Mono County Officials Release Fall Color Map and Autumn Events Guide

Mono County Officials Release Fall Color Map and Autumn Events Guide

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Crisp mountain air has returned to the Eastern Sierra, and Mono County is leaning hard into its most vibrant season with a freshly minted Fall Color Map and an expanded calendar of local events designed to draw leaf-peepers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Announced by local officials, the new regional guide arrives as the landscape prepares for its annual transformation of gold, orange, and crimson foliage against dramatic alpine backdrops. For travelers mapping out weekend road trips or photographers chasing peak foliage across the region’s varying elevations, the updated mapping tool provides a practical layout of the changing terrain.

Mapping the Eastern Sierra Canopy

The newly updated guide helps visitors track seasonal color shifts across high-altitude byways and hidden canyons.

Fall is arguably the most magical time to visit the Eastern Sierra, said Jennifer Kreitz, Chair of the Mono County Board of Supervisors (District 1), pointing to the community spirit and scenic pull that bring travelers back year after year. Kreitz added, With our new Fall Color Map and an expanding roster of events like the Bridgeport Oktoberfest, we are excited to welcome local residents and travelers to experience the beauty and community spirit of Mono County.

The map’s release anchors a packed autumn schedule across the county, blending long-standing outdoor traditions with brand-new community celebrations.

Bridgeport Expands Its Fall Calendar

The county seat of Bridgeport stepped up its autumn offerings this year with two major additions. On September 26, 2026, the community hosted the Ridge Rambler Half Marathon in Twin Lakes. The race challenges runners with a course beginning at 7,100 feet, plunging downhill past alpine lakes and rolling hills to finish in town at 6,600 feet. Organizers also introduced a brand-new 5K route this season, opening the high-altitude stamina test to walkers and runners of varying experience levels.

June lake autumn beer festival with fall colors
Photo: monocounty.org

A few weeks later on October 10, 2026, Bridgeport marked its 1st Annual Bridgeport Oktoberfest. Hosted in the spacious backyard area of the newly reopened Sportsmen’s Bar & Restaurant in downtown Bridgeport, the outdoor festival featured craft beer tastings, regional live music, pretzel-toss competitions, and yard games.

A Packed Season of Regional Festivities

Beyond Bridgeport, the autumn calendar spans the entire county with endurance races, cultural walks, and fishing tournaments.

  • Eastern Sierra ATV & UTV Jamboree: Held September 15–19, 2026, in Coleville and Walker, offering four days of guided backcountry trail rides.
  • June Lake Autumn Beer Festival: Celebrated on September 26, 2026, alongside the June Lake Jam Fest running September 11–13.
  • Bodie Ghost Walk Tours: Running select dates, including September 5 and 26, offering after-hours access to California’s official ghost town paired with astronomy talks, alongside ghostly night tours at Bodie State Historic Park.
  • Ambush at the Lake: Running through November 15 at Convict Lake south of Mammoth Lakes, giving anglers a chance to win prizes during the popular rod and reel event.
  • Antelope Valley Hangouts: On September 13th, local makers, neighbors, and motel guests turned the Andruss Motel courtyard into a laid-back Antelope Valley hangout on Highway 395, featuring local vendors, live music, and an easygoing open mic.
  • Stewardship Events: From June through October, residents, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all generations are welcome to join Mono County Interpretive and Stewardship Events across various dates hosted alongside organizations such as Friends of the Inyo, Mammoth Lakes Recreation, Mono County Recreation, and /or ESIA.

Federal public lands are also participating in the seasonal rhythm. Throughout the year, the Park Service provides fee-free admission dates designed to encourage broader public access to these natural environments, with complete schedules available online.

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