Not all fall color experiences require hiking boots. The Eastern Sierra offers hundreds of miles of scenic roads lined with deciduous trees, making autumn foliage accessible by car as well.
Fall color typically begins in late September and can continue into early October, depending on conditions. Visitors are encouraged to check weekly updates and stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for current recommendations.
With hundreds of miles of roads lined with deciduous trees, the Eastern Sierra is home to some of the best fall foliage viewing also accessible by car in the Western United States.
Mammoth Scenic Loop to Sherwin Creek Road
This 2-hour drive begins at the outskirts of town on the Mammoth Scenic Loop. Lined with stands of quaking aspen, the paved roadway is awash with color during the autumn season. Along the way, several dirt roads lead into numerous aspen stands and to the with vivid turquoise pools of water at the Inyo Craters interpretive site.
The Scenic Loop is located off State Route 203, just west of the Village at Mammoth, and descends to US 395 over a distance of 7 miles. When you reach US 395, turn right to head south. Magnificent views of Bloody Mountain and Laurel Mountain are visible from the highway, each adorned with a diverse collection of colorful deciduous trees and shrubs. In 5 miles, just past the turn back onto State Route 203 toward Mammoth Lakes, take an immediate left onto Sherwin Creek Road. This well-maintained gravel roadway winds along Mammoth Creek and is often inundated with endless fall color. Drive slow, as there are often walkers, bikers and animals on this road. As you pass the Sherwin Creek Campground, be certain to note the contrasting aspen and willow shadowed by the perpetual greens of towering ponderosa pine and white fir.
Mammoth Lakes Basin
An autumn vacation to Mammoth Lakes would be incomplete without a visit to the nearby Mammoth Lakes Basin. Surrounding the many alpine lakes, isolated groves of fluorescent aspen stand out against the expansive pine forests. Along the slopes of the rapidly rising mountains, many deciduous shrubs splash their red, yellow and orange foliage against the rocky backdrop.
Reaching the Mammoth Lakes Basin is easy. Follow Main Street past the Village at Mammoth, continuing as the road turns into Lake Mary Road. Heading west and gaining elevation, you'll reach the first lake, Twin Lakes, in 2 miles. For more information on visiting the Lakes Basin in the fall, visit the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.
June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop (State Route 158) contains some of the most awe-inspiring displays of fall foliage accessible by automobile. From the Oh! Ridge Campground just off the roadway, visitors can gaze over an endless sea of colorful trees rimming high alpine lakes, their reflections mirrored by deep blue alpine waters. In the distance, the flanks of Carson Peak are aflame with the reds and oranges of deciduous high alpine shrubs. Farther down the loop, along the banks of Reverse Creek, groves of aspen and cottonwood shower public picnic areas with a dramatic display of golden yellow.
Reach this scenic drive by heading north from Mammoth Lakes on US 395 for 17 miles. Take a left onto the 14-mile June Lake Loop (State Route 158) at the green general store and gas station. After passing Silver Lake and paralleling the banks of Rush Creek, then reaching Grant Lake, the June Lake Loop merges with US 395. Turn right to return to Mammoth Lakes, or for an additional adventure, turn left to reach Mono Lake and the village of Lee Vining.
