Where to Find Fall Colors in Mammoth Lakes This Week

Peak color season brings more visitors to the Eastern Sierra than any other time of year. The aspens, wildlife, and landscapes that make fall so spectacular are also fragile. Before you head out:

Plan Ahead: Check weather, roads, and maps before you go. Weather can shift, cell service can be limited and restrooms may be scarce.

Park Smart: Use designated spots only. Avoid parking on plants or soft shoulders to protect fragile aspen roots. Aspens grow in shallow soils, and repeated pressure from cars can damage their roots for years to come.

Tread Lightly: Brush off boots and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Stay on trails and know proper trail etiquette. Never carve into aspens—their paper-thin bark makes them especially vulnerable, and even small cuts can introduce harmful disease.

Stay Aware: Drive safely, pull over only in safe areas, and never stop or stand in the road. Even quiet country roads see fast-moving traffic—protect yourself and be courteous to others.

Pack It In, Pack It Out: Carry out all trash—even food scraps. With more visitors during peak color season, even small litter can add up quickly and can harm wildlife. Bonus points for picking up extra litter.

Sonora Pass (9,623') - 10-50% Patchy

Like many of the other areas in the region, this area is the definition of "patchy." We found all the colors and then some. Close to the top of the pass, the willows give a vibe of past peak until you come to a grove of bright green aspen. In the valley, Leavitt Meadows Trailhead and Pack Station have some vibrant pops but there is enough green to say we aren’t done here yet

Lobdell Lake (9,274') - 0-10% Just Starting

• Lobdell Lake Road is in bad shape; 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′) - 10-50% Patchy

Lower elevations are still showing green. The large expanse of trees just below the Monitor Pass sign are starting to kick off with some bright yellow patches.

West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200') - 0-10% Just Starting

Small areas of yellow are beginning to emerge in concentrated areas.

Tioga Pass (9,943′) - 10-50% Patchy

The groves at the highest elevations are well on their way to fall.

Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) - 0-10% Just Starting

Aspens are green until the lake and then the colors begin to show themselves. This canyon can put on a show through the whole season. While parking is minimal at the trailhead, this hike is worth an early morning wake up call.

• 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′) - 0-10% Just Starting

Little spots of yellow and orange. But most of the canyon has yet to make any change.

• Please watch for work trucks in the area.

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) - 0-10% Just Starting

Not much change has occurred since last week’s report but if you are in the region, make sure you catch the glow off the ridge of June Mountain Ski Resort in the morning. Much more to come around the June Lake Loop in the coming weeks.

• 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’) - 0-10% Just Starting

The tops of the trees had some yellow, and the canyon had that lime glow to it. Gorgeous drive any time of year and enough to make it feel like fall if you need a fix.

Convict Lake (7850′) - 0-10% - Just Starting

The biggest change around the lake is yellow has now spread into the campground and the creek as it moves downhill. The Lake has not progressed much since last week.

Around Crowley community (6,781′) - No Change Yet

South Lake (9,768') - 10-50% Patchy

Patchy at the trailhead, more yellows at the higher elevations

Weir Pond (9,650')- 10-50% Patchy

Patchy at the pond itself, again, everything above the pond is tones of yellow.

Lake Sabrina (9,150')- 50-75% Near Peak (Go Now!)

Please note that they are working on the dam, with access to the path on the dam closed.

Round Valley (4,692') - 10-50% Patchy

Some of the tops of the cottonwoods are starting to shift into yellow hues.

Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000') - 10-50% Patchy

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

Yellow is starting at the tops of the cottonwoods.

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

Yellow is starting at the tops of the cottonwoods.