Fall Colors

Fall in the Mammoth Lakes area is a glorious spectacular time of year. With its crisp air, cool nights and shorter days, fall is a magical season. It is often difficult to predict precisely when the peak colors of autumn will occur. The season's most brilliant colors will appear when dry, warm, sunny days are followed by cool, dry nights. Trees in this region generally begin their annual change in September offering the best viewing in early to mid October.                              

Leaves display brilliant and intense colors. Aspens, willows and cottonwoods feature vibrant hues of orange, gold and red signaling the approach of winter. 

Travel to Mammoth Lakes during this uncrowded, yet stunning, time of year and enjoy the brilliant, fiery colors that fall has to offer. Take the Fall Color Tour!

Every autumn, cottonwood, quaking aspen and willow are transformed into colorful hues of gold, orange and russet. Before long, their leaves will fall and again become part of another cycle that feeds the soil. What causes this yearly cycle, and what determines which color the leaves turn? 

The Eastern Sierra region is laced with rugged canyons carved by rushing streams, and home to some of the finest fall color viewing anywhere.

The Eastern High Sierra Fall Color Guide provides twenty locations to view spectacular fall colors from Big Pine Canyon in the south to Walker River Canyon in the north. To request your free copy call 888-GO-Mammoth. Pick one up at the California Welcome Center - Mammoth Lakes located on Hwy 203 at the entrance to town.