Fall is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors in Mammoth Lakes. As the season changes, the Eastern Sierra is transformed into a stunning landscape of gold, crimson, and orange, setting the stage for unforgettable adventures.
Whether you're hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or fishing on a serene lake, moments of pure awe await you around every corner. With warm days and cool nights, it's easy to see why fall in Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s best-kept secrets.
While the timing of peak foliage varies with the weather, mid-September through early October is typically the best time to witness the majestic fall colors. Stay informed with up-to-date reports by signing up for our Fall Newsletter below.
Stay In The Know About Fall Colors In Mammoth Lakes
Fall is an unreal time in the Eastern Sierra! Sign up for the Fall Color Newsletter to receive weekly updates on where to find the best colors.
Experiencing Fall on Foot: Fall Color Hikes
One of the best ways to fully experience fall in Mammoth Lakes is on foot. Cool mornings make for comfortable starts, midday sun brings gentle warmth, and changing aspens line many of the area’s most scenic trails.
Aspen-rich routes are especially popular in autumn, but options range from short lakeside strolls to longer backcountry adventures. Wherever you go, remember to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and take time to appreciate the colors around you.
Fall Color Hikes in Mammoth Lakes
Heart Lake
Trail: Take 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.
Trail: Take 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
Reds Meadow is especially beautiful in autumn, and fall is one of the best times to visit before winter conditions arrive.
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.
Note: For the 2026 season, Reds Meadow is scheduled to close October 5th for winter construction. Check the official website for the most up to date information.
Fall Color Hikes Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes
Venturing slightly beyond town opens up even more opportunities for dramatic fall scenery.
McGee Creek Canyon
Trail: Take McGee Pass Trail | Distance: 10 miles round-trip 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: Take the 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: Take 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.
Fall is one of the busiest seasons in Mammoth Lakes, and the aspens and wildlife that make it so beautiful are also fragile. Whether you're hitting the trails or taking a scenic drive, a few simple habits go a long way:
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 spots only. Avoid parking on soft shoulders to protect fragile aspen roots—aspens grow in shallow soils and repeated pressure from cars can damage their roots for years.
Tread Lightly—Stay on trails and never carve into aspens. Their paper-thin bark makes them especially vulnerable, and even small cuts can introduce harmful disease.
Stay Aware—Drive safely and pull over only in safe areas. Even quiet country roads see fast-moving traffic.
Pack It In, Pack It Out—Carry out all trash, even food scraps. Peak color season brings more visitors—even small litter adds up quickly and can harm wildlife.
Fall Color Scenic Drives in the Eastern Sierra
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Colors in Mammoth Lakes
When do the leaves change in Mammoth Lakes?
Fall color typically begins at higher elevations in mid-September and moves down to the lakes and canyon floors through October. Peak color around Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Northern Mono County is usually mid-October.
What trees change color in the Eastern Sierra?
Aspens are the most prevalent and dramatic. Look also for cottonwood and willow along stream banks and meadow edges.
Is the Tioga Pass open in fall?
Tioga Pass typically stays open through October, depending on the year's snowfall. Always check road conditions before planning a trip through the pass.
What is the best fall color drive near Mammoth Lakes?
The June Lake Loop is one of the most spectacular short drives in the Eastern Sierra during fall—four alpine lakes lined with aspens, accessible by car in about 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes.
