California’s Great Beyond

Best Fall Color Hikes

Trails to Trek this Autumn

Miles and miles of trails for all abilities make Mono County a paradise for those who love to hike. Here are just a few to check out from late-September through October, during the brilliant autumn display that illuminates the already awe-inspiring landscape with rich yellows, reds and oranges.  

Fall colors float tubing convict lake

The Convict Lake Trail wraps around one of the most breathtaking and serene lakes in Mono County. The 2.5 mile trail is relatively flat - perfect for and popular with families, anglers, dog-walkers, and trail runners alike - with impressive views every step of the way. 

Fall colors float tubing convict lake
Green Creek fall colors

The Green Creek Trail has large concentrations of color at the trailhead, campground and all along the trail until you’ve almost arrived at Green Lake. Just south of Bridgeport, Green Creek Road is a wide, well-traveled dirt road and your ticket to vibrant fall color. 

Green Creek fall colors
Lundy Canyon Fall Colors

The Lundy Canyon Trail is the quintessential fall color hike, usually bursting with color around mid-October. Plan on a longer outing - the drive to the trailhead alone is spectacular and will require a few photo stops. The trail is easy at first, wandering through colorful aspen for about a quarter mile to the first beaver pond and waterfalls, but becomes more moderate from there. 

Lundy Canyon Fall Colors
Cropped McGee Pack Station Horseback Fall Colors

The McGee Creek Trail is always blanketed with color - full of wildflowers in the spring and summer and into fall when the aspen shine. The colors are a bit further up the trail, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time for this longer hike (and plenty of water, sun protection, and layers). Tip: Instead of hiking, sit back and enjoy a ride with McGee Creek Pack Station.

Cropped McGee Pack Station Horseback Fall Colors
Molybdenite Canyon Trail Fall Colors

The Molybdenite Trail is somewhat remote (read: quiet!), with sweeping groves of peaking aspen covering a dramatic volcanic landscape. The trailhead is located at the Obsidian Campground off Little Walker River Road. The out-and-back hike begins at 7,865 feet in the Obsidian Campground and gains 1,835 feet in about six miles. 

Molybdenite Canyon Trail Fall Colors
Parker Lake fall colors

The Parker Lake Trail, just off the north end of the June Lake Loop, has a gentle climb, views of Mono Lake, and an aspen-lined creek all leading to stunning Parker Lake. The trail dead-ends at the lake, which has thick groves of lovely aspen, so enjoy the out-and-back hike or bring your fishing gear along and stay awhile. 

Parker Lake fall colors