Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Mono Basin fall colors & autumn weather

This post was written by Erica Tucker, 2012 Project Specialist.

There are pumpkins and remnants of Halloween decorations in the yards of Lee Vining. Many businesses have closed for the season, but the Mono Lake Committee continues to greet people daily at our Information Center & Bookstore, which is open 9:00am–5:00pm.


November visitors seem equally interested in fall color information, weather predictions, and learning which roads are open. Late autumn weather is moody—one day sunny and bright, the next day spitting rain or snow. The golden colors linger, though, and set against the alternately steely or baby blue sky, it continues to be an inspiring show in the Eastern Sierra.

A show of color near Grant Lake Reservoir.

The fall color peak has passed, and with it the crowds, but you can still find a yellow copse of aspen trees highlighted by rarer fiery red trees. Some of the best areas to visit the autumn leaves are the June Lake Loop, Walker and Parker canyons, and the western shore of Mono Lake, but allow yourself time to wander the roads and canyons wherever you spy intriguing colors. Go for a hike and enjoy the crunch of the bright leaves underfoot. Mostly clear weather is predicted through the weekend so come on over and enjoy this more subtle and pensive season.

For additional information on fall colors in California, check out these resources:

California Fall Color blog

Mono County fall colors web page

For current road information, check California highwaysNevada roads, or for current Tioga Pass information call Yosemite National Park directly at (209) 372-0200.

Aspens and evergreens near Grant Lake Reservoir. Photos by Erica Tucker.