Natural History Wanderings

Update: See a newer report (10/6) for Mono County with photos on California Fall Color at Sierra Gold Discovered in Mono County

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission report for 10/5/16 below. See photos at California’s Eastern Sierra

Fall foliage will be peaking throughout Mono County within the next 14 days. Plan your trip during this timeframe to catch the brilliant yellow, orange and red leafs known as “sierra gold.” Focus on Lobdell Lake, Sonora Pass, Green Creek, Lundy Canyon, Parker Lake, and Rock Creek as these areas are currently at full peak and will be brilliant for the next 5 days. Other locations worthy of viewing this week include Monitor Pass, Summers Meadow, Lee Vining Canyon, Little Walker lake, and McGee Canyon.  Hikers should focus their energy on the Lundy Canyon, Parker Lake, Walker Lake, and Green Creek trailheads. Areas like the West Walker River, Convict Lake, and the June Lake Loop are just starting to show color and should be ready for the weekend of the 15th.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass – 50-75% Go Now! – Still green in some locations but groves near the top of the pass are peaking.
Lobdell Lake 75-100% GO NOW! Colors are absolutely stunning along the road to Lobdell Lake just off Burcham Flat Road. This will be the last weekend to see the colors here.
Walker Canyon – 10-50%
Towns of Walker & Coleville – 0-10%
Sonora Pass – 75-100% Go Now – last weeks storm blew a few leaves off the trees near the top of the pass.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes –  0-10%
Virginia Lakes – Past Peak
Conway Summit – 10-50% – On the verge of a “go now” designation but still mostly green and lime green.
Green Creek – 75-100% Go Now! The hike to Green Lake is peak to past peak while colors around the campground and along Green Creek Road will be perfect this week.
Summers Meadow – 50-75% Go Now! – Foliage along the mountain side are full red and orange while the colors along the road will be perfect in about 7-10 days.

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 viewing condition.
Lundy Lake & Canyon – 75-100% GO NOW! Still a little early around the lake and campground. Lundy falls and the beaver ponds are at full peak and will be a perfect hike for this weekend..

BENTON & 120 EAST 

Sagehen Meadow – Past Peak

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 – 10-50%
Parker Lake – 75-100% GO NOW! This is the weekend to go to 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!  Still a good 7-10 days away from full peak. Leafs are turning yellow with patchy lime greens still present.

MAMMOTH LAKES

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

CONVICT LAKE

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

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK

McGee Creek Canyon – 50-75% Go Now! The hike to the beaver ponds and beyond are prime for fall color while its still a little patchy around the campground and pack station.
Around Crowley community – 10-50%

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Around Rock Creek Lake – 75-100% GO NOW!  Peak to past peak around the lake and in the high elevation areas. This will be the last few days to catch the color around the lake.
Along the road –  75-100% Go Now! Colors along the road and in the campgrounds are at peak color and will be perfect this weekend.
Lower Rock Creek – 10-50%