+ miles around the Long Valley caldera from October 2 through 8. The race winds through favorite fall destinations including Convict Lake, Lee Vining, and June Lake, so the livestream is a fun way to follow the action and get a peek at the fall color along the way.

The following weekend brings Leaves in the Loop in June Lake, October 9–11, and Bridgeport’s first annual Oktoberfest on October 10. See the events calendar for more. 

And don’t forget some of the classics. The road to Bodie State Historic Park is still open, and there’s some fall gold out in those hills, too. Mono Lake is always worth a stop, and we’re loving having our open connection to Yosemite National Park this fall. October 27 is a National Park Service fee-free day in honor of Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.

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') - 10-50% Patchy. This area is progressing right on schedule for this time of year and elevation. Color is beginning to show throughout the area, but more to come.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!). Some of this area the color has already blown away, but as you’ll see in our pictures, there is still plenty of color and a decent amount of green still out there.
Monitor Pass (8,314') - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!). There is no shortage of color. Add some extra time to your journey here because there are so many places to stop and take in the color. 
Sonora Pass (9,623') - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!). Some say it's not about the destination but the journey. In Mono County's case, it’s both. The journey along all our roads is as satisfying as the peak locations you are coming for.

Please Note: Lobdell Lake Road is in rough shape, 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') - 10-50% Patchy. Honeymoon Flat Campground is showing off the variety of color that continues around the lakes. Robinson Creek has some beautiful crimsons, and there is no shortage of bright yellow. 
Summers Meadow (7,200') - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!). This area is a beautiful patchwork quilt of color across the hillside.
Green Creek - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!).This area is closer to 55% but has a lot of color right now. Another great place to see more immediately.
Dunderberg Meadow - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!). Yesterday may have been our favorite day ever on Dunderberg Road. This area is very close to being lens shattering. We were out there mid-day and the colors were unreal! You will not regret taking this drive. 
Conway Summit (8,143) - 10-50% Patchy. This area is on the verge of near peak. Expect this area to be over the 50% line next week. 
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) - 75-100% (GO NOW!). The bad news is the portion between Dunderberg Road and Big Virginia Lake is past its peak (with just a few last-minute splashes of color around Big Virginia). The good news is there are still some beautiful spots with color along the lower portions of the road.

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') - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!).
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') - 10-50% Patchy. There is still quite a bit of green, but we are seeing more yellows and deep golds evolve each day. Some areas are closer to the higher end of this category in certain areas.
Lundy Canyon (7,858') - 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!). Beyond the resort, you’ll find oranges, dark yellows, and a bit of green. The Lundy Canyon trail is stunning right now and quickly moving into peak-ish territory. 
Lundy Lake - 10-50% Patchy. Color is spotty around the lake, especially close to the dam and following the creek through the campground and out of the canyon.

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) - 75-100% (GO NOW!). The trees on Sagehen Summit are past peak, and every bit of wind sends a few leaves fluttering to the ground. But the groves below and just beyond the summit, as you head towards Crooked Meadows and Dexter Creek, are still showing plenty of vibrant color.

Please Note: Sagehen Summit is a remote area accessed via dirt road with no cell service or facilities. Stop at a 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') - 10-50% Patchy.  The hillsides are putting on quite the display, while the classic spots around the lake are slowly shifting to the higher end of the percentage range. October in the Loop is going to be stunning!

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') - 10-50% Patchy. Color is steadily building, with more to come.
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) - 10-50% Patchy. Colors are creeping down the canyon, and the display along the trail is really showing off. 

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) - 75-100% (GO NOW!). The display at Rock Creek Lake right now is incredible. As you drive up the road, the color really starts to show off around East Fork, currently at 50–75%. In the coming weeks, the color will continue down the first section of Rock Creek Road, and later to Lower Rock Creek Road and Trail (which makes for a great end-of-season hike or mountain bike ride). 
Please remember that past the Pack Station, parking is very limited, especially the closer you get to the Mosquito Flat trailhead. Please do not park along the side of the road and use designated parking areas.

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.