,

More Orange Than Sunkist

Sagehen Summit (9/25/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Mono County has listed four locations as must-see fall color destinations for the weekend: Lobdell Lake Road, Rock Creek Road, Virginia Lakes Road and Sagehen Summit, with more orange to be seen than at Sunkist Growers. (Click on photos to enlarge)

Aspen, Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Virginia Lakes (9/20/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Angler, Virginia Lakes (9/20/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Virginia Lakes (9/20/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Lobdell Lake Rd (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Sagehen Summit (9/25/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Sagehen Summit (9/25/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Monitor Pass (9/21/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Little Antelope Pack Station (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – “Sagehen Summit, in particular, has never been more brilliant as deep oranges and reds are currently covering the mountain from top to bottom.” Mono County’s Jeff Simpson urges, “head to this location first, as the colors won’t last much longer.

“Virginia Lakes Road and Rock Creek Road are at full peak along the upper sections of the roads. If you’re driving to Virginia Lakes, consider taking Dunderberg Meadows road to Green Creek for additional groves of quaking aspens. (AWD is recommended for this dirt road).

“Lobdell Lake Road is a lesser known destination off of Burcham Flat Road between Bridgeport and Walker.” Jeff says, “You’ll find full groves of oranges and reds near the top while yellows and greens are plentiful at the bottom. (AWD is recommended for this dirt road.)”

Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – “Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass are both showing significant change in the upper elevations,” Simpson continues. “You’ll find peaking groves of aspens along the tops of the passes and at turnouts along the road. Some sections are still green the closer you get to US 395. Golden Gate Mine Road out of Walker/Coleville was absolutely brilliant earlier this week. Take this road to Little Antelope Pack Station at Rodriguez Flat for panorama views of yellows and oranges in the mountains above. (AWD is Recommended for this dirt road.) Book a pack trip or take a hike up Correl Valley Trailhead for additional viewing.” 

Aspen, Lobdell Lake Rd. (9/24/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism

Walker/Coleville/Topaz

  • Monitor Pass (8,314′) Patchy (10-50%)
  • Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Full peaking colors at the top with green/yellow leaves at the bottom. Colors should be great here for the next 10 days.
  • Walker Canyon (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Towns of Walker & Coleville- Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW! – Still patchy in places but great near the top of the pass.

Bridgeport/Virginia Lakes

  • Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Great color along the road and at lake level. Still green near the Conway Summit turnoff. Take Dunderberg Meadows Road to Green Creek Road for additional groves of color. (AWD is recommended)
  • Conway Summit (8,143)- Just Starting (0-10%) – Still mostly green with a few yellow trees. A good 7-10 days away from a recommendation.
  • Summers Meadow (7,200′)- Just Starting (0-10%) – Still mostly green along the road with some reds visible at the highest elevations.

Lee Vining

  • Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW! – Patchy in sections, especially at lower elevations. Saddlebag Lake Road should be your best bet.
  • Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

Benton & 120 East

  • Sagehen Summit (8,139’) –Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! -Unbelievable color there, right now. Go as soon as you can, as this will be the first location to go Past Peak. Then, you’ll be kicking yourself because YOU MISSED IT!

June Lake Loop

  • June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Parker Lake (8,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

Mammoth Lakes

  • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Patchy (10-50%) – There is significan color change occurring in the Lakes Basin. Laurel Canyon looks fantastic from US 395 if you want to make the hike or off-road drive (OHV required).

Crowley Lake/McGee Creek/Convict Lake

  • McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50) – Colors look fantastic in the upper elevations from US 395. Green trees are still present near the road at US 395.
  • Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Convict Lake (7850′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

Rock Creek Canyon

  • Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now! -Full peak around the lake and down the road. Still green near US 395.