Fall Colors Just North of Mammoth Lakes

Aug 30, 2022

Fall in the Mammoth Lakes area is a glorious time of year. The Eastern Sierra region is laced with rugged canyons carved by rushing streams and is home to some of the finest fall color viewing anywhere. You can even find gorgeous fall colors right in Mammoth Lakes. Check out these top fall color viewing spots just north of Mammoth Lakes.

 

Fall Colors on the June Lake Loop

The June Lake Loop is an amazing place for a fall color scenic drive just north of Mammoth Lakes. Pass by June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake as you take in the vibrant groves of yellow and orange fall colors. In the fall, the June Lake Loop is perfect for relaxing by one of the lakes or getting out on the water for boating, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Fall Colors on Tioga Pass (Hwy. 120)

Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park is winding dramatic road that’s scenic in the fall as well as the summer. Whether you’re driving all the way to Yosemite and Tuolumne Meadows or just taking a scenic drive, check out the fall colors by Ellery Lake or Saddlebag Lake.

Since the aspen groves in this area are some of the highest elevation groves near Mammoth Lakes, plan to visit fall colors on Tioga Pass early in the fall season.

Fall Colors in Virginia Lakes

With eight lakes in a two-mile stretch, Virginia Lakes is packed with lakeside fall colors. Drive up the canyon to hike at the lakes or just relax on the shore with a picnic.

Fall Colors at Sagehen Summit

If you’re planning to spend time near Mono Lake in the fall, turning off Hwy. 120 to the east (away from Yosemite National Park) will bring you sweeping mountain views of with a foreground of fall colors at Sagehen Summit.

Fall Colors in Lundy Canyon

Wind back into Lundy Canyon past groves of aspen that line Lundy Lake. The road deadends at a popular hiking trail that climbs up to Lundy Falls, with even more thick groves of fall color trees along the way.

Fall Colors at Conway Summit

Just north of Mono Lake, the Conway Summit aspen groves are perched above Hwy. 395. You can see the groves from the road as you drive up to Virginia Lakes for even more fall color viewing.

Meghan Miranda

Meghan has been living and playing in Mammoth Lakes since 2016. She enjoys any outdoor activities that her dogs can tag along for. See more of Meghan's adventures on her blog Meg Moves Mountains.

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