Where to Find Fall Colors in Mammoth Lakes This Week

Sonora Pass (9,623') - 50-75% Near Peak

Sonora Pass has also crossed in the 50-75% Near Peak category, and we expect it will be peaking next week. This stunning route rivals Tioga Pass in beauty and shouldn’t be overlooked — vibrant bursts of color are already appearing at various elevations, with even more on the way. It’s a spectacular drive right now and only getting better.

Lobdell Lake (9,274') - 50-75% Near Peak

Lobdell Lake Road is stunning right now, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. A few green pockets remain, but change is progressing quickly, making this a great spot to visit this weekend or next.

• Lobdell Lake Road is in bad shape this year and we do not advise driving past the recommended turnaround spot (see map). Up to that point, you’ll enjoy big, beautiful views and a safe place to turn around. Beyond, expect severe washouts, water crossings, deep ruts, and rough terrain—not worth it, especially since the lake itself is a low reservoir. Burcham Flat Road (county-maintained) is generally well-graded but does show some wear and tear. Best access is from the south end via US 395 (just south of Sonora Pass), though a loop can be made with East Side Lane in Walker. Keep in mind: cell service is spotty to nonexistent, and a tow would be extremely expensive.

Monitor Pass (8,314′) - 50-75% Near Peak

Monitor Pass has crossed into the 50-75% Near Peak category, and we expect it will be peaking next week. There are a variety of colors and changes on this drive with some areas staying fairly green and others showing strong caches of orange and red. This scenic drive is well worth the trip, offering sweeping views of Mono County's Antelope Valley.

West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200') - 10-50% Patchy

This area has progressed to the high end of Patchy. Yellows are spreading all around the river and valley - we'd say about 45%. The towering cottonwoods along US 395 near Topaz Lake, and the tress around the shore, are just getting started. This Northern Mono County region generally peaks later or last, but the cooler weather this week could speed things along, and we’ll update next week with any progress asap

Tioga Pass (9,943′) - 75-100% Peaking

The colors this week have really flourished. Brilliant yellows and oranges have popped up along the waterfall near Warren Fork and Lee Vining Creek looking towards Tioga Peak, with some greens still hanging on at lower elevations.

Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) - 50-75% Near Peak

Most of the canyon is now in the 50–75% range, with plenty of color still to enjoy for 1-2 weeks to come. The lake and resort are easily accessible, but beyond the resort the road narrows to dirt/gravel. Beaver ponds, vibrant foliage, and a great hiking trail await—go early and be prepared to turn around if parking is full. This area can get busy, so drive slowly, park safely, and enjoy the fall scenery responsibly.

• Lundy Canyon - The road is narrow with limited sight distance on curves, few pullouts to safely park on, and limited bathrooms facilities. We encourage visitors to park at the Lundy Canyon Trailhead parking lot for their fall colors or walking the road from a pull out to their desired location. Alternative parking locations include the boat launch near the Lundy Lake resort, and the parking lot at Lundy Lake dam which has a vault toilet building.
  

Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) - 50-75% Near Peak

Lee Vining Creek has some thick groves of yellow and orange near the water and around the meadow. However, it still has a way to go with many patches of green still hanging on.

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) - 10-50% Patchy

Patchy. The north end of the loop is bursting with peak color on the mountainsides, while the rest is just beginning to turn. Gull Lake is golden, and Silver Lake is close behind. This weekend’s Leaves in the Loop event will be incredible, and the colors will only get better in the weeks ahead, don’t miss the fall magic!

• June Lake Loop - Hwy 158 is narrow from Silver Lake past Grant Lake. Be especially careful not to park on the road in this section and drive slowly as there is not much room for error. This is also a major crossing area for wildlife.

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) - 75-100% Peaking

Certain sections of the canyon are now at peak, especially toward the back, with vibrant yellows. The front half is close behind, showing a mix of green and golden tones that signal peak color is just around the corner.

Convict Lake (7850′) - 75-100% Peaking

Convict Lake is showing off its fall charm! Brilliant yellows are lighting up the back side of the lake, mixing with a few patches of green. Peak colors are quickly approaching!

Around Crowley community (6,781′) - 50-75%

The mountainside continues to showcase peak color, while the community below is gradually catching up. Around town, roughly 10–50% of trees have begun their transformation

South Lake (9,768') - 75-100% Peaking

The drive to South Lake is still pretty spectacular, and there are still greens up at the parking lot, but much of the area is peaking now.

Weir Pond (9,650')- 75-100% Peaking

Peaking- GO NOW!

Lake Sabrina (9,150')- 75-100%

Peaking- GO NOW!

• Please park in designated spots. The road leading up here is very narrow.

Round Valley (4,692') - 50-75% Near Peak

Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000') - 50-75% Near Peak

Bishop (4,150') - 10-50% Patchy

There are yellow hues throughout Bishop and the Owens Valley, with some trees displaying beautiful golds, and yet there is still a lot of green in the Valley.

Owens Valley (4,000') - 10-50% Patchy