Fall colors are currently peaking in areas of the Eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes, and those interested in seeing them at their most vibrant before they fade to the subdued browns of winter are urged to visit as soon as possible.
Mammoth Lakes Tourism released its latest Fall Colors report which shows much of the painted landscape at 50%-100% of peak colors. Anything above 50% is considered “Go Now!”
Near the towns of Walker, Coleville and Topaz, fall colors on the Sonora Pass, an elevation of about 9,600 feet, fall colors are between 50% and 75% peak. “Still more to go in terms of color, but some patches are showing yellow and orange leaves with the occasional red at the top of the pass,” Mammoth Lakes Tourism writes in its report.
On the nearby Monitor Pass, colors are nearing 100% peak with a large patch of bright yellow and orange aspens along the highway near the peak. Visitors are encouraged to go now before it’s too late.
Near Virginia Lakes, which is around 75% peak, yellows and oranges have made their appearance alongside some stubborn greens. “Midway up the canyon is one of the prime spots currently.”
Twin Lakes is currently considered “patchy” with some burgeoning hues of orange peeking through.
Near Lee Vining, the Tioga Pass has among the most vibrant colors in the state, particularly along the road about a mile before Ellery Lake. “The color wheel is on full display here as green, yellow, orange, and even crimson are all bunched together.” Visitors can also stop by Saddlebag Lake for more.
Off of Highway 120 East at Benton, Sagehun Summit, elevation of about 8,100 feet, is nearing full peak. The main summit has mostly shed its leaves, but some “great color” remains further south. This area is the most off-the-beaten path, and drivers should only bring vehicles that have all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
At McGee Creek, at an elevation of 8,600 feet, colors are at “near peak,” around 50% to 75%. “The main show is 1-2 miles up McGee Creek Canyon where orange and yellow leaves can be seen cascading up the mountain. This entire area will be at full peak by this time next week,” officials wrote.
Rock Creek Canyon is peaking right now, officials said. Rock Creek Road, which is one of the highest paved roads in California, climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 10 miles, meaning colors can vary wildly from top to bottom.
Mammoth Lakes Tourism says the Eastern Sierra elevation ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 feet, so fall colors peak at various times of the year. Typically, the higher elevations turn first and cascade down the mountain range to lower elevations.
Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and Northern Mono County tend to peak around mid-October, the tourism agency said.
For the latest conditions on fall colors in the Eastern Sierra, click here. For information on where and when to find the stunning pigments in other regions of the state, click here.