Natural History Wanderings

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism   reports below. See photos at: Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission

October 31, 2018:  One of the most spectacular fall color seasons in recent memory is slowly coming to an end. Most locations in Mono County are now past peak with the exception of Lower Rock Creek Trail, the West Walker River and the towns of Walker, Coleville and Topaz. All these locations are at full peak and will have good color for the next 5 days or so. You’ll still find some groves still hanging around in places like the June Lake Loop and Lundy Canyon but the vast majority of destinations are now past peak.

100% Peaking GO NOW! 
-Walker Canyon – Great color along the banks of the West Walker River with some sections past peak already. The best color is located near Mountain Gate Park closer to Walker.
-Walker, Coleville and Topaz – Gorgeous, massive cottonwoods lining Hwy. 395 are beautiful now and should be great for another 5 days or so. Topaz Lake is at full peak and is perfect for sunrises or sunsets right now.
-Lower Rock Creek Road – Lower Rock Creek near the town of Paradise still has some nice color. Take lower rock creek trail for the last sections of peaking aspens. Past Peak up past Tom’s Place.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Past Peak
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – 75-100% Go Now – Great color along the banks of the West Walker River with some sections past peak already. The best color is located near Mountain Gate Park closer to Walker.
Walker, Coleville and Topaz – 75-100% Go Now – Gorgeous, massive cottonwoods lining Hwy. 395 are beautiful now and should be great for another 5 days or so. Topaz Lake is at full peak and is perfect for sunrises or sunsets right now.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Past Peak

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000′)  – Past Peak with a few groves still hanging around at Lower Twin.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Past Peak
Conway Summit (8,143) – Past Peak
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Past Peak

LEE VINING 

Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past peak
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) Past Peak
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) Past Peak with a few groves still showing color near the campground and along the road.

BENTON & 120 EAST 

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) Past Peak with a few groves still having leaves.

MAMMOTH LAKES

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Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Past Peak

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) Past Peak
Around Crowley community (6,781′) Past Peak
Convict Lake (7850′) 75-100% Past Peak

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Lower Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 100% Lower Rock Creek near the town of Paradise still has some nice color. Take lower rock creek trail for the last sections of peaking aspens. Past Peak up past Tom’s Place.