Eastern Sierra Fall Colors: Best Autumn in California

When people think of fall, places like New England and Colorado typically come to mind. But California can proudly claim the Eastern Sierra fall colors as its own. The rugged beauty of the glacier-carved granite Eastern Sierra mountains provides a stunning backdrop to vibrant blazes of yellow, orange, and red autumn leaves.

I grew up visiting the Mammoth Lakes area in the summer and winter, but never witnessed the Eastern Sierra fall colors for myself until last year.

Now, after visiting the Eastern Sierra mountains in fall, I absolutely feel that fall is possibly my new favorite time to visit. Autumn’s golden palette brings the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra to whole ‘nother level, and I can’t believe it took me so long to visit.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best spots for Eastern Sierra fall colors, from Lone Pine in the south to Hope Valley in the north. With well-known spots including the Mammoth Lakes fall colors as well as hidden gems, there’s definitely something for everyone looking for autumn beauty.

 

The Trees of the Eastern Sierra

The brightest and boldest Eastern Sierra fall colors you’ll find are aspens and their cottonwood relatives.

While most of the trees in the region are evergreen conifers, that doesn’t mean that the Eastern Sierra fall colors are any less beautiful.

In fact, this contrast makes the yellows and oranges of the Mammoth Lakes fall colors really pop against the green backdrop of pines and firs.

Personally, I adore all of the trees of the Eastern Sierra (I’m a proud tree guy, after all). Perhaps one of my most prominent and fondest memories of the region’s trees is the view of golden aspens blazing against the setting sun as I pulled up after a long drive to North Lake near Bishop.

The Eastern Sierra is truly a magical place in the autumn, and so much of that magic comes from its shade-shifting trees.

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Eastern Sierra Fall Colors

As a tree-obsessed guy, whenever September rolls around I start paying extra attention to the ever-so-slightly changing leaves.

If I could, I’d head up to check out the changing fall color in Mammoth Lakes every weekend.

I’m that obsessed.

The vibrant fall color in places like Mammoth Lakes is caused when the chlorophyll that makes leaves green starts to disappear.

The bright reds, yellows, and oranges that we see is actually caused by the disappearance of chlorophyll.

When the fall days are still warm and dry and nights are cooling down, that’s when you’ll start to see the Eastern Sierra fall color report update.

Reports like the Mammoth Lakes fall color update give you up-to-date information about how, when, and where to see the best Eastern Sierra fall colors.

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Best Times to See Eastern Sierra Fall Colors

If you’re dying to see the Mammoth Lakes fall colors this year, make sure you’re checking the Eastern Sierra fall color reports diligently.

The Eastern Sierra ranges mostly along Highway 395 some 200 miles from Lone Pine in the south to Hope Valley in the north, meaning that leaves turn at different times in different places.

The length of daylight and the temperature dictates the intensity and timing of the autumn leaves changing.

In general, the higher you go and the further north you go, the earlier the leaves will change. This usually ranges between early/mid September in the northern Eastern Sierra or higher-elevation areas  to mid-October/early November in more southern and lower-elevation areas.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the fall foliage in Mammoth Lakes CA this year, don’t forget to do your research into when peak fall color times are!

Some very helpful Eastern Sierra fall color reports below to aid you in your quest for fall foliage are:

1. Mono County Fall Color Update
2. Bishop Color Report
3. California Fall Color

 

 

Peak Fall Color

Peak fall color times in the Eastern Sierra can range from late September into early November, depending on the exact location. Various local county and city websites in the area post regular updates to their Eastern Sierra fall color reports.

If you’re trying to plan your trip to see the fall foliage in Mammoth Lakes CA in advance, do some research about when fall colors peaked in previous years.

While the weather and peak foliage times in the Eastern Sierra can be unpredictable, it helps to have some idea about what weeks are best.

You can also check social media for up-to-date Mammoth Lakes fall color updates to see what other travelers are sharing.

When we visited the Eastern Sierra last October, the foliage was peaking in some places and past the peak in others, even just a few miles away. Definitely don’t underestimate how quickly conditions and colors can change.

 

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Best Places to See Eastern Sierra Fall Colors

This article considers the Eastern Sierra as running from Lone Pine (4 hours north of LA) to Hope Valley (20 minutes south of South Lake Tahoe), a span of over 200 miles.

Here’s a hand-selected list of 24 of the best places (like the fall colors in Mammoth Lakes CA) to see Eastern Sierra fall colors from south to north.

Our peak foliage times are merely an estimate. Based on changing and sensitive weather conditions, these may vary between years. 

 

1. Whitney Portal

13.7 miles west of Lone Pine at Whitney Portal, you’ll find the some of the highest Eastern Sierra mountains, including Mount Whitney, the highest mountain (14,505′) in the continental US.

During fall, you’ll find beautiful yellow and gold foliage right next to a streaming cascade on Lone Pine Creek.

Whitney Portal has long been a favorite stop of my family’s on the way up to Mammoth, but I was in for a treat this time.

I didn’t even know there was going to be any fall color here, but the beauty of the blaze of gold next to the still-frozen waterfall showed the unique beauty of fall in the Eastern Sierra mountains.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid-October

2. Big Pine Canyon

Glacier Lodge Road follows rugged Big Pine Canyon from 4,000 feet to 8,000 feet, where you’ll find beautiful groves of aspen, cottonwood, and willow along Big Pine Creek.

Driving up Big Pine Canyon lets you experience the fall color in the Eastern Sierra from the comfort of your car, or you can also hike to some of the area’s stunning glacial lakes at the base of the southernmost glacier in North America.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid-October

 

3. Bishop Creek

The Bishop Creek fall color is some of the best and most well-known in the Eastern Sierra.

Draining precipitous 13,000 foot peaks, the Bishop Creek area offers several high-elevation lakes and riparian areas that host beautiful groves of aspens and cottonwoods.

The three forks of Bishop Creek provide lots of different areas for sightseeing, including North Lake, South Lake, and Lake Sabrina.

The Bishop Creek fall color left some of of the strongest impressions on me.

I loved driving up the steep road to North Lake and beyond, where glowing golden aspens surrounded the dirt road.

The light of the fading sun on the foliage while leaves fluttered to the ground reminded me of the ephemeral yet stunning beauty of the season.

Catching the setting sun disappearing over Lake Sabrina while the cold wind whipped down the canyon was also one of my favorite — if chilly — moments at Bishop Creek.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid-September to early October

 

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4. Buttermilk Country

Buttermilk Country is a rock climbing wonderland of boulders and rocky outcrops west of Bishop.

The miles of backcountry unpaved roads here let you experience the Eastern Sierra fall colors through groves of aspen clustered around babbling streams.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid/Late October

5. Round Valley

This ranching area north of Bishop offers stunning views of Wheeler Crest and Mount Tom, and huge cottonwoods and poplars hold their color well into the fall color season.

Peak Foliage Times: Late October to early November

6. Lower Rock Creek

Lower Rock Creek north of Bishop offers a chance to see some of the Mammoth fall colors from your car, on foot, or even a mountain bike. Rock Creek gorge cuts deep through the volcanic tuff, where dense stands of aspen, willow, and cottonwood hug the banks.

A popular driving tour to see this area of Mammoth Lakes fall foliage follows Lower Rock Creek Road up to Sherwin Summit and then back down to Bishop.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid to late October

 

7. Rock Creek Canyon

The scenic drive through the glacier-carved Rock Creek Canyon takes you very close to some of the grandest Eastern Sierra mountains.

Aspens line the canyon up until just past Rock Creek Lake, where the road ends and hikers journey through the alpine wonderland of Little Lakes Valley.

My family’s favorite hike in the Eastern Sierra mountains has for years been through the Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lake. I haven’t visited here in fall yet, but I’m sure it would be stunning.

Don’t leave Rock Creek Canyon’s scenic views off your list of the best fall color in the Mammoth Lakes area.

Peak Foliage Times: Late September to early October

 

8. McGee Creek Canyon

Hikers love to visit McGee Creek Canyon to experience some of the fall color in the Eastern Sierra. A trail to a beaver pond follows McGee Creek through groves of aspens alongside bubbling creeks and towering peaks.

I have yet to visit McGee Creek in fall, but the aspen groves are beautiful even in summer, and I’m sure in fall their beauty shines even brighter.

If you like hiking, the Mammoth fall colors at definitely McGee Creek won’t disappoint.

Peak Foliage Times: Early October

 

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9. Convict Lake

This easily accessible lake is popular with fishermen, hikers, boaters, and photographers alike. An easy hiking trail loops around the lake, offering stunning views of some Mammoth Lakes area fall foliage of aspens and poplars.

I’ve been to Convict Lake many times over the years, and I know that the path around the lake would be a perfect way to see some of the Mammoth lakes fall foliage up close.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid-October

 

10. Mammoth Lakes Area

Chances are that any traveler to the Eastern Sierra has heard of the fall colors in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Nestled at the base of 11,053-foot Mammoth Mountain and home to 5 beautiful alpine lakes in the Lakes Basin, there are tons of things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the fall.

I’ve been coming to Mammoth Lakes since I was a child. It’s definitely one of the best places for a west coast road trip to experience fall in the Eastern Sierra mountains.

This area will always hold a special place in my heart as the place where I was introduced to the rugged grandeur of the mountains.

I loved the crisp and clear fall mornings, watching the early morning sunlight grace the high peaks around Bloody Mountain.

The Mammoth Lakes fall foliage is centered around the creeks and lakes that call the Mammoth Lakes Basin home.

Inside the town itself, you’ll find the Mammoth Lakes, CA fall colors on Mammoth and Sherwin Creeks.

There are even some beautiful waterfalls near Mammoth Lakes, including Twin Falls and Rainbow Falls.

 

 

But the Mammoth Lakes waterfall isn’t all you’ll find here!

A haven for the outdoors, Mammoth offers miles of hiking trails and easy access to scores of highcountry lakes — all of which are made more beautiful by the Mammoth Lakes fall color you’ll find here in early-to-mid October.

Don’t miss scenic drives through the Mammoth Scenic Loop, or make a day trip out to Reds Meadow at Devil’s Postpile National Monument if you have the time.

Peak Foliage Times: early to mid-October, depending on elevation.

 

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11. June Lake Loop

The 16 mile June Lake Loop (State Highway 158) packs a ton of scenery into a short distance. Passing by 4 sparkling lakes and vistas of soaring granite peaks, the June Lake Loop also boasts some of the Eastern Sierra’s best fall foliage.

A definite standout, the June Lake fall colors offer everything you look for in the Eastern Sierra fall. I could gaze past the resplendent aspens up to Carson Peak forever and I still wouldn’t get enough.

The June Lake Loop fall colors definitely lived up to the expectations I had for them.

The perfect combination of lakes, creeks, jagged peaks, and golden autumn colors did not disappoint.

The best spots for the June Lake fall colors are to be found alongside the canyon walls between Grant Lake and Silver Lake, the shores of Gem Lake, and June Lake with the imposing backdrop of craggy Carson Peak.

Sometimes the aspens grow on both sides of Highway 158, and in these spots you’ll likely have to contend with lots of other leaf peepers to get your chance at your postcard photo.

Peak Foliage Times:  early to mid-October

 

12. Sagehen Summit

This unique spot south of Mono Lake is one of the best places to view fall colors near Mammoth Lakes.

Sagehen Summit, reachable by a graded dirt road from Highway 120, offers long views of Mono Lake to the north and the jagged Sierra Crest to the west and south.

While the views here alone warrant a visit, during fall Sagehen Summit becomes on a beautiful multicolored carpet of changing aspens.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the Eastern Sierra that has an aspen grove as large as the one here. The whole craggy volcanic hillside becomes alive with a blaze of glowing aspens, a spectacle not to be missed.

I haven’t visited Sagehen Summit yet, but it’s on the top of my list for places to visit for fall colors near Mammoth Lakes.

Peak Foliage Times: early October

 

13. Lee Vining Canyon

Glacial Lee Vining Canyon leads up the towering Sierra Crest at Tioga Pass, the eastern gateway to Yosemite.

The cascades at the top of the canyon are some interesting waterfalls found near Mammoth Lakes. Further down in the canyon, aspen groves line rushing Lee Vining Creek.

 

 

I’ve driven up Lee Vining Canyon probably a dozen times, but this time the familiar views took on a different hue as brilliant stands of aspens proudly displayed their glory.

Peak Foliage Times: mid to late October

 

14. Lundy Canyon

Lundy Canyon boasts some of the best fall colors near Mammoth Lakes. Hiking past Lundy Lake, the steep canyon walls are home to aspen groves that grow alongside cascading Mill Creek.

Undoubtedly, autumn is one of the best times to hike Lundy Canyon. It’s the perfect time to wander through the sprawling aspen groves while you catch glimpses of rugged peaks behind golden leaves.

Peak Foliage Times: early to mid-October

 

15. Virginia Lakes

A perfect Eastern Sierra fall destination, the Virginia Lakes area is home to no less than 8 lakes within 2.5 miles. Hike by aspen-lined creeks and peaceful lakes to take in the Eastern Sierra fall at its finest.

Peak Foliage Times: late September/early October

 

16. Conway Summit

Conway Summit is an 8,138′ high point on Highway 395 north of Mono Lake. In this area, the Eastern Sierra fall colors paint large swaths of the hillside in shades of yellow and orange.

Passing through Conway Summit in mid-October, I found the long views over the changing foliage to Dunderberg Peak to more alluring and memorable than ever before.

This spot scores points for accessibility, as you don’t even need to leave the highway to enjoy beautiful views.

Peak Foliage Times: mid-October

17. Green Creek

Driving 8 miles up Green Creek Road from Highway 395 south of Bridgeport takes you to hiking trails through beautiful meadows with splashes of fall foliage.

 

18. Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes near Bridgeport offer stunning views of the jagged Eastern Sierra mountains of Matterhorn Peak and the Sawtooth Ridge. The shores of both lakes are lined with stands of cottonwoods and aspens, providing a striking contrast with the sparkling lakes and craggy ridges.

Peak Foliage Times: late October

 

19. Sonora Pass

North of Bridgeport, Sonora Pass Road (State Highway 108) leads through the orange-tinted Leavitt Meadows while making its way up to steep 9,624′ Sonora Pass. Groves of aspens grace both Leavitt Meadows as well as nearby Sardine Meadow.

Peak Foliage Times: mid to late September

 

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20. Walker River Canyon

The steep walls of the Walker River Canyon are lined with golden willows and aspens as the river rushes by. Further north, in the Antelope Valley, 100-year-old cottonwoods make their glorious fall color show. While these Eastern Sierra fall colors make their appearance later due to their lower altitude, it doesn’t make them any less beautiful.

Peak Foliage Times: early November

 

21. Monitor Pass

A drive over Highway 89 through Monitor Pass gives long views over dense aspen groves on the way to Markleeville, and is easily combined with a drive over nearby Ebbetts Pass.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid to late September

 

22. Ebbetts Pass

The eastern slope of Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4) near Highway 89 hosts dazzling displays of bright yellow and gold aspens. Driving up Ebbetts Pass fits well in an Eastern Sierra fall itinerary including Monitor Pass, the Carson River, and Hope Valley.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid to late September

 

23. Carson River

The length of the East Carson River between Wolf Creek Junction and Markleeville, lined with cottonwoods, aspens, and willows, offers a long continuous stream of autumnal beauty.

Peak Foliage Times: Mid to late September

 

24. Hope Valley

Pastoral Hope Valley, near the junction of Highways 88 and 89, offers eye-popping displays of aspens with a backdrop of rugged Sierra peaks and rustic cabins. The Eastern Sierra fall colors found here and in nearby Carson Pass owe their beauty to the large size of the aspen stands here. They’re not to be missed!

Peak Foliage Times: Mid to late September

 

 

What to Bring to the Eastern Sierra in Autumn

• It can get quite cold and windy in the Eastern Sierra in autumn, so dress accordingly.
• A hat, jacket, and scarf will all help with the cold and wind.
• Comfortable shoes, as you will be walking and hiking.
• Snacks and water. We love using these travel-friendly collapsible canteens (our full review here).
• Sunblock. You’ll still get plenty of sun exposure, even in the fall. We like this non-greasy sunscreen stick.
• A camera! Read our budget travel camera guide for affordable suggestions. We shot all these pictures in this post (minus the drone shots) using this camera body and this camera lens.
• A drone. If you’re really into photography, a drone will allow you to capture incredible landscape imagery with a unique vantage point. If you’re considering bringing a drone, be sure to read our guide to traveling with a drone. We captured the drone images in this post using this drone.

 

 

 

Eastern Sierra Fall Colors: Final Thoughts

California’s Eastern Sierra is a wonderland for leaf peepers.  From the Bishop Creek fall color to the June Lake Loop fall colors and everywhere in between and beyond, there’s something here for anyone looking for their autumn fix. We’ve included the some of the best sites for Mammoth Lakes fall color, as well as some lesser-known gems to check out.

It’s not too late to check out the Mammoth area fall colors for yourself! Make sure you’re checking updates to the Mammoth Lakes fall colors on various sources to get the best idea of what conditions are like.

And if you have extra time, we wholly recommend stopping by for at least one day in Yosemite.

We love spending a day exploring the wonder that is Yosemite every time we go to Mammoth and the surrounding area. Here is where to stay in Yosemite.

For our fall trip, a stop by Yosemite was the perfect final thing to do before heading back to our home in LA.

 

Heading to LA next? Check out our LA itinerary, LA bucket list, and the best places to eat in LA! Also, learn about why we think LA is freaking awesome.

 

Or perhaps you’re going to Orange County? Here are the top things to do in Orange County that are open NOW.

 

 

 

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What is your favorite place to see fall colors?

Let us know in a comment below!