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Leaf-peeping in California might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Fall colors, but Highway 395 will change that. Every Fall, when the Sierra Nevada air turns crisp and the light softens to a golden hue, I find myself called back to go on a road trip down Highway 395.
The stretch of highway between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the high desert turns into a living watercolor painting every autumn. It’s more than a road. It’s a winding adventure to find every bit of amber gold and red hue you can. I’ve gone leaf-peeping every Fall for years, and this past season I drove it twice: once in late September with my husband and again solo in mid-October, when the aspens burned brighter than ever.
Each time, it feels new. Maybe it’s the shimmer of Gull Lake at sunrise or the scent of fresh bread from Schat’s Bakery in Bishop. Maybe it’s the way Fall makes even the smallest moments, like watching ducks at Silver Lake or sipping hot cider in a quiet mountain café, feel timeless.
This Highway 395 Fall colors road trip itinerary is my love letter to the Eastern Sierra in Fall, written for anyone who craves scenic drives, cozy stays, local food and the quiet serenity of alpine lakes.
5-Day Fall Foliage Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Bridgeport to Lee Vining 🍂Where Fall Begins
Day 2: Lee Vining to June Lake 🍁The Heart of Autumn
Day 3: Mammoth Lakes Region 🏔️Hidden Trails & Mountain Meals
Day 4: Rock Creek Canyon & Tom’s Place 🌠High Country Finale
Day 5: Bishop Creek Canyon 💛Classic Sierra Gold
This itinerary will take you to all of the scenic viewpoints and is the information I wish I had when I first visited the area. We will start from the North and drive South on Highway 395, guiding you to the best leaf-peeping spots, where to eat, and where to stay for a stress-free visit to the Eastern Sierras.
I will also note the best time to visit each location, as not all of the foliage peaks at the same time. The leaves at higher elevations turn color earlier (usually mid-September) than those at lower elevations (usually October). This is highly dependent on the weather. For instance, storms can cause leaves to change quickly due to temperature drops, and, of course, this can vary by a week or more each year, so these are my best guesses based on past experience. I always consult the Fall Color Map before my trip to make sure I am hitting the area at the right time.
Rent an AWD
Renting an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) will give you the most flexibility to go on the many gravel and dirt roads in this itinerary, like Green Creek, North Lake, and Sagehen Summit; however, there are many paved roads too.
Day 1: Bridgeport to Lee Vining- Where Fall Begins
📍Stop 1- Green Creek
Begin your Fall adventure just south of Bridgeport. Turn onto Green Creek Road, where aspens glow like sunlight. You’ll drive about 5 miles to reach the fiery Dunderberg Meadows.
Warning: This is a dirt road that can be rocky and rugged, so an AWD vehicle is recommended.
Where to eat in Bridgeport:
- Bridgeport Inn Restaurant- cozy comfort food in a historic setting
- High Sierra Bakery- fresh pastries and excellent coffee to go
📍Stop 2- Conway Summit
Use the pull-offs on Highway 395 for panoramic views of the surrounding area and Mono Basin.
📍Stop 3- Virginia Lakes
Drive south and follow the signs toward Virginia Lakes (about 6 miles), which is early-season gold at its finest. The beginning of this road is paved, then it turns into a graded gravel road, which is fine for most cars.
Where to eat in Virginia Lakes:
- Rhino’s Bar & Grill (Bridgeport)- hearty burgers with a local vibe.
- Whoa Nellie Deli (Lee Vining)— iconic roadside stop with delicious food inside the gas station. Be sure to try the fish tacos.
Where to Stay in Virginia Lakes:
Virginia Creek Settlement– A rustic roadside gem with cozy cabins, creekside views and a touch of Old West charm. Falling asleep to the sound of rushing water and waking up to golden aspens outside your window is so restful.
✨Bonus Day Trips if you have extra time:
- Bodie State Historic Park, a gold-mining ghost town from the 1880s, is located 10 miles down a paved road, then 3 miles on a dirt road.
- Mono Lake is located just off Highway 395.
- Yosemite National Park is located West on Highway 120.
Day 2: Lee Vining to June Lake- the Heart of Autumn
📍Stop 4- Lundy Lake Resort
You’ll drive roughly 20 minutes from Virginia Lakes up Lundy Lake Road to the Resort. You can view plenty of foliage around the Resort or continue up the dirt road into the Canyon.
📍Stop 5- Sagehen Summit & the Wild Mustangs
Take in the sweeping views of Mono Basin and the Tufa, then detour to CA-120E to Sagehen Summit for quiet aspen groves. While you’re there, see if you can catch a glimpse of the majestic wild mustang herds.
📍Stop 6- June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop is 16 miles long and comprises 4 Lakes (June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake), as well as many hiking opportunities and the town of June Lake. June Lake is my favorite scenic drive, and I have driven it twice this year and stayed overnight in June Lake. Each time, something different caught my eye. It is nicknamed “The Switzerland of California,” and having visited Switzerland earlier this year, it definitely lives up to its nickname. The turquoise lakes shimmer as the aspens quake in the wind and each lake offers a different watercolor painting view.
If you’re planning a Fall getaway here, don’t miss my insider guide on 21 scenic stops for Fall Colors and things to do on the June Lake Loop, packed with photo spots, trails, places to eat and where I spent a relaxing weekend at a spa after leaf peeping!
Where to Eat in June Lake:
- June Lake Deli– A local gem and my favorite spot for fresh paninis, homemade soups and buttery pastries.
- Silver Lake Resort Café– Classic lakeside breakfast spot with great pancakes, omelets, and their famous berry pies. Open seasonally (Mid-April through Mid-October)
- The Lift– Bright, modern café with excellent coffee, breakfast burritos and baked goods. Sit by the window for morning aspen views.
- June Lake Deli– Again, my favorite spot for delicious paninis, sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and buttery pastries.
- Balanced Rock Grill & Cantina— my favorite for authentic, delicious Mexican food.
- Hermitage Cafe at Double Eagle Resort & Spa– Elegant mountain dining with pond and mountain views. Try the trout almondine or filet mignon.
- June Pie Pizza Co.– Hand-tossed sourdough pizzas.
Where to Stay in June Lake:
Heidelberg Inn & Resort
Right in the heart of June Lake, you’re surrounded by mountain views and minutes from trails. These condo-style suites come with living spaces and kitchenettes so you can make breakfast and spread out.
Double Eagle Resort & Spa
This is where I stayed on my last trip and loved the relaxing atmosphere. I had a room overlooking the pond and savored sitting on the balcony, enjoying the view framed by golden aspens and those jaw-dropping Sierra peaks, as well as walking through the gorgeous grounds. I also took full advantage of the full spa, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and even fitness classes and it was the perfect place to unwind. Book spa treatments early; they fill up fast on weekends.
Note: You can stay the rest of the trip at June Lake if you’d like, or move on for one more night and then stay for a few days at Mammoth Mountain (listed below). It’s up to you.
Day 3: Mammoth Lakes- Hidden Trails & Mountain Meals
📍Stop 7- Sherwin Creek Road & Sherwin Falls
The drive down Sherwin Creek Road, with the windows down and the scent of pine and cool air drifting in, ending at Sherwin Falls, is invigorating. The sound of rushing water mingles with the rustle of gold leaves overhead. The short dirt road is easily drivable, and the Fall colors here peak in early October.
📍Stop 8- Lakes Basin & Twin Lakes
I love late afternoons in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, when the light softens over Lake Mary and Lake Mamie and the aspens along Twin Lakes glow. It’s the kind of beauty that makes you pull over and sit in the stillness for a while.
📍Stop 9- Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls
Devil’s Postpile National Monument feels like stepping into another world with it’s cathedral of basalt columns carved by ancient lava and ice. In Fall, the surrounding forest glows gold and the air smells woodsy. A short trail leads to Rainbow Falls, where water cascades 100-feet into a misty pool.
Note: Private vehicles aren’t allowed past Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge between 7 am and 7 pm. You’ll park at the Mammoth Adventure Center and take the Reds Meadow Shuttle to the Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls trailheads.
Places to Eat in Mammoth Lakes:
After a full day exploring Fall colors, nothing beats winding down with good food and small-town mountain charm. Mammoth has a little bit of everything.
- Schat’s Bakery Mammoth Lakes– A smaller sister to the famous Bishop bakery, this stop is perfect for early-morning pastries, coffee and their iconic sheepherder’s bread sandwiches to take on the road.
- The Crêpe Café– a sweet gem in the village serving both savory and sweet crêpes. I had the strawberry fields forever with dark chocolate crêpe and my husband had the honey bear crêpe and they were delicious.
- Von’s Deli & Market– the best stop for ready-made sandwiches, salads and rotisserie chicken perfect for picnic lunches.
- Roberto’s Café– a local favorite for flavorful Mexican food. I had the best enchilada and my husband had the best tacos. We really enjoyed their homemade chips and salsa after a day outdoors.
- Vulcania– a newer Italian restaurant in the village serving wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta and hearty mountain-inspired fare. Owned by the Voltaggio Brothers, one is a Michelin-star chef and the other is a Food Network James Beard Award Finalist.
Places to Stay in Mammoth Lakes:
Budget-Friendly: Edelweiss Lodge
Tucked among the pines, Edelweiss Lodge feels like a true alpine retreat without the high-end price tag. Each cabin-style room comes with rustic charm such as wood beams, cozy fireplaces and nostalgic mountain getaway vibes. It’s pet-friendly too.
Mid-Range: The Village Lodge
You can’t beat the location! It puts you right in the heart of Mammoth’s action. Gondola access is just steps away, with dining at your doorstep and condo-style rooms with fireplaces and kitchens; it’s a sweet spot and convenient.
Luxury: The Westin Monache Resort
The Westin Monache delivers the full mountain-luxury experience with spacious suites and sweeping Sierra views, a heated outdoor pool open year-round and thoughtful touches like cozy robes and local wine by the fire. Ideal for travelers craving relaxation and a little indulgence after a day exploring Mammoth.
Day 4: Rock Creek Road & Tom’s Place- a High Country Finale
📍Stop 10- McGee Creek Canyon
I love McGee Creek Canyon in late September, when the air smells like sagebrush and the aspens light up the canyon like lanterns. It’s one of the Eastern Sierra’s most breathtaking and underrated foliage hikes.
📍Stop 11- Convict Lake
Convict Lake is the crown jewel of a Fall Highway 395 road trip. In October, Convict Lake transforms into a Fall color masterpiece with the aspens blazing gold, mirrored in clear alpine water beneath rugged peaks. Walk the easy 2.5-mile loop trail for one of the most photogenic spots.
📍Stop 12- Little Lakes Valley
In late September and early October, Rock Creek Road turns into a corridor of color with bright aspens, red maples and cottonwoods lining the drive all the way to Mosquito Flat. It’s one of the best short scenic drives on Highway 395 for Fall foliage climbing about 10 miles from Tom’s Place to the Mosquito Flat Trailhead and topping out at near 10,200 feet, it’s the highest paved road in the Sierra Nevada.
The Little Lakes Valley Trail begins at the Mosquito Flat Trailhead, just off Rock Creek Road. Parking is available right at the trailhead, but spots fill quickly during peak weekends. The trail is 7 miles, which will take 3-4 hours round trip. It’s easy to moderate with a steady, but gentle elevation gain of about 600 feet. The Little Lakes Valley Trail lives up to its name as you’ll see at least five alpine lakes along the route. The popular turnaround point is Long Lake, about 3.5 miles in, but you’ll pass several others along the way:
- Mack Lake- just .5 miles from the trailhead boasting reflections of aspens and granite peaks that greet you almost immediately.
- Marsh Lake- surround by willows that glow orange in early Fall.
- Heart Lake- small, heart-shaped and often still enough to capture perfect mirror reflections.
- Box Lake- a larger, glassy lake framed by colorful meadows.
- Long Lake- the most photographed with dramatic peaks and fiery color in late September.
- Adventurous hikers can continue another 1.5 miles to Chickenfoot Lake or farther to Gem Lakes where the landscape becomes rugged and wild.
Insider Tip: If you only hike one trail on this itinerary, make it this one. Even walking the first mile rewards you with jaw-dropping views of shimmering aspens, mirror-like lakes and the jagged peaks of Bear Creek Spire rising ahead. Also, please be sure to arrive early due to limited parking (before 9 am), especially on busy Fall weekends.
📍Stop 13- Tom’s Place
Every Fall, I stop at Tom’s Place for lunch and a breather. The aspens shimmer around the cabins, the grill sizzles and it feels like the calm before heading higher into the color-filled canyons beyond.
What to Eat for Brunch or Lunch at Tom’s Place:
Tom’s Place Café– a historic no-frills mountain stop that’s been feeding travelers since 1917. For breakfast, the biscuits and gravy is delicious. For lunch, the tri-tip sandwich on toasted sourdough with a side of their homemade potato salad or chili is the hands-down favorite. If you’re not in the mood for BBQ, their BLT on sourdough and grilled trout plate (a nod to local fishing culture) are also standouts. Tip: Grab a seat on the patio if the weather’s nice.
Day 5: Bishop Creek Canyon- Classic Sierra Gold
There are lots of stops along Highway 168 and this was one of my favorite drives as it seemed like the road was glowing with gold.
📍Stop 14- Intake 2 Lake
It’s a hidden gem in Bishop Creek Canyon. Tucked just off Highway 168, Intake 2 ‘s shoreline glows with golden aspens and cottonwoods reflected in calm, glassy water. It’s the perfect spot for a short walk, a picnic or simply sitting still while the wind ripples through the leaves.
📍Stop 15- Aspendell
Aspendell is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it mountain hamlets that captures everything people hope to find on a Fall color road trip, with golden trees, crisp air and pure Sierra charm.
📍Stop 16- Cardinal Village & Juniper Drive
Cardinal Village off Cardinal Road feels like stepping into a vintage mountain postcard. Rustic cabins sit beneath glowing aspens, perfect for that postcard picture. Don’t miss the small café that serves the best homemade pies and hot cider. Just down the road, Juniper Drive winds through quiet forest groves and open meadows where Fall feels almost endless.
📍Stop 17- North Lake
North Lake is the crown jewel of Bishop Creek Canyon featuring a small alpine lake that reflects like glass. Golden aspens spill down the mountainsides and shimmer in the water, framed by snow-kissed peaks.
In all transparency, the narrow North Lake Road branches off Highway 168 just past Aspendell, winding steeply uphill for about two miles. It’s partially paved, partially gravel, and very narrow. We almost turned around, except the road was so narrow that there wasn’t anywhere to do so safely. It’s more like a one-lane mountain road with sharp curves and steep drop-offs. My advice is to take it slow, yield to oncoming cars as best you can because there isn’t much room, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views.
📍Stop 18- Lake Sabrina
In October, Lake Sabrina is a masterpiece of Fall color with brillant aspens surrounding deep alpine water beneath jagged peaks. Stop for photos, a short hike or lunch at the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing Café.
📍Stop 19- Table Mountain Camp & Surveyor’s Meadow
The drive down S Lake Road takes you through landscape that opens wide with golden grasses, aspen groves and the soft rush of Bishop Creek winding through it all.
📍Stop 20- Misty Falls
You can view Misty Falls from the road or do the short, but moderate hike to the beautiful falls surrounded by golden hues.
📍Stop 21- Lake Weir to South Lake
High above Bishop Creek Canyon, Weir Lake and South Lake glow like jewels in the Fall. Weir Lake is small and quiet where golden aspens reflect in still water. Just up the road, South Lake opens wide beneath towering granite peaks, its shoreline ablaze with color. The air is thin, the light crisp and every breeze sends a shimmer of gold across the canyon.
Places to Eat in Bishop Creek Canyon:
After a day exploring Bishop Creek Canyon’s golden lakes and trails, refueling feels like part of the adventure.
- Erik Schat’s Bakery in Bishop– I highly recommend stopping by as the experience alone is worth it. They have every different kind of bread and pastry imaginable, but they’re famous for their sheepherder’s bread and giant sandwiches, perfect for a picnic by the lake.
- Lake Sabrina Boat Landing Café– serves hearty breakfasts and trout plates with unbeatable views.
- Cardinal Village Café– tempts with homemade pies, hot cider, and that cozy mountain lodge feel that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
🕓 Best Timing for Fall Colors by Elevation
| Area | Elevation | Peak Color | Highlights |
| Virginia Lakes / Sagehen Summit | 9,000+ ft | Mid–Late Sept | Early gold hues |
| Lundy Canyon / Conway Summit | 8,000 ft | Late Sept–Early Oct | Waterfalls & views |
| June Lake Loop | 7,600 ft | Mid–Late Oct | Long-lasting color |
| McGee Creek / Mammoth Basin | 7,500 ft | Late Sept–Mid Oct | Aspens + red rock |
| Rock Creek / Little Lakes Valley | 10,000 ft | Late Sept | High alpine gold |
| Bishop Creek Canyon | 8,000–9,500 ft | Late Sept–Early Oct | Iconic reflections |
Final Thoughts
Every time I drive Highway 395 in the Fall, I’m reminded that California really does have seasons, you just have to know where to look. The aspens burn gold, the air smells like pine and woodsmoke and every lake looks like a mirror reflecting something bigger than itself.
What I love most about this drive isn’t just the color, it’s the quiet moments in between. The still mornings at North Lake, the Blue Heron gliding across Gull Lake, the way the light fades over Rock Creek Canyon. Highway 395 in Autumn is a place where you don’t chase gold, you find it, mile by mile in the peace of the Sierra.
