Eastern Sierra Fall Colors - My Top 20 Spots
Over the last three years, I’ve spent my early Octobers searching for the California’s famous Eastern Sierra Fall colors. This week I’m thrilled to share 20 incredible spots that feature the radiant golden Fall leaves along Highway 395.
Eastern Sierra Fall colors at McGee Creek
INYO COUNTY - ASPENDELL REGION
Fall sunrise at North Lake
Fall reflections at North Lake
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. The views here are some of the most classic scenes of California’s Eastern Sierra, but I’d encourage heading out for the short hike around the side of the lake. In less than a mile you walk directly into the shining yellow and gold colors. 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.
Aspen trees at Intake Two
Intake Two lake in the Eastern Sierra
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.
Eastern Sierra Fall colors at Lake Sabrina
Lake Sabrina in the High Sierra
3. Lake Sabrina
Located southwest of Bishop near Aspendell, the man-made Lake Sabrina 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. The Sabrina Basin Hiking Area parking lot not only heads out for some incredible hiking you can also follow Bishop Creek to old bridges, bubbling rapids and waterfall views.
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
4. Middle Fork Bishop Creek
Located in the Sabrina Basin Hiking Area, this section of Bishop Creek is filled with Fall foliage views. From the main parking area where CA-168 meets North Lake Rd, you can head out for some incredible hiking, following Bishop Creek to old bridges, reflective waters, bubbling rapids, and waterfall views – all framed by the hues of the season.
Cardinal Village in Aspendell in the Eastern Sierra
5. 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.
South Lake in the Eastern Sierra
Drive leading up to South Lake
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.
Wier Lake near South Lake in the Eastern Sierra
7. Weir Lake
Just before you reach South Lake at the end of South Lake Road, make sure to stop at a small turn off on the right with a handful of parking spots for Weir Lake (aka Weir Pond). Here you’ll find a marshy area and tall grasses framed by granite hillsides with patches of fall colors. This is a popular fly fishing spot, so don’t be surprised if you encounter fishermen casting their lines and wading through the waste-deep waters.
Mist Falls surrounded by aspen trees
Mist Falls and Eastern Sierra Fall colors along South Lake Road
8. Mist Falls
Located along South Lake Road across the road from Bishop Creek Lodge, this is a wonderful spot to enjoy the aspen forest come alive with yellows, oranges, lime greens, and reds. The waterfall can be seen from the side of the road to the east. This can make a quick stop to view from your vehicle, or enjoy heading venturing down to Bishop Creek below. Just be aware that there are private residences near the falls, so be sure to respect their privacy and don’t trespass onto their property.
South Fork Bishop Creek along South Lake Road
Footbridge over South Fork Bishop Creek
9. South Fork Bishop Creek
South Lake Road hugs and crosses over the South Fork Bishop Creek the entire way to South Lake, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore. A couple of my favorite spots are pinned here and here…and if you’re looking for an intense but beautiful hike (7 miles out and back with over 2,100 ft in elevation change), the trailhead for Tyee Lakes is also along this section of Bishop Creek.
INYO COUNTY - BISHOP REGION
Fall colors along the Owens River near Bishop
10. 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).
Sunrise at Buckley Ponds
Buckley Ponds near Bishop
11. Buckley Ponds
The Buckley Ponds near Bishop are often active with wildlife from ducks to deer and the tall trees sprinkled along the waters edge shine with oranges and yellows for a few weeks every Autumn.
Rawson Canal near Bishop
Footbridge over the Rawson Canal
12. Bishop Canals
Down near the town of Bishop, there are several canals that help route the different waterways of the Owens River and Bishop Creek around the area, such as Bishop Creek Canal, Rawson Canal, and Collins Canal. Each of these have sections that are lined with Fall colors and can be accessed by a variety of dirt, gravel, and paved roads. They are also popular fishing spots for brown trout, rainbow trout and largemouth bass, but I enjoy them for a nice relaxing Fall walk.
Horses framed by Fall colors in Round Valley
Old barn along Pine Creek Road in Round Valley
13. 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.
Fall colors in Pine Creek Canyon
Fall colors along Gable Creek in Pine Creek Canyon
14. 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. There are plenty of opportunities to stop off along the drive to the trailheads that offer incredible Fall scenes framed by epic granite mountains. Make sure to venture down to Gable Creek near the end of Pine Creek Road to be transported into an Autumn wonderland.
MONO COUNTY - MAMMOTH LAKES REGION
Aspens along Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Lake in the Eastern Sierra
15. Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Canyon just might be my personal favorite spot to see the Eastern Sierra Autumn leaves (and that’s really saying something!). A nine mile road leads up to campsites, the creek, the lake and several great hiking trails. Aspen line the drive in most areas, so the views from your car are wonderful. My favorite way to enjoy the fall colors here is a sunrise hike around Rock Creek Lake. Make sure to tune in next week for a full post on this hike!
Fall colors along the McGee Creek Trail
16. McGee Creek Canyon
McGee Creek is lined with beautiful aspen from the small parking area just past the McGee Creek Pack Station. You can see the fall colors from many spots but for a real show you can take the trail for six miles and beautiful mountain views and you can also enjoy the autumn leaves on horseback riding trips here too.
Sunset at Convict Lake during Fall
Fall colors at Convict Lake
17. 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.
MONO COUNTY - LEE VINING REGION
Lundy Lake fall colors
Lundy Canyon Fall colors
18. Lundy Lake & Lundy Canyon
Lundy Lake is easily reached after a short scenic drive and there are many beautiful roadside views along the way. It you have time Lundy Canyon Road ends at a wonderful trail and in under three miles you gets great views of mountains, meadows and even a waterfall, colorful aspens begin to shine within the fist half of this hike.
Aspens lining Big Virginia Lake
Fall colors in the Virginia Lakes area
19. Virginia Lakes
While the Virginia Lakes area is probably most well known for its incredible fishing, the five mile drive up Virginia Lakes Road is lined with aspen groves that put on a stunning color show in the Fall. If you’re interested in hiking, there are also numerous trails in the area…but if you’re limited on time, some of the best Fall views can be found just off the roadside in between Little and Big Virginia Lakes.
Fall views from the Conway Summit overlook
20. Conway Summit
Stunning Fall colors can easily be viewed from the paved pullout along the south side of Highway 395. The colors here are often some of the earliest to peak and blanket the landscape and up the hillsides. This is a great spot if you’re short on time…although I could sit here and soak in these views all day!
Fall colors along Bishop Creek rapids near Aspendell
Bishop Creek along the Intake Two loop trail
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.
Pine Creek Road heading into Pine Creek Canyon
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week up in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit among the Fall foliage here, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go. 😊🍁
Fall colors at Lake Sabrina
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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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