Natural History Wanderings

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission report below. See photos at California’s Eastern Sierra

Fall Colors are exploding in the higher elevation locations around Mono County. Plan your fall color trip to the Eastern Sierra within the next three weeks! While the majority of areas around U.S. 395 are still mostly green, patiently waiting their turn, other areas like Virginia Lakes, Dunderberg Meadow, Lobdell Lake and Rock Creek are at full peak! Other locations worthy of viewing this week include Sonora Pass, Green Creek, Parker Lake, Little Walker Lake, and the higher elevations of Tioga Pass.  Hikers should focus their energy on the Parker Lake, Little Walker Lake, Laurel Canyon, Green Lake, and Rock Creek trailheads.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass – 10-50%
Lobdell Lake 75-100% GO NOW! Colors are absolutely stunning along the road to Lobdell Lake off Burcham Flat Road.
Walker Canyon – 0-10%
Towns of Walker & Coleville – 0%
Sonora Pass – 50-75% Go Now – A mix of colors depending on elevation and location. A full peak near the top of Sonora Pass while still very patchy around Leavitt Meadows.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes –  0-10%
Virginia Lakes – 75-100% GO NOW! Colors are at full peak along Virginia Lakes Road and around Virginia Lakes. Take the Dunderberg Meadow Road towards Green Creek for wonderful red groves in Cinnamon Meadow. Swing by the Virginia Lakes Resort for breakfast or lunch before they close on October 11th.
Conway Summit – 10-50%
Green Creek – 50-75% Go Now! The hike to Green Lake is at full peak while colors around the campground and along Green Creek Road are patchy.
Summers Meadow – 10-50%

LEE VINING

Tioga Pass & Lee Vining Canyon – 50-75% Go Now! Lee Vining Canyon is still very green but the upper elevations around Tioga Lake, Ellery Lake and Saddlebag Lake are in prime
Lundy Lake & Canyon – 10-50% Green and lime green around the lake and campground. Lundy falls and the beaver ponds are just getting going with a few shades of yellow. Still a little too early for peak viewing.

BENTON & 120 EAST 

Sagehen Meadow – 100% GO NOW! Peak to past peak. You still might be able to catch a few groves of the brilliant reds and oranges displayed here this year but most of the area is now past peak.

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 – 0-10%
Parker Lake – 50-75% Go Now! The next 10 days are going to be brilliant at Parker Lake. Take the Parker Bench Trail from Silver Lake Resort for a more difficult but worthy fall color experience.
Little Walker Lake – 50-75% Go Now!  Just starting with yellows and lime greens around the lake.

MAMMOTH LAKES

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Lakes Basin – 10-50%
Mammoth Creek Road – 10-50%

CONVICT LAKE

Around resort/campgrounds – 0-10%
Convict Lake & Canyon – 10-50%

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK

McGee Creek Canyon – 10-50% The hike to the beaver ponds and beyond are the only significant color you’ll see right now.
Around Crowley community – 0-10%

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Around Rock Creek Lake – 75-100% GO NOW! These high elevation areas are exploding with brilliant yellows and a few oranges. Swing by Rock Creek Lake Resort  for breakfast or lunch after you enjoy the colorful drive.
Along the road –  50-75% Go Now!
Lower Rock Creek – 0-10%