Eastern Sierra Fall Color Report **CURRENT CONDITIONS** (October 8th-9th)
Hi friends! It’s been such a joy sharing live updates with you of the Eastern Sierra fall foliage. Today I’m excited to share my 4th Fall Color Report in this second week of October. If you’re taking a road trip up to the mountains this weekend, this will likely be your last opportunity to enjoy the fall colors in much of the Bishop Creek Canyon area. However, many spots in Mono County still have another week or two before photographers and fall leaf-peepers will see the foliage peaking.
If you’re planning on a Highway 395 adventure this weekend or in the near future, this real-time update will help you plan your autumn adventure in California’s Eastern Sierra. Everything reported on below, including the photography (unless otherwise noted), is from 10/8-10/9 in 2024.
FALL COLOR REPORT
• Locations: North Lake, Lake Sabrina, Sabrina Basin, Aspendell, Intake Two, South Fork Bishop Creek, Mist Falls, Rock Creek Canyon, Convict Lake, June Lake Loop
• Date: October 8-9, 2024
• Leaf Color Transition:
Bishop Creek Canyon 75-100%
Mono County 50-75%
North Lake fall colors in the High Sierra - 10/8
North Lake fall colors fading from last week. Left image from 10/8, right image from 10/2
Bishop Creek Canyon
North Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 100% - Past Peak (GO NOW!)
North Lake is still hanging onto some vibrant hues, but much of the hillsides have faded over the last week, but the aspens along the west shoreline are still vibrant yellow and orange (although probably not for long). North Lake Road, lined with aspen trees, is almost completely past peak. If you're hoping to catch the last of the colors here, you’ll want to go in the next few days—before the area becomes bare as the autumn winds continue to hit the area.
For more info on this spot, check out my full North Lake blog post.
Lake Sabrina fall colors past peak - 10/8
Lake Sabrina
Leaf Color Transition: 100% - Past Peak
Lake Sabrina is nearly past peak, with the majority of the slopes around the lake losing their golden colors. However, there are still a few pockets of fall foliage around the parking area. If you’re in the area, it’s still worth a quick stop, but the colors won’t last much longer.
Middle Fork Bishop Creek fall colors hanging on - 10/8
Middle Fork Bishop Creek past peak area. Left image from 10/8, right image from 10/2
Sabrina Basin (Middle Fork Bishop Creek)
Leaf Color Transition: 100% - Past Peak
Much of the Middle Fork Bishop Creek area is now past peak, with bare branches becoming more common. There are still patches of yellow and orange that offer glimpses of the season’s beauty, but the overall area is fading quickly.
Aspendell & Cardinal Village fall colors - 10/9
Aspendell & Cardinal Village
Leaf Color Transition: 50-75%
The Aspendell and Cardinal Village area is still very uneven in terms of color. The slope along the southern part of the valley, being higher in elevation, is already past peak, while the majority of the valley is showing a mix of orange, yellow, and lime green. It’s a good spot if you’re seeking variety in fall foliage. The timing of the fall colors should be perfect for the Harvest Hoorah event held annually at Cardinal Village on 10/19.
Intake Two fall colors - 10/9
Intake Two
Leaf Color Transition: 75% (GO SOON)
Intake Two is still in transition, making it a “go soon” spot. The hills above the lake are already past peak, but the shoreline is a patchwork of lime green, yellow, orange, and some areas that have passed peak. Much of the campground remains lime green, but this area will continue to change over the next week.
Eastern Sierra fall colors along South Fork Bishop Creek. Left image from 10/9, right image from 10/2
South Fork Bishop Creek Area
Leaf Color Transition: 90-100% (GO NOW!)
South Fork Bishop Creek is peaking right now with some magnificent fall colors along South Lake Road. Some higher elevations are already past peak, but the lower areas are at their best. This is definitely a "go now" spot if you want to catch the fall colors at their brightest.
Eastern Sierra fall colors at Mist Falls - 10/9
Mist Falls
Leaf Color Transition: 75-100% (GO SOON)
Mist Falls is looking gorgeous with its surrounding trees turning bright yellow. There are still some lime green aspen trees dotting the area, but overall, the area is peaking. If you're looking to capture the beauty of the waterfall with fall colors, plan a visit soon.
Eastern Sierra fall colors in Rock Creek Canyon - 10/8
My Photography Gear
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Fall colors past peak at Rock Creek Lake in the High Sierra - 10/8
Mono County
Rock Creek Canyon & Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 75-100% / Past Peak (GO NOW!)
The drive up Rock Creek Canyon is absolutely stunning right now, with the fall colors peaking. There are plenty of spots along the way to pull over and soak in the vibrant yellows and oranges. However, once you reach Rock Creek Lake and higher elevations, the fall colors are mostly past peak, with many of the aspen trees showing bare branches. While the lake remains a beautiful sight, the fall foliage is nearly gone.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Rock Creek Lake blog post.
Convict Lake fall foliage - 10/8
Convict Lake
Leaf Color Transition: 50%
Convict Lake is slowly turning, with yellow foliage flowing down the far mountain channel and along the shoreline. The area around the campground and the drive up to the lake are still mostly green with some yellow starting to pop. It'll be a good spot to visit over the next week or two to witness the gradual transformation of the foliage.
June Lake fall colors - 10/8
Silver Lake aspen grove along June Lake Loop - 10/8
June Lake Loop
Leaf Color Transition: 25-50%
The June Lake Loop still has another week or two before it fully peaks. Right now, June Lake is beginning to show some yellow but is still dominated by lime greens. Gull Lake and the village are the best spots to see some yellow foliage currently, while Silver Lake and the rest of the loop are dotted with occasional bursts of yellow amidst the lime green aspen trees. Keep your eyes pealed for a pair of bald eagles fishing and perched on the lake island trees near the day use picnic area!
For more info on this spot, check out my full June Lake Loop blog post.
Eastern Sierra fall colors at Gull Lake along June Lake Loop - 10/8
Know Before You Go
• Current Conditions: Fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra can vary depending on temperatures, precipitation & wind, so keep an eye on local weather reports for real-time updates. On my recent visit, rainy weather was present in the Bishop Creek Canyon Area...be extra cautious if you head up along the one-lane dirt North Lake Road.
• Best Viewing Times: The Bishop Creek Canyon area generally peaks between late September and mid-October (the earlier the cold temperatures arrive the earlier the colors develop and vice-versa). Mono County generally peaks between early to mid-October, with some higher elevations peaking in late September (like Rock Creek Lake). Also keep in mind that the sun will set earlier than you expect due to the high mountain peaks to the west.
• What to Pack: Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evenings, so dress in layers. Don’t forget your camera—this year’s Fall foliage is breathtaking (and consider staying late to enjoy stunning starry night skies with golden Fall colors)!
• Photography Notes: When viewing the colors, the angle and time of day really matters. Sunrise tends to be an incredible time to see the vibrant leaves. North Lake is best photographed with a tripod before sunrise, prior to the sun hitting the hillside. Once the sun is up, try to picture the leaves when backlit by the sun. This shows the most vibrant rich hues...whereas direct sunlight can actually make the fall colors look a bit more dull and muted.
Eastern Sierra fall colors along South Lake Road - 10/9
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of my Fall Color Report, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Bald eagle at Silver Lake along June Lake Loop
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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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Looking for the best spot to camp & kayak in the Eastern SIerra Nevada Mountains? Join me today as I share my complete travel guide to a camping & kayaking adventure at Convict Lake in the Inyo National Forest. Located in between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop along HIghway 395, this alpine lake is perfect for photography, fishing, boating, and camping, especially during autumn with the fall colors.