The East has New England when autumn leaves start to fall, and the West has the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada hugging the western side of California State Route 395. The Eastern Sierra is rated by GORP as the nation's second-best spot for viewing fall foliage. The part of this region that lies within in Mono County, especially, bursts into brilliant autumnal colors from approximately mid-September through early October. Some of the best places to catch Mother Nature's fiery farewell to summer are Lundy Canyon north of Mono Lake, Lee Vining Canyon near the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, and, near Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop, McGee Creek Canyon, Convict Lake Rock Creek Canyon, and the Mammoth Scenic Loop. Visit the Mono County tourism site at the web address listed below for a free Fall Color Guide.

Several locations along the 395 corridor serve as good home bases for one's excursions up the fall-festooned canyons and around the forested alpine lakes where the color is its most brilliant. Lee Vining, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes offer the best opportunities for finding lower fall rates for lodging and the best varieties of accommodations, from funky bed-and-breakfasts and rustic inns to upscale condos and hotels. For the latest information on lodging deals and fall foliage packages for all three locales, visit the official visitors' websites listed here.

More information: Mono County Fall Color Guide; Mammoth Lakes; June Lake Loop; Lee Vining