Mono County: Last Call for Peak Color

If you don’t plan to visit Mono County within a week, you’re likely to have missed the last big display of fall color in the Eastern Sierra.

That’s because, with the exception of June Lake, all other large stands of aspen are just about done. In particular, Lower Rock Creek Rd., McGee Creek Rd., Convict Lake, Conway Summit, Lundy Canyon, Summers Meadow Rd., Twin Lakes/Bridgeport and Lower Lee Vining Canyon are nearly past peak, though still beautiful… for the moment.

With high winds “predicted to hit the Eastern Sierra over the next few days,” there is a good chance that a lot of the aspen still carrying leaves will drop their deepest color. Though, a residue of color will remain hanging from branches through the end of October.

For those who don’t plan to travel to Mono County this week, pockets of bright autumn color will continue to develop along the West Walker River, the June Lake Loop and in Walker, Coleville and Topaz into early November.

Here’s Mono County’s report (north to south on US 395):

Walker Canyon (5,200′)- Peak (75-100%)  – The banks of the West Walker River are lined with gold. Take Little Walker River Road to Obsidian Campground for additional leafy delight. GO NOW!

Towns of Walker & Coleville – Near Peak (50-75%) – The big cottonwoods along US 395 are coming along nicely and should be perfect even after this weekend’s storm. Head up to Topaz Lake for spectacular lake shots. GO NOW!

Twin Lakes/Bridgeport (7,000′) –  Peak (75-100%) – There’s still great color along Upper and Lower Twin lakes and down Robinson Creek into the campgrounds. GO NOW!

Summers Meadow (7,200′) -Peak to Past Peak  – Most of this spectacular valley is past peak but you can still find sections of wonderful color. (You Almost Missed It.)

Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Past Peak – You Missed It.

Conway Summit (8,143′)- Peak to Past Peak  – Only a few groves were still carrying lots of leaves at Conway Summit this morning. It still has some great photo ops, but won’t last long. (You Almost Missed It.)

Tioga Pass & Lee Vining Canyon (9,943′) – Peak to Past Peak – The upper elevations of Tioga Pass are now Past Peak but lower Lee Vining Canyon all the way down to Mono Lake are ripe with color. (You Almost Missed It.)

Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′)- Peak to Past Peak – Lundy Canyon Trail is now past peak, plus the leaves at the Beaver Ponds were barely hanging on, but there is still wonderful color along the road and at the campground. (You Almost Missed It.)

Parker Lake (8,000′) – You Missed It. – A grove of brilliant aspen at the far end of the lake provides one of the few spots of color.

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Peak (75-100%) – Jeff Simpson toured the June Lake Loop this morning and it’s simply spectacular with peaking color all around the loop. Go now before the storm hits. Mammoth Lakes’ Josh Wray agrees, saying the June Lake Loop, “is the brightest I’ve ever seen it, particularly at Silver Lake, and in between Grant Lake and Silver Lake. GO NOW!

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) –Peak to Past Peak – McGee Creek Canyon is now Past Peak but there is terrific color along the road and at the pack station. (You Almost Missed It.)

Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Peak (75-100%) – Full peak from Tom’s Place to McGee Creek along US 395. GO NOW!

Convict Lake (7850′) – Peak to Past Peak – Patchy sections of peaking aspen ring the lake. (You Almost Missed It.)

Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Peak to Past Peak – Peak color can be seen along lower Rock Creek Rd to Tom’s Place. The upper sections of the road are all now past peak. (You Almost Missed It.)

Lower Rock Creek Road – Peak (75-100%) – Clusters of towering cottonwood, crested with gold flank Lower Rock Creek Rd. from Tom’s Place to the Round Valley. GO NOW!