25 Sep 2026

September here in Mammoth Lakes can make some people feel a little bit sad. After all, summers here are epic! It’s not easy to say goodbye to alpine lake swimming, day-long hikes, and BBQs by the pool.

But, the transition is always easier when we take the time to remember all the things we look forward to in the next season. And in this article, we’re going to share five ways we like to say hello to fall here in Mammoth Lakes!

Hello to leaf peeping

Without a doubt, the changing of the leaves is a highlight for most of us here in Mammoth Lakes. Just like the many visitors who flock to the Eastern Sierra in autumn, we locals also make an effort to enjoy the color show as much as we possibly can. A few of the places we love to say hello to the oranges, reds, and browns of the season include:

Mammoth Creek
Convict Lake
Rock Creek
McGee Creek
Sherwin Lakes/Valentine Lake
June Lake Loop

A few tips for making your leaf peeping experience even better? Make sure that you get out there during the golden hour for fantastic pictures and opt to dress in neutral colors so that you don’t clash with that vibrant background foliage.

Hello to quiet trails

You would think that we would start slowing down when it comes to hiking in autumn, but that’s not the case at all! In fact, we locals like to take full advantage of the slower pace of the shoulder season to visit our favorite trails that would be too crowded during summer. Plus, we know that we’re in for a long season of indoor exercise, so we like to fit in as many hikes and outings as possible while we can. Now, every local has their own list of hiking trails to enjoy during fall, but here are a few common ones:

Crystal Lake/Crystal Crag
Duck Pass/ Deer Lakes Loop
Devil’s Postpile/ Red’s Meadow
Mildred Lake
Bloody Mountain

Keep in mind that we humans aren’t the only ones who like to enjoy the less crowded trails! During autumn, many of our local wildlife use the hiking trails while they forage for food to fatten up for winter. As such, it’s a good idea to anticipate wildlife sightings and give our wild neighbors space for everyone’s safety.

Hello to cozy cabin vibes

As much as we like to make the most of our outdoor activities before winter swoops in, we also embrace the coziness of fall! There’s nothing better than lighting up the fireplace for the first time since March and cozying up with a blanket and a movie marathon (or maybe some Monday night football!)

Hello to late season fishing

The last trout stocking of the season happens in September, but that doesn’t mean that we’re packing away the fishing gear just yet! Actually, fall is considered by many to be the best time for fishing in Mammoth Lakes. With fewer anglers to compete with and trout that are actively trying to bulk up for winter, this time of year offers some of the best conditions for catching “the big one.”

Keep in mind that the regular fishing season ends November 15th here in Mono County, so now is the time to plan your autumn fishing trip!

Hello to finishing projects before winter

Just like the chipmunks are hiding away their pine nuts and the deer are bulking up for their long migration, most locals here in Mammoth have a to-do list we have to complete before winter. You might notice us running around trying to tackle our various projects, from fixing the roof to refinishing the deck to stacking firewood.

As much as we might feel the pressure to get everything done before winter, we also welcome the sense of accomplishment of finally finishing all the projects we had been putting off during summer.

Tips for enjoying fall in Mammoth Lakes like a local

Autumn in Mammoth can be the best time of the year, if you know how to plan like a pro! Here are our tips for enjoying Mammoth in fall:

Dress in layers

The temperature swings in this season can catch you off-guard! One minute, you’re basking in the sun at a comfortable 65 degrees, and the next minute, you realize the sun has dipped behind the mountains and you’re shivering. So, no matter if you’re making a quick run to Vons or have a day hike planned, don’t forget to pack layers!

Wake up early to make the most of the shortening days

One of the saddest parts about fall is that we start to notice the days getting shorter. And this can feel even more dramatic up here in the mountains because of our beautiful peaks. So, if you want to take full advantage of your favorite outdoor activities, get an earlier start than you would have in July!

Get yourself a sweet treat

Remember those cozy vibes we were talking about? Well, you can’t get much cozier than a hot chocolate (or a hot toddy!) Head to your favorite local coffee shop or brewery to see what they have on the menu for fall!

Enjoy the slower pace

Here in Mammoth, we cherish the peace and quiet of the shoulder seasons. Plus, we tend to slow down even more during fall because we know that deer and other animals are on the move. To some people, this might be boring or even kind of annoying. But, if you’re looking for tranquility and small town charm, we can bet that you’ll come to love the quieter seasons as much as we do!

Frequently asked questions about fall in Mammoth Lakes

What is the best time to see fall colors in Mammoth Lakes?

October is generally considered to be the best time to see fall colors in Mammoth Lakes. But, this can vary depending on the year. If temperatures drop early in the season, for example, we’ll start seeing vibrant colors as early as mid-September. Because we’re currently in an El Niño year, most weather forecasters expect that the peak of fall colors will be later than usual.

What is the weather like in autumn in Mammoth Lakes?

Typically, average temperatures during the day in Mammoth Lakes are somewhere around 70°F in September, 65°F in October, and mid-50s in November. At night, expect pretty chilly conditions! Usually, we experience average lows in the 40s in September, mid-30s in October, and 20s in November.

Does it snow in November in Mammoth Lakes?

Sometimes! Last year, Mammoth Mountain reported a snow level of 62” in November, and 24” the previous year.

Does Mammoth Lakes shut down during fall?

Nope! Some restaurants and businesses close their doors for annual cleaning or repairs. But the majority of the town will be open for business during autumn.

Where should I stay in Mammoth Lakes?

There are many great options for accommodations in fall. Here are a few that we have available here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations:

5 Ways We Like to Say Hello to Fall in Mammoth Lakes

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