FALL COLOR REPORT

CURRENT FALL COLOR REPORT: September 11, 2024

Fall is in the air, and the colors are already starting their spectacular show across our region! With cooler temps in the forecast next week, we expect things to be ramping up soon. 

If you're new to fall colors in Mono County you can view images from previous years to get an idea of timing for all locations and elevations, and download our Fall Color Map to help navigate all the fall color hot spots in the Eastern Sierra (you can also request the map by mail, along with our Visitor Guide). 

Bookmark this page as we will be doing updates every Wednesday by 5pm throughout the fall color season, which can last through October and even into early November. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. 

Hope you can make it!

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') 0-10% - Just Starting.
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') We were unable to visit this location this week, but would guess it's 0-10% - Just Starting. 

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000') - 0%
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 10-50% - Patchy.  It's still mostly green on the road leading up to Virginia Lakes, but there a colorful patches around Virginia Lakes Resort, Trumbull Lake Campground, and Big and Little Virginia Lakes. 
Conway Summit (8,143) - 0%
Summers Meadow (7,200') - 0%

***PLEASE NOTE: US 395 is closed between Bridgeport and Walker from 9/4 to 9/19 at 6:00am for the installation of two wildlife crossings.
Most everything is open and accessible (towns, businesses, roads, trails, etc.), but travel between the two is not possible at this time. Little Walker Road is closed and the Burcham Flat Road at the junction with 395 is closed (open from Eastside Lane). There is a detour available.
Please see the Travel Alert page for more information. 

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943') 10-50% - Patchy. The bushes near Ellery Lake are near peak, while the aspens have a blend of yellows and greens. Go here this weekend if you want to get the first taste of fall color for the 2024 season. 
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') - 0%
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858') - 0% 

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 10-50% - Patchy. Colors are beginning to spread across Sagehen in patches.

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654') 0-10% - Just Starting. There is no significant color change within this area, except for a few bushes starting to turn. The aspens are beginning to turn lime green, but still need extra time before any other colors appear.

MAMMOTH LAKES - Follow Mammoth Lakes Tourism (aka Visit Mammoth) for the most up-to-date information: VisitMammoth.com
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996') - 10-50% - Patchy. Color change within this area is most noticeable throughout the bushes. However, changes to the aspens should be coming soon.

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 0-10% Just Starting (higher up on the trail) 
Crowley community (6,781') - 0%
Convict Lake (7850') 0-10% - Just Starting. There are minimal color changes in the trees along the lake. However, the bushes are starting to display hues of yellow and orange.

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Lake & Road (9,600’) 10-50% - Patchy. Up until Rock Creek Lake, there are patchy sections of colors. However, continuing up towards Mosquito Flat there are patches of aspens that are near peak along the creek. This is another location to check out if you want to experience early-season colors.

BISHOP & INYO COUNTY - Follow Bishop Chamber of Commerce (aka Visit Bishop) for the most up-to-date information: 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: