Eastern Sierra Fall Colors 2023 Complete Guide - Top 25 Spots
Fall is officially arriving here in California and the Eastern Sierra Autumn leaves are just starting to pop...so this week I am thrilled share a complete guide to see the Fall colors this year, including 25 can’t-miss stops along Highway 395.
Fall colors at Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Lake in the Eastern Sierra
MONO COUNTY - MAMMOTH LAKES REGION
1. 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 trees 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 check my “Rock Creek” blog post for full details.
The colors are peaking here this week...consider a visit soon!
Aspen trees showing Fall colors along June Lake Loop
Fall foliage along Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop
2. June Lake Loop
The beautiful paved drive around the June Lake Loop (Hwy 158) provides easy access to four lakes. Each lake is special and has a unique autumn look. Grant Lake is known for the beautiful hillside above. Silver Lake is very popular for the surrounding Aspen which reflect off the lake. Gull Lake is great for yellow colors against the Evergreen...and June Lake is always a favorite with Fall photographers who capture the golden foliage and the turquoise waters.
Fall colors along McGee Creek
Fall foliage along McGee Creek Canyon Trail
3. 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 6 miles for beautiful mountain views. You can also enjoy the Autumn leaves on horseback riding trips here too.
Eastern Sierra Fall colors along Mammoth Lakes Twin Lakes
4. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth has no shortage of incredible spots to see the Fall colors. One of the most popular spots is the Twin Lakes (Mammoth), located just 3 miles southwest of the town center and right next to the Tamarack Lodge & Resort and The Lakefront Restaurant. Lake Mamie, Lake Mary and Starkweather Lake are also popular spots. For more details see my full “Mammoth Lakes” blog post.
Bonus: Hilton Creek and Crowley Lake aren’t always included on Fall foliage lists, but they can have some stunning colors in my opinion.
Fall colors along Owens River near Bishop, CA
INYO COUNTY - BISHOP REGION
5. 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).
Pops of Fall colors at the Buckley Ponds near Bishop
6. 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.
Footbridge over Rawson Canal near Bishop, CA
Rawson Canal near Bishop, CA
7. 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 grazing in Round Valley
Old barn and 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 the “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 foliage along Gable Creek 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. 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.
North Lake a week after peak Fall colors
North Lake during peak Fall colors
INYO COUNTY - ASPENDELL REGION
10. 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 Fall colors around Intake Two
Fall foliage along the Intake Two loop trail
11. 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.
Lake Sabrina near Aspendell
Fall colors at Lake Sabrina
12. 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.
Warped footbridge over the Middle Fork Bishop Creek
Fall colors and reflections on Middle Fork Bishop Creek
13. 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.
Fall foliage around Cardinal Village in Aspendell, CA
14. 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 near the boat landing
Fall colors near South Lake
15. 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.
Weir Lake along South Lake Road
16. 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 framed by Autumn colors
17. 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 Fall colors
Fall foliage lines South Fork Bishop Creek
18. 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.
Fall colors in Lundy Canyon
Fall colors around Lundy Lake
MONO COUNTY - LEE VINING REGION
19. Lundy Lake & Lundy Canyon
Lundy Lake is easily reached after a short scenic drive and there are many beautiful roadside views along the way. If you have time, Lundy Canyon Road ends at a wonderful trail and in under three miles you get great views of mountains, meadows and even a waterfall. Colorful aspen trees begin to shine within the first half of this hike.
Vibrant Fall colors along the road to Virginia Lakes
Fall reflections on Big Virginia Lake at sunrise
20. 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. See my full “Virginia Lakes” blog post for details.
The colors are peaking here this week...consider a visit soon!
Conway Summit Fall colors seen from Highway 395 pull-off
21. 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, blanketing 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 foliage along Tioga Pass
22. Tioga Pass
While Yosemite Valley is rightfully known for its Fall colors, just outside of the Tioga Pass Yosemite entrance on the east side of the park are a pair of beautiful alpine lakes about a mile apart along Tioga Road. Each one offers pullouts along the highway for road-trippers on their way into the park to stop off and soak in the views...and driving into the park you can see beautiful Fall foliage along the road. See my full “Tioga Pass” blog post for details on this area.
Aspen grove at Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
Fall colors along Upper Twin Lake
MONO COUNTY - BRIDGEPORT REGION
23. Twin Lakes
Not to be confused with Mammoth Lakes Twin Lakes, these two large alpine lakes are located approximately 9 miles southwest of the town of Bridgeport in Mono County, California. This area is often referred to as “California’s Alps” where the Sawtooth Ridge and Sierra Crest divide the Twin Lakes Basin from Yosemite National Park, and the scenery is nothing short of stunning. Comprised of two main lakes, Upper Twin Lake covers nearly 400 acres and Lower Twin Lake covers 250 acres. They’re both easy to get to and offer legendary fishing, hiking & Fall colors. See my full “Twin Lakes” blog post for details about this area.
Fall colors in Walker River Canyon
24. Walker River Canyon
The ridgeway walls lining Walker River Canyon are filled with golden willows and aspen situated along the riverbank. These Eastern Sierra Fall colors tend to appear later in the season due to the lower altitude, but it doesn’t make them any less beautiful.
Aspen turning red at high elevation along Sonora Pass
Sonora Pass Fall colors
25. Sonora Pass
You find stunning Fall scenery all along Highway 108 over the Sonora Pass, but a few of my favorite stops include Sardine Meadow, Leavitt Meadow Overlook, Leavitt Falls, South Fork Stanislaus River, and Columns of the Giants...stay tuned in the coming weeks because I’m going to share an in-depth Sonora Pass blog post soon!
Eastern Sierra Fall colors around Convict Lake
YEAR-ROUND BONUS SPOT
Convict Lake
Convict Lake is beautiful year-round, but for just a few weeks every Fall the colors really pop here. See pictures below for how different this lake looks during different seasons. For details on this area see my full “Convict Lake” blog post.
Summer at Convict Lake
Winter at Convict Lake
Autumn at Convict Lake
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 around Rock Creek Lake
Fall colors at Intake Two
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. 😊🍁
High Sierra Fall colors at North Lake
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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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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to driving Sonora Pass Highway 108 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains north of Yosemite. Autumn is the best time to drive Sonora Pass, as aspen trees show off the Fall colors throughout. Check out my top spots along this steep and windy road, which include a waterfall, a geological wonder, abandoned cabins, river views, and Fall foliage photo spots.