Inyo National Forest

Recreational Activities - Fall Colors

Fall Color Update - Inyo National Forest

This fall color report is for the Inyo National Forest - for the period of October 1st through the 7th.

White Mountain Ranger District: It continues to be a beautiful fall in the Eastern Sierra particularly at the higher elevations. Colors will be near or at their peak this week at Lake Sabrina, South Lake and North Lake in the Bishop Creek Recreation Area and at Rock Creek Lake and Mosquito Flat in the Rock Creek Area. Now is the time! As you travel up into the mountains on paved roads you will see the foliage go from brilliant green to yellow to bright orange at the lakes. Bring your camera. Come in the morning for the best light. Bring a lunch and hike, picnic or take a boat out to the back of the lakes and see for yourself.

Mono Lake Ranger District: Cold temperatures, a little bit of light rain, and the shorter days have resulted in brilliant colors in the high elevations and slight changes in the lower elevations and into the Mono Basin. Above 9000 feet, fall colors are at or near their peak. Aspen groves perched high above the June Lake Loop, Parker Creek, Gibbs Creek, Horse Meadow, and in the Tioga Pass area are showing beautiful yellow and orange. Willows, alders, and birches along riparian corridors have changed up high and are creeping downstream into the lower elevations. Aspen groves in lower elevations, such as Lundy Canyon, are just beginning to show signs of change. Within the Mono Basin, the most spectacular colors are south of Highway 120 near Sagehen Meadow; colors are near peak with lots of yellow and hints of red. Along the June Lake loop there is lots of yellow down in the canyon near Aerie Crag and upslope from the Fern Lake trailhead. For the more adventurous a drive up Log Cabin Mine Rd will take you past an entire hillside of bright yellow aspen. High winds and stormy weather are forecasted for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, which may blow away colors up high. Expect peak colors in the Mono Basin/Lundy Canyon/Lower Lee Vining Canyon/June Lake Loop to peak in the next seven to ten days (Oct. 7 -12).

Mammoth Lake Ranger District: We received 3 inches of snow on Mammoth Mountain this past weekend. Brilliant Orange, Yellow and Reds throughout all drainages on the Mammoth District. We're in FULL color!

Weather is unpredictable: Bring warm clothes, water, cameras, binoculars, sunscreen and snacks.

PARK WELL OFF THE PAVEMENT! And ENJOY!

US Forest Service - Inyo National Forest
Last Modified: Saturday, 11 October 2008 at 09:43:50 EDT