Bishop Creek Canyon

Scenic drive · California

South Lake Road climbs from Bishop into a narrow Eastern Sierra canyon where quaking aspens along Bishop Creek turn brilliant gold, usually peaking mid-to-late October. North Lake and South Lake bookend one of California's densest fall color drives.

Best for: Fall color drive with short hikes

Don’t miss

  • South Lake and North Lake
  • Aspen groves along the creek
  • Parchers Camp turnout
2026 Forecast

Peak: September 30–October 4

Color builds from September 17 · mostly bare by October 25

Color starts: September 17Peak: October 2Bare: October 25AugustDecember

Sampled at Bishop Creek Canyon’s own coordinates and elevation (2961 m) rather than a regional average.

74 weather points cover California, and the model shifts their answer 3 days later, which is what it takes to match 3 published peak dates from monocounty.org and explorefall.com. This year's weather has the peak running 1 day later than a normal year. How the forecast works

When to go to Bishop Creek Canyon

You get about 24 days of color here, from the first turn through to roughly October 11. At 9,715 ft, it turns before the lower ground nearby.

Bishop Creek Canyon on the map

Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of California, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.

More things to do in California

See all things to do in California

Frequently asked

When does Bishop Creek Canyon peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for September 30–October 4 (best estimate October 2). Color starts around September 17 and is mostly bare by October 25.

Own or manage Bishop Creek Canyon? Update your listing or get in touch.