Eastern Sierra Fall Color Report (Mono County) **CURRENT CONDITIONS**
Hi friends! The Fall foliage continues to emerge as we close out September. Last week we looked at the current conditions of the Inyo County Fall colors in and around Bishop, CA...but this week we’re heading a little further north along Highway 395 to check out some of my favorite spots in Mono County. Join me below for a live look at several must-see spots in the Eastern Sierra and what the Fall colors look like right now. Everything reported on in this post, including all photographs, are from 9/24 and 9/25 of this year (2024).
...and FYI, one spot in particular is peaking right now!
FALL COLOR REPORT
• Locations: Rock Creek Lake, Lake Crowley, Convict Lake, June Lake Loop
• Date: September 25, 2024
• Leaf Color Transition: 20-50%
Rock Creek Lake fall colors in Inyo National Forest
Fall colors along the Rock Creek Lake Loop Trail
Rock Creek Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 50-75% - GO SOON!
Rock Creek Lake is one of the gems of the Eastern Sierra, located high in the mountains and offering stunning alpine scenery. The drive up to the lake still shows a lot of green, but once you reach the lake itself, it's a different story. Many spots around the lake are at their peak, with bright yellows, oranges, and reds painting the landscape. There are a couple spots along the loop trail around Rock Creek Lake that offer aspen tree “tunnels”, and both are peaking right now. I’d recommend a visit to this spot within the next few days. In another week or two, much of the higher elevations here will likely be past peak.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Rock Creek Lake blog post.
Fall colors near Lake Crowley & Hilton Creek
Lake Crowley, Hilton Creek & McGee Creek
Leaf Color Transition: 5-15%
Lake Crowley may not be known for its fall foliage, but it's a popular stop for fishing and birdwatching. As of now, the communities along Hilton Creek and Mcgee Creek across the 395 from the lake is still largely green. However, the hillsides are starting to come alive with the first hints of fall—showing some patches of yellow and orange. It’s still early, but if you’re passing by, keep your eyes on the hills!
Emerging fall colors along Convict Lake in Mono County
Early fall colors at Convict Lake
Convict Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 10-25%
Convict Lake is famous for its striking blue waters surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. While the colors around the lake remain fairly green (with some pops of yellow here & there), the hillsides on the far side of the lake are showing signs of the seasonal change. Splashes of yellow and orange are dotting the landscape, offering a glimpse of what's to come in the next week or two. Morning visits are best at Convict Lake if you want to see the beautiful hillsides in full light. If you visit later in the day, keep in mind the sun sets extra early behind the towering peaks.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Convict Lake blog post.
Aspen grove at Silver Lake along June Lake Loop
Gull Lake Marina along June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop
Leaf Color Transition: 5-15%
The June Lake Loop is a must-visit for fall color enthusiasts, but most of the area is still in its early stages of transition. You'll see occasional pops of yellow, especially up on the hillsides. If you’re hoping to see the aspens up close, Silver Lake is the place to go along this loop drive, though it’s lime green at the moment. Keep this spot on your list as the colors will surely pop in the next week or two! While you’re waiting for the fall foliage to pop, head over to Gull Lake and check out the huge rainbow trout that are always hanging out in the marina!
For more info on this spot, check out my full June Lake Loop blog post.
Large rainbow trout in the Gull Lake Marina
Know Before You Go
• Travel Guide: Check out my Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Complete Guide, which shows off 25 of the best spots to see this year’s fall colors along the 395.
• Current Conditions: Fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra can vary depending on temperatures, precipitation & wind, so keep an eye on local weather reports for real-time updates.
• Best Viewing Times: Mono County generally peaks between early to mid-October, with some higher elevations peaking in late September (like Rock Creek Lake). Also keep in mind that the sun will set earlier than you expect due to the high mountain peaks to the west.
• What to Pack: Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evenings, so dress in layers. Don’t forget your camera—this year’s Fall foliage promises to be breathtaking (and consider staying late to enjoy stunning starry night skies with golden Fall colors)!
• Photography Notes: When viewing the colors, the angle and time of day really matters. Sunrise tends to be an incredible time to see the vibrant leaves along the Eastern Sierra. Once the sun is up, try to picture the leaves when backlit by the sun. This shows the most vibrant rich hues...whereas direct sunlight can actually make the fall colors look a bit more dull and muted.
Fall foliage at Rock Creek Lake in Inyo National Forest
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of my Mono County Fall Color Report, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Silver Lake along June Lake Loop
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
Looking for the best spot to camp & kayak in the Eastern SIerra Nevada Mountains? Join me today as I share my complete travel guide to a camping & kayaking adventure at Convict Lake in the Inyo National Forest. Located in between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop along HIghway 395, this alpine lake is perfect for photography, fishing, boating, and camping, especially during autumn with the fall colors.