Top 10 Fall Photo Spots in Mono County, CA
Hi friends! Fall colors are emerging in California, and photographers, content creators, and Autumn leaf-peepers have begun chasing the shimmering golden aspen groves up and down the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway. Last week we were in the Bishop area soaking in the best fall spots in and around Aspendell, but today we’re heading up Highway 395 further north to a fantastic region of California to capture the fall foliage. Join me today as we head back into the Eastern Sierra to check out my top 10 fall photo spots in Mono County, CA, as well as my travel & photography tips for each location.
Fall colors along the Rock Creek Lake Loop Trail
Rock Creek Lake fall colors
1. Rock Creek Canyon
Rock Creek Canyon is a hidden gem when it comes to fall colors in the Eastern Sierra. A nine-mile road weaves through vibrant aspen groves, leading up to campsites, Rock Creek Lake, and several stunning hiking trails. The drive alone offers plenty of opportunities to soak in the autumnal splendor, but a sunrise hike around Rock Creek Lake is the real magic. Nestled at just under 10,000 feet, the lake is surrounded by golden aspens that contrast beautifully with the deep blue water. Whether you’re fishing, boating, or simply hiking the shoreline, Rock Creek Lake provides endless vistas for photographers.
Photo Tip: Shoot in the morning when the light is soft and the water is calm for perfect reflections of the aspen trees. There are two different aspen “tunnels” along the loop trail that are absolutely stunning when the fall colors are peaking. Try using a wider aperture with some leaves blurred out in the foreground to create some beautiful depth in your photos.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Rock Creek Lake blog post.
Fall colors along McGee Creek Canyon Trail in Mono County
McGee Creek fall foliage near the trailhead
2. McGee Creek Canyon
McGee Creek Canyon is a fall color hotspot, and the aspen groves here are particularly vibrant in autumn. The trailhead is easily accessible from a small parking area near McGee Creek Pack Station, but for the best views, follow the six-mile trail that meanders through towering mountain peaks and groves of glowing aspens. You can also enjoy the fall foliage on horseback, which makes for a unique and serene experience. Whether hiking or riding, the autumn display here is breathtaking, offering stunning contrasts against the rugged Sierra backdrop.
Photo Tip: If you don’t have time for an extensive hike up the canyon, head down to the creek near the trailhead for a magical scene draped in aspen.
Fall foliage around Convict Lake
Emerging fall colors along Convict Lake in Mono County
3. Convict Lake
Convict Lake is a year-round stunner, but for a few glorious weeks in the fall, the colors here are spectacular. Located just off Highway 395, the lake sits at 7,850 feet and is surrounded by dramatic peaks of the Sherwin Range. The golden aspens contrast against the lake’s striking turquoise waters, creating a painterly scene. This small, but deep lake is perfect for an easy day trip, whether you’re hiking the 2.5-mile loop around the lake or just stopping by to admire the view.
Photo Tip: Visit mid-morning for the best light on the lake and surrounding mountains. Bring wide angle lens to capture the whole lake and surrounding peaks in one shot.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Convict Lake blog post.
Twin Lakes fall colors in Mammoth Lakes, CA
4. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a hub for fall color enthusiasts, with an array of scenic spots to enjoy. The Twin Lakes are a favorite, with their towering cliffs and mirror-like reflections with a picturesque bridge connecting the two. The trees here turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and gold, creating postcard-perfect scenes. The town of Mammoth Lakes itself is a great base for exploring, and the nearby lakes offer easy access for short hikes or longer day trips.
Photo Tip: Capture the Twin Lakes at sunrise to get the alpenglow on the peaks and the trees perfectly reflected in the still waters. An ND filter can help smooth out the water for long-exposure shots.
Aspen grove at the Silver Lake picnic area along June Lake Loop
Silver Lake fall colors along June Lake Loop in Mono County
Fall colors along June Lake Loop near Silver Lake
5. June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop is one of the most iconic fall color drives in the Eastern Sierra. The 16-mile paved road winds around four different lakes, each with its own unique autumn charm. Silver Lake is a crowd favorite for its reflective waters framed by golden aspens, while June Lake’s turquoise waters provide a striking contrast to the surrounding foliage. The roadside pull-offs offer plenty of spots for spontaneous photo ops, so take your time soaking in the vibrant scenery.
Photo Tip: For stunning reflection shots at Silver Lake, visit in the early morning when the water is calm. The picnic area at the southern edge of Silver Lake provides one of the best spots along the Loop to stroll through aspen groves, as well as to capture a beautifully composed scene of the winding road flanked by fall colors.
For more info on this spot, check out my full June Lake Loop blog post.
Lundy Canyon fall colors in Mono County
Mono County fall colors along Lundy Lake
6. Lundy Lake & Canyon
Lundy Lake and its surrounding canyon offer an ideal fall color experience with plenty of roadside views along the short scenic drive. The road ends at a trailhead where a three-mile hike leads you through colorful aspen groves, meadows, and eventually, a stunning waterfall. The trees here light up early in the hike, providing endless photo opportunities even if you don’t make it to the waterfall.
Photo Tip: Midday light works well for capturing the vibrant colors in the canyon, especially on overcast days when the even lighting brings out the richness of the foliage.
Fall foliage at the Virginia Lakes in Mono County
Big Virginia Lake fall colors at sunrise
7. Virginia Lakes
While Virginia Lakes is famous for its fishing, the fall colors here are equally noteworthy. A short five-mile drive along Virginia Lakes Road takes you through aspen groves that blaze with color in autumn. For those short on time, some of the best views can be found right off the roadside between Little Virginia and Big Virginia Lakes, but the nearby hiking trails also offer more adventurous routes to capture the fall splendor.
Photo Tip: Sunrise here is quite spectacular with the long shadows and the morning mist on the glassy waters. Bring a wide angle lens to capture the lake scenes in their entirety.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Virginia Lakes blog post.
Fall colors at Conway Summit seen from Highway 395
8. Conway Summit
Conway Summit is a must-stop spot for fall color enthusiasts traveling along Highway 395. This roadside pullout offers sweeping views of golden aspen groves blanketing the hillsides, and it's one of the earlier spots in the Eastern Sierra to show its fall colors. The panoramic vistas here are breathtaking, and it’s an excellent choice for those short on time or looking for a quick photo stop.
Photo Tip: Early morning light casts a warm glow across the entire scene, making for perfect landscape shots. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the expansive views, but bring a zoom lens to isolate patches of color in the distance. After you’re done with the Conway Summit scenic viewpoint, head a mile down the rod to the Mono Lake Vista Point for more breath-taking views.
Sawtooth Ridge peaks with fall colors at Twin Lakes
Aspen grove fall foliage at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA
9. Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
Not to be confused with the Twin Lakes in Mammoth, the Twin Lakes near Bridgeport are nestled in the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by towering peaks of the Sawtooth Ridge. These alpine lakes offer some of the best fall color views in Mono County, with aspen groves reflecting off the calm waters. The area is also known as the “California’s Alps,” and the scenery here is nothing short of spectacular, especially in autumn.
Photo Tip: As with much of the Eastern Sierra, morning light is best. Sunset is also beautiful here, but the jagged peaks will be backlit. In addition to your standard mid-range lens, bring a zoom lens to capture fall details on the far side of the lakes, as well as up on the mountains.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Twin Lakes blog post.
Walker River Canyon fall colors in Mono County
10. Walker River Canyon
Walker River Canyon is known for its late-season fall colors, with golden willows and aspens lining the riverbanks. The canyon’s lower elevation means the colors tend to peak a little later, making it a great spot to visit after other areas have already transitioned. The dramatic ridge walls and flowing river provide a picturesque backdrop for fall photography, with plenty of pull-off areas along the road.
Photo Tip: Shoot in the late afternoon when the sunlight filters through the canyon, lighting up the golden foliage along the riverbank. Bring a tripod and an ND filter to capture long exposures of the water tumbling over the boulders.
Pops of fall colors along Twin Lakes (Bridgeport, CA)
Know Before You Go
• Travel Guide: Check out my Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Complete Guide for even more great spots to see the fall foliage in Inyo and Mono Counties.
• 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.
• Best Viewing Times: 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 promises to be 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 along the Eastern Sierra. 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.
Fall colors along the Rock Creek Lake Loop Trail
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of these top photo spots in Mono County, 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.
Fall foliage along Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
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.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
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.