Top 10 Eastern Sierra Fall Colors — Flying Dawn Marie | Travel blog, guides & itineraries for adventurous travellers

Bishop Creek along the Intake Two loop trail

The Fall season in California may be short-lived, but the Autumn colors here are absolutely amazing…and this week I’m sharing ten of my personal favorite spots with you, so join me for the Eastern Sierra Fall foliage.

1. North Lake

Located just 20 miles southwest of Bishop, North Lake is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks as well as Aspen groves, Lodgepole, and Jeffrey Pine trees. Whether you’re interested in a gentle day-hike around the lake or backpacking through the John Muir Wilderness, many trails can be found here…and this is a popular fishing area too.

For more information, click here for my full North Lake blog post.

2. Intake Two

Located 16 miles west of Bishop near the small town of Aspendell, this beautiful lake has a gentle one mile hike that takes you around the perimeter of the water’s edge. Intake Two is popular with boaters, as the water is frequently stocked with trout. This area is a popular spot for hiking and horseback riding too.

For more information, click here for my full Intake Two blog post.

Cardinal Village in Aspendell in the Eastern Sierra

3. Aspendell & Cardinal Village

Located along the upper portion of Bishop Creek, Aspendell boasts a large grove of aspen trees that are a spectacular sight to see in Autumn as the leaves pop with vivid yellow and orange. Nestled in the Inyo National Forest, Cardinal Village Resort makes a perfect home-base with its cafe, general store, and rustic cabins.

Eastern Sierra Fall colors at Lake Sabrina

4. Lake Sabrina

Located southwest of Bishop near Aspendell, this man-made lake is situated 9,130 feet above sea level. Both hiking and fishing are popular in this area and backpackers can obtain wilderness permits for overnight adventures in the John Muir Wilderness here.

For more information, click here for my full Lake Sabrina blog post.

Old footbridge across Bishop Creek near Aspendell

Eastern Sierra Fall colors along Bishop Creek near Lake Sabrina

5. Bishop Creek

Bishop Creek runs over 10 miles and is the largest tributary of the Owens River. Rainbow, brown and golden trout are found in the clear waters here. There are numerous Bishop Creek campgrounds including Bishop Park, Bitterbrush, Four Jeffrey, North Lake and Sabrina Campground.

Wier Lake near South Lake in the Eastern Sierra

6. South Lake

Located 22 miles west of Bishop, South Lake is incredibly scenic covering 175 acres and sitting 9,700 ft above sea level. The South Lake Boat Landing is a perfect spot to rent boats or kayaks for a day out on the water, and you can find multiple hiking trails here.

Fall colors along the Owens River near Bishop

7. Owens River

The Owens River runs over 183 miles, and the waters around Bishop are popular with local anglers. The Upper Owens is sprinkled with primitive campsites, hot springs and impressive rock formations (think Owens River Gorge), making the area popular for far more than just fishing.

Old barn along Pine Creek Road in Round Valley

Horses framed by Fall colors in Round Valley

8. Round Valley

About 15 minutes northwest of Bishop, you’ll find this beautiful valley nestled up against the massive Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Driving through this ranching community will transport you into “old west”, as you encounter weathered barn structures and endless fields of grazing cattle, horses, and other livestock framed by the Fall colors.

Pine Creek Road heading into Pine Creek Canyon

Eastern Sierra Fall colors in Pine Creek Canyon

9. Pine Creek Canyon

Located in the canyon beyond Round Valley, Pine Creek Trail Pass has multiple trails that start at the base of Mount Tom and Wheeler Crest. Hiking, horseback riding, climbing and fishing are all popular activities in this area.

10. Convict Lake

Located just off Highway 395, a few miles south of the Mammoth Lakes community, Convict Lake is situated 7,850 ft above sea level in the Inyo National Forest. This lake is probably best known for its trout fishing, but hiking, horseback riding and kayaking are also popular here. I love strolling around the lake and then enjoying a delicious meal at The Restaurant at Convict Lake. The Fall season is beautiful here, but this spot is truly wonderful year-round.

For more information, click here for my full Convict Lake blog post.

Fall colors along Bishop Creek rapids near Aspendell

Mist Falls and Eastern Sierra Fall colors along South Lake Road

Know Before You Go

• Please remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles to keep these places beautiful for all to enjoy when you plan your own visit.

• Depending on elevation, weather and wind conditions, you can expect to see the Fall colors changing at different times and rates in neighboring areas.

• Make sure to practice wilderness ethics…familiarize yourself with all wilderness use restrictions before your visit.

• Wildlife is abundant in the above-mentioned areas (including black bears). Always store food properly and be bear aware on your adventures here.

Fall colors along Gable Creek in Pine Creek Canyon

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thank you so much for joining me this week up in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit among the Fall foliage here, check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go 😊🍁

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