Perfect Eastern Sierra Fall Colors 1-Day Itinerary (Mono County Edition)
Hi friends! There’s no better way to enjoy Fall in California than with an Eastern Sierra Road Trip along Highway 395. I typically recommend spending 2-4 days when traveling through this region seeking out the Fall colors, but if you only have 1 day in the Mono County region, these are the spots I’d visit. From the mirror-like waters of Twin Lakes in Bridgeport to the glowing aspen corridors of June Lake Loop, every stop showcases the region’s famous autumn brilliance. Heading south from Bridgeport, venturing through the Mammoth Lakes region, and finishing just north of Bishop, join me below as I share my perfect 1 day Eastern Sierra Fall color itinerary in Mono County.
Golden aspen grove along the Rock Creek Loop
Eastern Sierra Fall Colors 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a multi-day road trip along Highway 395, 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!
Fall foliage at Twin Lakes in the Eastern Sierra
Fall foliage along the rocky peaks near Twin Lakes
STOP 1: Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
Start your one-day Eastern Sierra fall color adventure at Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, a breathtaking alpine destination framed by the rugged Sierra Nevada peaks. Aspen groves and cottonwood trees surrounding Lower and Upper Twin Lakes burst into shades of gold and fiery orange, reflecting beautifully off the glassy water. Whether you’re casting a line for trout or framing up a beautiful photo along the lake shore, this serene stop is the perfect intro to a full day of Mono County leaf-peeping.
For more information on this top Eastern Sierra fall spot, check out my full Twin Lakes blog post.
Eastern Sierra fall colors at Conway Summit seen from Highway 395
STOP 2: Conway Summit
Continue south along Highway 395 to Conway Summit, the highest point on the highway and one of the most iconic fall color overlooks in California. From the pull-outs along the road, sweeping views reveal a patchwork of glowing aspen groves set against the dramatic Sierra crest. Mid-morning light brings out the golden hues, making it an ideal time for landscape photography. This quick stop delivers some of the most expansive panoramas of fall foliage anywhere in the Eastern Sierra.
Fall foliage lines the road near Virginia Lakes Resort
Fall colors at Big Virginia Lake in the Eastern Sierra
STOP 3: Virginia Lakes
Tucked high in the Hoover Wilderness, the Virginia Lakes area is a hidden gem for peak fall color in Mono County. The scenic drive off Highway 395 climbs past blazing aspen groves and rugged granite cliffs, leading to a chain of sparkling alpine lakes surrounded by vibrant orange and golden leaves. At nearly 9,800 feet, this spot often sees autumn arrive early, but the variation in elevation along the drive in creates waves of fall colors arriving throughout the season. Whether you’re casting a line for trout, hiking to one of the many lakes, or simply soaking up the crisp mountain air, the reflections of glowing aspens on the still water make this one of the most photogenic fall destinations in the Eastern Sierra.
For more information on this top Eastern Sierra fall spot, check out my full Virginia Lakes blog post.
Silver Lake during Fall along June Lake Loop
Walking through an aspen grove along the June Lake Loop
STOP 4: June Lake Loop
No Eastern Sierra fall itinerary is complete without the June Lake Loop, a 16-mile scenic drive that circles by four stunning alpine lakes—June, Gull, Silver, and Grant. Each lake is rimmed with brilliant aspens that shimmer against turquoise waters and rugged granite peaks. Pullouts and picnic spots invite you to linger for photos or a relaxed lunch surrounded by golden leaves. One of my personal favorite spots to explore along this loop is Silver Lake, which provides multiple opportunities to stroll through colorful quaking aspen and to relax lakeside.
For more information on this top Eastern Sierra fall spot, check out my full June Lake Loop blog post.
Fall colors at Convict Lake near Mammoth Lakes, CA
Eastern Sierra fall colors line Convict Lake
STOP 5: Convict Lake
Continue south just past Mammoth Lakes to the legendary Convict Lake, famous for its crystal-clear water and dramatic backdrop of the Sherwin Range. In autumn, the aspen groves, cottonwoods, and other foliage along the shoreline light up in vivid yellow and orange, creating one of the most photogenic settings in the Eastern Sierra. Rock hop down by the water, rent a kayak, or take the easy 2.5-mile loop trail for ever-changing views of colorful reflections and towering peaks.
For more information on this top Eastern Sierra fall spot, check out my full Convict Lake blog post.
Rock Creek Lake in the High Sierra
High Sierra fall foliage at Rock Creek Lake
STOP 6: Rock Creek Lake
End your one-day fall color tour at Rock Creek Lake, the highest stop on this Eastern Sierra itinerary and a perfect finale. The drive up Rock Creek Canyon offers brilliant displays of golden aspens that reach peak color in early to mid-October. While the lake itself sits at a higher elevation and may be past peak late in the season, the canyon below remains a vibrant corridor of autumn color. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the loop trail around the lake where you’ll find multiple aspen grove tunnels that burst with fall color for a week or two each year.
For more information on this top Eastern Sierra fall spot, check out my full Rock Creek Lake blog post.
Eastern Sierra fall colors along the June Lake Loop
Fall colors line June Lake in California’s Eastern Sierra
Know Before You Go
• Fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra can vary depending on elevation, temperature, precipitation & wind, so keep an eye on local weather reports for real-time updates.
• 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.
• Several of these spots are situated at over 9,000 feet in elevation, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and risks of altitude sickness. Be mindful of any dizziness, headaches, or nausea, and bring plenty of water, electrolytes and snacks. Always honor your body, monitor your own personal resistance, and hike within your own scale and comfort level here.
• Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evenings, so dress in layers.
• The Eastern Sierra is black bear territory. Make sure all food is properly stored and kept in approved containers. Never approach, disturb or attempt to feed wildlife.
• Please remember Leave No Trace Principles on all your adventures to keep these incredible spots in nature pristine for generations to come.
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Planning a trip to California and the west coast? I’ve got in-depth travel guides and itineraries for several national parks and beautiful destinations. Check out a few of them below, or click here to see them all!
Aspen grove at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in California’s Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of this 1-day itinerary, 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.
Eastern Sierra fall colors near Virginia Lakes Resort
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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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