The Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Eastern Sierras
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The Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Eastern Sierras
Shiz | When Shiz Hits The Van
The Eastern Sierras during fall foliage season is a vibrant playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. As the aspen trees turn golden, the rugged landscapes come alive with color, offering a perfect backdrop for hiking, off-roading, and scenic drives.
This itinerary (with 100+ spots!) takes you through some of the region’s best sights during fall— from iconic trails like the Convict Lake Loop and June Lake Loop viewpoints, to off-the-beaten-path gems like Hope Valley Barn. Along the way, you’ll find cozy accommodations in charming towns like Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, as well as local dining gems that capture the essence of mountain life. Ready for a fall adventure? Let’s dive in!
Unlock this guide for access to:
🥾 Hiking Trails (feat. fall foliage spots)
🍁 Viewpoints & Points of Interest
🛌 Accommodations (lodging + campgrounds)
🍽 Places to eat (breakfast, lunch + dinner options)
❗️ Complimentary future updates
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Hiking Trails
Marlette Lake Trail
@WhenShizHitsTheVan
This well-marked trail leads from the beautiful Spooner Lake and travels to the shoreline of Marlette Lake. The aspen in this area are a spectacular sight to see in the fall months. The trail winds through between forests and over several streams with easy crossings. There are incredible views of the woodlands and lakes along the way.
Length: 10.1 miles
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Out and Back
Elevation gain: 1701 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a large parking lot by Spooner Lake Visitor Center.
Fee: There is a $15 fee per vehicle to enter the state park.
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Spooner Lake Trail
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With ample shade and scenic views of the lake, this well-maintained trail offers beautiful wildlife sightings and vibrant foliage, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
Length: 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Route type: Loop
Elevation gain: 124 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a large parking lot by Spooner Lake Visitor Center.
Fee: There is a $15 fee per vehicle to enter the state park.
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Green Lake Trail
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This little known trail winds through aspen groves before reaching Green Lake. If you're seeking solitude and peace, this is the hike for you! The most beautiful colors are found at the start of the trail.
Length: 6.3 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out and Back
Elevation gain: 1082 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small lot by the trailhead.
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Big Virginia Lake to Frog Lake
@WhenShizHitsTheVan
This hike starts after a very colorful drive to Virginia Lake. This beautiful day hike option into the Hoover Wilderness features 5 lakes: Big Valley, Cooney, Blue, and Frog lakes. You'll also get to explore many alpine streams and small waterfalls. At every turn, this Eastern Sierra trail delivers views of epic peaks and pristine lakes. You’ll see a good amount of fall colors along the trail up to Frog Lakes
Length: 3.3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out and Back
Elevation gain: 544 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small area for parking by the trailhead.
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Lundy Canyon Trail
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You'll be greeted by mountain vistas and waterfalls while being surrounded by endless aspen groves on this hike that is not to be missed!
Length: 5.9 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Out and Back
Elevation gain: 2093 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small dirt lot by the trailhead.
Pro Tip: You can always opt to make this a shorter hike by turning back once you reach the waterfall viewpoint!
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Parker Lake Trail
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Perhaps my most favorite alpine lake in the Sierras during fall season, Parker Lake features colorful aspen lining the lakeshore. This is not to be missed!
Length: 3.6 mi round trip, add 2 more miles if you circle the lake
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 646 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small lot at the trailhead. Arrive early for a spot!
Pro tip: The water is the most clear in early morning when the wind is still calm and the anglers have yet to arrive - perfect for those reflection shots!
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Rush Creek Trail
@WhenShizHitsTheVan
This hike features beautiful views of June Lake, with additional views of Horsetail Falls and jagged granite peaks of the surrounding mountains. You will also see remnants of a rail track going up the mountain.
Length: 4.8 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out and Back
Elevation gain: 1289 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is ample parking by the trailhead.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shiz | When Shiz Hits The Van
Hi, I'm Shiz!
I am beyond thrilled to share my passion for travel and photography with you. As a school-based speech-language pathologist in Los Angeles, I'm lucky to have a few breaks throughout the year, which allow me to travel frequently and with great flexibility. My husband and I often venture on trips together around the globe. Ever since we got the keys to our off-road truck (ahem, van) during the pandemic, my wanderlust has gone into overdrive. When we're not traveling overseas, you can often find us camping or off-roading on the weekends across California or in the Southwest.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next road trip destination or luxe vacation, my comprehensive travel guides provide you with immersive and authentic travel experiences worldwide. My thoroughly crafted itineraries go beyond the typical tourist sites and highlight a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and trendy food locales. I also love discovering and exploring hidden gems, which I'm more than happy to share with you all. Take a look around the site and feel free to reference my travel tips to help plan your dream trip.
I've done the research so you don't have to!
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DESTINATION(S) COVERED
June Lake, CA, USA
Lake Tahoe, United States
Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
Bishop, CA, USA
Eastern Sierra, CA, USA
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