If you’re chasing peak fall colors in the Eastern Sierra this week, Sagehen Summit is the spot — but it’s right at the tail end of peak, so go fast before the vibrant foliage fades.
Located just south of Lee Vining on Highway 395, this spot is an underrated gem that transforms into a sea of gold every fall. The aspens here are already at peak as of Oct 2, 2025— vibrant yellows mixed with a few early orange patches — and won’t last long with the upcoming colder nights.
This hidden grove sits off a quiet dirt road about 18 miles east of Mono Lake, with about 5 miles of that being an easy dirt road. The drive itself is stunning — lined with golden aspens near the top that practically glow when the late-day sun hits. You’ll wind through rolling hills of color that feel straight out of a postcard.
It’s peaceful, remote, and totally worth the detour. I’d recommend going late afternoon, just before sunset, when the mountains still catch the light and the aspens light up bright yellow-gold.
Quick Info
- 📍 Location: Sagehen Summit, off Highway 395 between June Lake and Lee Vining, California
- 🍂 Current Condition: Peak foliage (as of early October 2025)
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: Now through the next few days
- 🚗 Drive Time: ~20 minutes east off Hwy 395
You don’t need to hike to see the colors here — the aspen groves are visible right from the roadside and there are large pull outs at the top. But if you want to stretch your legs, a short walk down one of the forest service roads gives you that golden tunnel effect photographers love.
Pro tip: Go early morning or late afternoon for softer light and glowing aspens. I went early evening which was perfect, I just had less time with the sunlight. Midday sun makes everything look a bit washed out.
For more fall color stops nearby, check out my full guide:
👉 Where to See Fall Colors in the Eastern Sierra
FAQ: Sagehen Summit in the Fall
When is Sagehen Summit peak fall color?
Right now — early October 2025. Expect colors to start fading after this weekend due to cold nights and light snow flurries in the Sierra.
Can regular cars make it to Sagehen Summit?
Yes, it’s a packed dirt road. Most vehicles can make it with careful driving.
Is there parking?
There’s no official parking lot. Just pull off on wider shoulders or dirt clearings, and be cautious not to block the road.
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.