7 Fall Color Hikes Near Mammoth Lakes

There is something about fall in the Eastern Sierra. It’s not just the beauty of leaves changing color, but also the quietness on the trails and the crispness of the air.

Cool mornings and chilly nights mean winter is just around the corner, but the midday sun warms up just enough to be cozy. Fall foliage provides a spectacle of colors, carpets the trails with fallen leaves, and offers a certain smell that is familiar and heart-warming.

To experience fall in Mammoth Lakes, set out on foot and hike some of the top trails for fall colors. Our favorite trails are abundant in aspen trees because of the vivid color show the leaves display in the fall, but the options for fall hiking are almost endless. Wherever you hike, don’t forget to stop, take a deep breath, and enjoy the autumn air.

Fall Color Hikes in Mammoth Lakes

These two trails start close to town and are perfect for a morning outing—both are easy to moderate and lined with aspens.

Heart Lake

Trail: Heart Lake Trail | Distance: 2.25 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The Heart Lake Trail in the Mammoth Lakes Basin is a favorite hiking route in Mammoth Lakes' backyard. Aspen trees offer a colorful backdrop of fall colors in front of the blue Sierra Nevada sky. From the Coldwater Campground Trailhead, take the Heart Lake Trail on the eastern side of the parking area. Stay right on the trail as it passes small spurs that lead to the Mammoth Consolidated Gold Mine. In one mile, you will see the heart-shaped lake, which is situated beneath Sherwin Ridge and Pyramid Peak.

READ MORE: Hiking in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

Mammoth Rock

Trail: Mammoth Rock Trail | Distance: 2.5 miles one way | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Traversing the steep flanks of the legendary Sherwin Range, the Mammoth Rock Trail rises briefly as it emerges from the lodgepole pine forest. Within minutes, hikers attain a grand view of the valley and the town of Mammoth Lakes below. Groves of quaking aspen and stands of willow display their autumn radiance of yellows, oranges and rare reds against a backdrop of brown meadows and deep green forest.

The trailhead is located near the end of Old Mammoth Road, just below the legendary monolith of Mammoth Rock, on one end and off Sherwin Creek Road at the Sherwin Meadows Trailhead and parking area at the other.

Fall Color Hikes in Reds Meadow

The Reds Meadow Valley is especially beautiful in autumn. Plan a full day and check access conditions before heading out.

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River

Trail: River Trail | Distance: 15 miles | Difficulty: Moderate in terrain but strenuous in length

The autumn season is one of the best times to visit the Reds Meadow, and there are few trails that rival the River Trail for fall foliage. The trail parallels the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and winds amidst a vast array of quaking aspen groves of diverse sizes, shapes and colors. These trees usually pop with fluorescent yellows throughout October.

READ MORE: Hiking in Reds Meadow

Note: Reds Meadow access is subject to seasonal road restrictions. Check the NPS and USFS websites for current conditions before heading out.

Fall Color Hikes Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes

A short drive from town opens up some of the most dramatic canyon and lake scenery in the Eastern Sierra.

McGee Creek Canyon

Trail: Take McGee Pass Trail | Distance: 10 miles roundtrip to Steelhead Lake | Difficulty: Difficult

McGee Creek Canyon is not only a favorite for spring wildflowers but also a top spot for fall foliage. The McGee Pass Trail follows the aspen-lined creek up to a number of alpine lakes and offers big mountain views. Steelhead Lake is a popular destination, though the trail continues on to Big McGee Lake and eventually reaches the Sierra Nevada Crest at McGee Pass.

The route meanders along the creek for a short while passing through tunnels of aspen trees before beginning a gradual climb up the canyon. In 4.5 miles take the left turn to Steelhead Lake. From there it is another mile of climbing to the lake. For an easier hike, just turn around at any point and enjoy the views.

Yost Lake on the June Lake Loop

Trail: Fern – Yost Lake Trail | Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate

Located just north of Mammoth Lakes, the Fern – Yost Lake Trail is a scenic destination for a short day hike in the June Lake Loop area. The trail is an unrelenting uphill climb though it is not technically challenging and relatively short to get to the lake. Aspen trees lead the way and views of June and Gull Lakes are spectacular from the trail. At one mile, stay right at the Yost Creek trail junction and continue on another 0.7 miles to Fern Lake.

Lundy Canyon

Trail: Lundy Canyon Trail | Distance: 6.6 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous

Known for its wildflowers and blooming aspens in the spring, Lundy Canyon Trail is also spectacular for golden hues in the fall. The trail gradually climbs the canyon past beaver ponds and cascading waterfalls. With aspen trees changing colors, it is a great hike for fall foliage viewing and photography.

At 2.2 miles you will reach the base of two cascading waterfalls. Lundy Falls is a perfect turn-around point for an easy day hike. Or continue on for a longer hike and climb a steep challenging scree and talus field to Helen Lake. At 3.3 miles, you will reach the lake’s shore.

Little Lakes Valley in Rock Creek Canyon

Trail: Little Lakes Valley Trail | Distance: Up to 14 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate

Arguably the most scenic hike in the Eastern Sierra, the Little Lakes Valley Trail is spectacular and a favorite for fall foliage. With numerous lakes, creeks, meadows and tall rugged peaks, the landscape is even more photogenic with various alpine flora and brilliant aspens changing color.

The trail gently climbs for 0.5 miles from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead in Rock Creek Canyon and meanders past a number of alpine lakes, lined with yellow and orange aspen groves in the fall. All of the lakes in the valley make for great fall color destinations, so hike as far as you would like and then turn around.

Recreate Responsibly on the Trail This Fall

Fall hiking in Mammoth Lakes is best when we all do our part to protect the trails and trees that make it so special:

Plan Ahead—Check weather, road conditions, and maps before you go. Cell service can be limited and restrooms may be scarce.
Park Smart—Use designated trailhead lots only. Avoid parking on soft shoulders to protect fragile aspen roots.
Tread Lightly—Stay on marked trails and never carve into aspens. Their paper-thin bark makes them especially vulnerable, and even small cuts can introduce harmful disease.
Stay Aware—Be aware of other hikers, wildlife, and changing weather conditions on the trail.
Pack It In, Pack It Out—Carry out all trash, even food scraps. Bonus points for picking up extra litter along the way.

More Fall in Mammoth Lakes

Looking for more ways to experience the season? Find the top 5 lakes for fall colors, read 5 reasons fall is the best time to visit Mammoth Lakes, or plan your stay with the local's guide to a fall weekend. For weekly color updates, visit the fall color report before you head out. Browse lodging options to find the right base for your fall adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for fall color hikes near Mammoth Lakes?

Higher elevation trails like Heart Lake and Little Lakes Valley typically peak in late September. Lower canyon hikes like Lundy Canyon and McGee Creek Canyon may hold color into mid-October.

What is the easiest fall color hike near Mammoth Lakes?

The Heart Lake Trail is the most accessible—2.25 miles round trip, easy to moderate difficulty, starting from the Coldwater Campground Trailhead in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Are dogs allowed on fall color hikes near Mammoth Lakes?

Dogs are allowed on most Inyo National Forest trails, including the trails listed here, but must be kept on a leash in developed recreation areas. Check individual trail requirements before heading out.

Do I need a permit for fall color hikes near Mammoth Lakes?

Day hikes on the trails listed here do not require a permit. If you plan to backpack overnight into the wilderness, a wilderness permit is required. Check the Inyo National Forest website for current requirements.