Bishop Fall Color Report **Current Conditions** (Sep. 30-Oct. 1)
Hi friends! The Bishop Creek region is a crown jewel of the Eastern Sierra fall foliage season, and this week it’s lighting up with vibrant yellows, fiery oranges, and even touches of deep red. From the lakes tucked high in the mountains to the winding aspen-lined roads, this area is hitting its stride. The last two days we explored the Bishop Creek Canyon, including South Lake, Lake Sabrina, North Lake, Aspendell, and more, to give you the most up-to-date look at what’s happening right now. If you’re planning a fall trip to Bishop, California, you’ll want to go soon...colors are changing daily and some spots are already at their peak. Join me below for this real-time Bishop fall color update with all photos taken on 9/30-10/1.
FALL COLOR REPORT
• Locations: Bishop Creek, South Lake, Mist Falls, Intake Two, Aspendell, Lake Sabrina, North Lake
• Dates: Sep 30-Oct 1, 2025
Eastern Sierra fall colors in Bishop Creek Canyon
Eastern Sierra Fall Colors 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Highway 395 road trip during the fall months, make sure to download my complete Eastern Sierra Fall Colors 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, photography tips, and more! Download it today and make your fall foliage planning easy!
Eastern Sierra fall colors along South Fork Bishop Creek
South Lake Road & South Fork Bishop Creek
Leaf Color Transition: 50-100% - GO SOON/GO NOW!
The drive up South Lake Road is one of the most scenic in the region right now. The lower stretches are still fairly green with hints of yellow and orange, but as you climb, the colors intensify into a kaleidoscope of golds and reds. In the first half you’ll find uneven patches—deep green right next to glowing aspen—but the upper section toward South Lake is fully peaking and absolutely worth the trip.
Fall foliage transition around Mist Falls along South Lake Road
Mist Falls
Leaf Color Transition: 25-50%
Mist Falls, located along the first quarter of South Lake Road, is still in its early stages of transformation. Below the falls, the aspen are dark green, while higher up the cliffs you’ll spot lime greens and splashes of yellow. With the water flowing beautifully right now, it’s a peaceful stop with more color to come in the weeks ahead.
South Lake fall colors in California’s Eastern Sierra
South Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 100% - GO NOW!
South Lake itself is at full peak. The shoreline and surrounding hillsides are glowing with bright yellows and oranges, creating a picture-perfect autumn scene. Water levels are very low, but the exposed shoreline actually adds a unique texture to the photos and a bit of adventure as you scramble down to the water’s edge.
Eastern Sierra fall colors at Intake Two
Intake Two
Leaf Color Transition: 75%-Past Peak - GO NOW!
Intake Two is a bit of a mixed bag this week. Portions of the far shoreline are already past peak, with many bare branches, while other sections remain green. The hillside, however, is a blaze of yellows and oranges, and the day-use area still has plenty of golden aspen to enjoy. Go soon if you want to see it before it’s gone.
Eastern Sierra fall colors above Cardinal Village Resort
Cardinal Village & Aspendell
Leaf Color Transition: 25-50%
This stretch is a favorite for its cozy cabins and winding groves of aspen. Lower elevations remain green or lime green, but past Cardinal Village the foliage explodes with golden yellows and fiery oranges up on the higher slopes of the canyon. The colors should line up wonderfully with the Cardinal Village Resort annual Harvest Hoorah on October 18th.
High Sierra fall foliage at Lake Sabrina
Lake Sabrina
Leaf Color Transition: 75-100% - GO NOW!
Lake Sabrina is absolutely glowing right now. The canyon walls are draped in brilliant yellows and oranges, with the lake providing glistening reflections of the vibrant hues. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or just soaking in the views, this is one of the must-see fall stops in Bishop Creek this week.
Fall colors peaking along Middle Fork Bishop Creek
Sabrina Basin & Middle Fork Bishop Creek
Leaf Color Transition: 75% - GO NOW!
The road leading toward Lake Sabrina is lined with aspen that are blazing in shades of gold and orange. The creek itself here is calm and reflective with golden leaves framing the shallow waters. It’s a perfect scenic drive with plenty of stops for photography on your way to Lake Sabrina.
High Sierra fall colors at North Lake near Bishop
North Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 75% - GO NOW!
North Lake is in that magical stage where everything is glowing but not yet uniform, giving it layers of color. The dirt road alongside the lake is currently a golden tunnel of aspen, and the iconic lakeside view is stunning, with deep orange-red spilling down the hillside channel. There’s a mix of lime green, yellow, and orange along the shoreline, which means the show will last for another week, but if you’re hoping to capture a photo of the classic orange-red hillside, plan to go within the next few days.
For more information on this spot, check out my complete North Lake Travel & Photo Guide.
Fall leaves at Intake Two in Bishop Creek Canyon
Know Before You Go
• The Eastern Sierra is black bear territory. Make sure all food is properly stored. Never approach, disturb or attempt to feed wildlife.
• Weather in the Sierra can be unpredictable. Be prepared for cool mornings and evenings, and always check the forecast before your trip.
• Please remember all the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit to keep these places beautiful for generations to come.
• North Lake has become very popular over the last few years. Please refrain from trampling vegetation, be respectful of other visitors, only park in the designated parking lots, and pack out everything you pack in.
• Cell service is unreliable in much of the Eastern and High Sierra, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices is a great option that I use on all my mountain road trips.
Eastern Sierra fall colors along Lake Sabrina
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
South Lake Road fall colors near Bishop
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in California’s Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of my Fall color report in Bishop Creek Canyon, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Cardinal Village Resort in Aspendell, CA
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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.
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