California’s Great Beyond


 

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: See you in 2027!
(Updated every Wednesday by 6pm throughout the season)

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')
 
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274') 
Monitor Pass (8,314') 
Sonora Pass (9,623') 

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000') 
Summers Meadow (7,200') 
Green Creek 
Dunderberg Meadow 
Conway Summit (8,143) 
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 

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') 
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781') 
Lundy Canyon and Lake (7,858') 

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 

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

CONVICT LAKE/MCGEE CREEK
Convict Lake (7,850')

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’)
Lower Rock Creek Road 

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.