7 Min Read

October. The magical time of year when the air is crisp and the leaves suddenly change colors. As you walk the streets, some of the best scents come to life: apple pie, cinnamon, and caramel. You grab your favorite sweater, enjoy a warm mug of hot cider, and head to your neighborhood pumpkin patch. From pumpkin pies to pumpkin spice lattes (PSL), it’s the time of year for pumpkin everything and the internet overloads with #pumpkinspice obsession.

Unless you’re me, living in San Francisco, California. Where I’m usually between two seasons freezing from the fog or melting because no one has AC. Before moving to California where the only season I experience now is summer, I grew up on the east coast. Fall is really the only thing I miss about it. I remember watching the leaves slowly change from green to bursting of yellows, reds, and oranges. It’s such a beautiful sight and nothing short of magical.

I had plans to visit the east coast this year but due to COVID-19, I wasn’t comfortable getting on a plane yet. Instead I came across this Google Map California Fall Color with the most fitting description “Dude, Autumn Happens Here, Too.” Fall was waiting for me here in California and I wasn’t going to miss it. I packed my bags and headed for a weekend exploring Mammoth and the Eastern Sierras. Thank you Wandrd for sending me a PRVKE camera bag and HEXAD Carryall Travel Duffle which was perfect for this trip! At the bottom of this post, I included a list of my favorite places to eat and drink in Mammoth; there is also a list of resources I used to help track the fall colors!

Fall Color Map

https://nickfjord.com/blog

BEst Places To See Fall Colors

North Lake

If you have an Apple computer, you might already be familiar with North Lake. It’s the default wallpaper for MacOS High Sierra. It’s also one of most beloved locations among locals and photographers for viewing fall foliage. I started off my trip with a sunrise at North Lake of Bishop Creek Canyon. It’s quite the light show watching the sun fade across the face of the mountain, lighting up the Aspens. The beautiful hues of yellow, orange, and red pour into the reflection of the lake. Be sure to get there early for a spot!

Getting There: Enter in your GPS, North Lake Hiker Parking.

**Sunrise at North Lake of Bishop Canyon Creek**

June Lake Loop

The June Lake Loop is an amazing scenic drive around four different lakes, Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake, and June Lake. Each lake has their own special look and if you have the time, I would visit them all! Among them, Silver Lake and June lake are my favorite. Enjoy the groves of vibrate yellow foliage against turquoise lake backdrops and Aspens reflections. Be sure to take a pit stop at June Lake Brewery afterwards.

Getting There: Enter in your GPS, June Lake.

Leaving North Lake, on our way to June Lake.

Exploring Silver Lake. In frame @realnoice — **Exploring Silver Lake. In frame** **@realnoice**

Lundy Lake Campground

After this trip, I’m definitely adding camping at Lundy Lake Campground to my bucket list. Each campsite is immersed in grooves of fall colors. Who wouldn’t want to wake up surrounded by golden aspens? This area was patchy when I visited Oct 10th but, I image it’s approaching peak foliage and I may look to take a trip back soon.

Covict Lake

Convict Lake’s rugged unique look and vivid blue water makes the perfect backdrop against bright golden aspen leaves. Take a hike around the lake and enjoy the reflection of the fall foliage.

Sonora Pass

Take a scenic drive along Highway 108, known as Sonora Pass to enjoy long stretches of aspens. There are clusters of Aspens everywhere in full bloom! Take plenty of time to stop along the highway to take photos.

Virginia Lakes

As we drove up to Virginia Lakes, the overlooks provided stunning views of fall colors in the distance. Be sure to reach the top of Conway summit. The lake is popular for fishing and enjoying the scenery from the shores. I opted to spend some time in the nearby grooves.

Other Places I wish I visited

Sagehen Summit

I felt almost robbed not being able to visit Sagehen Summit. It was on the top of my list for seeing foliage, I’ve heard it described as a swirl of colors similar to a Pumpkin Spice Latte. To access this unique spot, you’ll drive along a graded dirt road from Highway 120 with views of Mono Lake dazzling in the distance. Due to the recent wildfires I received reports it was smoked out, I opted not to visit this trip but hope to make it in the future.

Lobdell Lake Road

The road to Lobdell Lake is extremely popular viewing area with access to some of the best foliage in the area. Warning of caution, to access this area you’ll drive along an incredibly rough road. It’s recommended to have AWD with high clearance.

Where I Stayed

My friends and I rented an Airbnb in Mammoth Lakes, it’s one of my favorite towns! Here’s a list of some of the best places to eat and drink while in town and surrounding areas.

Breakfast and Coffee

Stellar Brew and Natural Cafe is perfect if you’re on the go! They have locally roasted organic coffee beans, refreshing smoothies, and these incredible breakfast burritos ready to go that I’m addicted to.

If you’re looking for a sit down experience, you have to visit The Stove Restaurant. With items like their prime rib skillet, country fried steak, and buttermilk pancakes I hope you’re wearing sweatpants.

Black Velvet Coffee, is my favorite coffee shop in town. They pride themselves on serving organic, Rain Forest Alliance, and Fair Trade with coffee roasted on site! I’m obsessed with the rustic modern interior and there’s multiple floors of space to relax.

Food and Drinks

There’s so many options to choose from but you can’t go wrong with Mammoth Tavern. I love its mountain cabin feel and at 8,000 feet take in the surrounding mountain vistas.

June Lake Brewing, is the perfect place to relax after exploring fall colors. Visit the beer garden and grab a bite to eat of some amazing Hawaiian soul food at the food truck Ohanas395.

Ohanas395 currently operating limited hours (noon - 4pm) Thursday through Sunday due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While you’re in town you can’t miss stopping at Mammoth Brewing Co. It’s a 5 star brewery all around from delicious eats, drinks, and beautiful outdoor seating area. Definitely indulge and try the flat bread!

If you’re looking to switch things up, Shelter Distilling is an amazing craft small batch distillery serving Gin, Vodka, and Whiskey all distilled on site! Be sure to try their award winning High Sierra Whiskey and the charcuterie board!

Resource for Tracking Fall Colors

Also, here are some additional resources to help you keep up with the latest fall-color developments:

California Fall Color, Google Map updated on Fridays
Parcher’s Resort, provide information about the Bishop Creek area.
Mono Country Fall Color Report, latest information surrounding Mono Country with photos as updates!
Eastern Sierra Fall Color Guide, provides detailed information for 21 places to view fall colors!