Kaiser Pass Roadfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Sierra National Forest.
Next 7 days
- Frost possible · low 36°FTonight
- Rain likely · up to 63% chanceToday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 11:56 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Sierra National Forest through the year
- Upper Kaiser Pass Road gate openNowMay–Nov
- Kaiser Pass campgrounds openNowJun–Sep
- Fall color, end of Sept to late NovNowSep–Nov
Best spots around Sierra National Forest
- Kaiser Pass RoadAspens, black oaks and dogwoods on the climb above Huntington Lake
- Huntington LakeFall color around the lake; Kaiser Pass Road starts at its east end
- Mono Hot Springs CampgroundSites shaded by aspen and lodgepole pine, near hot mineral baths6,700 ft6,700 ft
- Badger Flat Campground15 first-come sites by Rancheria Creek, 5.1 miles up the road
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · Sierra National Forest, About the Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Sierra National Forest, Current Conditions (seasonal road gates) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Sierra National Forest, Portal Forebay Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Sierra National Forest, Badger Flat Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Sierra National Forest, Mono Hot Springs Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Sierra National Forest in 2026?
The Forest Service says fall here generally runs from the end of September to late November, depending on elevation: Sep 25–Nov 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Sierra National Forest right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
When is fall color in the Sierra National Forest?
The Forest Service says fall here generally lasts from the end of September until late November, depending on elevation: oaks, cottonwoods and willows color low down, dogwoods at mid elevations and aspens up high. Each year's rain and night temperatures shape the show, and fall brings few crowds.Source: Sierra National Forest, About the Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is Kaiser Pass Road open in the fall?
Usually. The Forest Service's seasonal gates open the first 5.6 miles from May 15 to December 1, and the next 14.5 miles from Memorial Day weekend to November 15. Dates can change with weather, and large RVs and motorhomes are not recommended on this road.Sources: Sierra National Forest, Current Conditions (seasonal road gates) ↗ (opens in a new tab), Sierra National Forest, Portal Forebay Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp along Kaiser Pass Road in October?
Not at the developed campgrounds: Badger Flat, Portal Forebay and Mono Hot Springs are open June through September. None has drinking water; at Mono Hot Springs you can get water and supplies at the resort's general store.Sources: Sierra National Forest, Badger Flat Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), Sierra National Forest, Portal Forebay Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), Sierra National Forest, Mono Hot Springs Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Sierra National Forest?
Kaiser Pass Road: aspens, black oaks and dogwoods on the climb above Huntington Lake; Huntington Lake: fall color around the lake; Kaiser Pass Road starts at its east end; Mono Hot Springs Campground: sites shaded by aspen and lodgepole pine, near hot mineral baths; Badger Flat Campground: 15 first-come sites by Rancheria Creek, 5.1 miles up the road.
What is Sierra National Forest like through the year?
Fall color, end of Sept to late Nov (Sep–Nov), Upper Kaiser Pass Road gate open (May–Nov) and Kaiser Pass campgrounds open (Jun–Sep).