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Back in the Groove

Sagehen Summit (9/28/21) Jeff Simpson | Mono County Tourism

Mono County is back in the groove. What proved to be a week’s delay is now behind us and peak color is occurring where it usually does, first … at the highest elevations.

“Lobdell Lake Road, Sagehen Summit and Virginia Lakes are all bursting with color,” reports Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson who declares them as “must-sees this week.” We just say, “GO NOW!”

If you aren’t packed and ready to head to the Eastern Sierra this weekend, you’re probably going yto miss their lush yellow, orange and red displays, as “they likely wont make it past next week,” says Simpson. 

Further south off US-395, Rock Creek Road and Rock Creek Lake are Near Peak with peak color at lake level and yellow/green trees along the road, and fully green aspen near the highway (US 395). There’s a good chance that by the weekend Rock Creek Rd. will be fully peaking at the lake and Near Peak along the upper section of the road, but still Just Starting to Patchy lower down.

Conway Summit, Tioga Pass, Sonora Pass, Monitor Pass and the Mammoth Lakes Basin are in the high Patchy designation, but will likely be at peak within the week. You’ll find groves of peaking aspen at all these locations, but it won’t be at its best until next weekend. 

Convict Lake (9/29/21) Jen Miyara

Color spotter Jen Miyara reports that a dusting of snow occurred last night at Virginia Lakes along the ridge and trails in shaded areas. Some of the taller trees high up are now losing leaves. She wrote, “Just along the roadside along the resort were white skeletons. Virginia Lake near the bathroom and picnic area near peak/peak. There was some orange along the creek leading into the lake.” On the Just Starting side, Jen sent and image of Convict Lake which has very little color.

Hike of the Week is the Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake in Toyiabe National Forest.

Upcoming Events: 

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

  • Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Patchy (10 – 50%) – Closer to the 25% range with the most color happening right at the summit.
  • West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Patchy (10-50%) – There’s good color at the top of the pass with some yellow groves near Leavitt Meadows Campground. Though, it is short of peaking.
  • Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – It’s shocking how fast the leaves turned here this year but Lobdell Lake Rd. is a definite GO NOW! and CaliforniaFallColor.com’s Peak of the Week. You’ll find wonderful yellow, orange and red groves all the way up the road. However, an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. This is a dirt road with some dips that can high center some cars. So, don’t attempt it in the wrong vehicle.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

  • Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – Peaking colors at Virginia Lakes and along Dunderberg Meadows Road to Green Creek. (AWD & 4WD recommended for Dunderberg Meadows Road)
  • Conway Summit (8,143) – Patchy (10 – 50%) – Mostly green with some good angles of yellow trees. One week away from peaking atop Conway Summit
  • Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Good color at the top of the road where 4×4 is a must. Still very green down low at the base of the road. 

LEE VINING 

  • Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Patchy (10 – 50%) – Decent color along the road at upper elevations. 
  • Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0 – 10%) – There’s decent color to be seen up high past the waterfalls. 

BENTON & 120 EAST 

  • Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW! – Groves of bright orange trees are everywhere, right now. Incredible healthy display of fall color along the road and up the mountain. This is an area that peaks quickly, so, GO NOW! (AWD/4WD Recommended) 

JUNE LAKE LOOP

  • June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0 – 10%) – Plan to visit June Lake in mid October.

MAMMOTH LAKES

  • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Patchy (10 – 50%) – The best color is being seen at Sherwin Lakes and other lofty elevations.

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE

  • McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • 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! – The aspen are peaking around the lake up the Little Lakes Valley. It’s still mostly green at the base of the road with a mixture of color as you gain elevation.
2 replies
  1. Brian says:

    Hi John,

    First time heading up to Sagehen Summit this weekend. What would be the best way to see the views out there? I am struggling a bit to find good directions to a trail, or which road to drive.

    Thanks!

    • John Poimiroo says:

      US395 to 120E (north of June Lake, south of Mono Lake), drive east toward Benton. Exit at Sagehen Summit road (AWD or 4WD recommended).

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