Overlanding truck driving through golden aspen trees in the Eastern Sierra during peak fall color season. — Exploring off-grid trails in the Eastern Sierra — golden aspens and crisp mountain air made the perfect father-son adventure backdrop.

The first time Henry and I saw the Eastern Sierra in full fall color, it felt like stepping into a dream. Golden aspens shimmered against rugged peaks, the air smelled of pine and cold creek water, and every dirt road promised something new.

This wasn’t just another overlanding trip — it was our father-son adventure. My goal was simple: chase the fleeting Eastern Sierra fall colors, spend uninterrupted time with my five-year-old boy, and maybe, just maybe, help him catch his first fish.

We captured the whole story in our new film:
🎥 Chasing Fall | Epic Overlanding in the Eastern Sierra

Where to Find the Best Eastern Sierra Fall Colors

The Eastern Sierra Nevada is one of California’s best-kept secrets for fall foliage. When October hits, this region explodes in gold — aspens line the canyons, cottonwoods turn amber along the creeks, and every alpine lake looks like it’s been painted for postcards.

Here are some of our favorite spots to explore:

Convict Lake – Early mornings here are pure magic. The reflections of fiery aspens on still water are worth the 6 a.m. chill.
Bishop Creek Canyon – Always reliable for color, especially around North Lake and South Lake. The drive alone is worth it.
June Lake Loop – Endless lakes, easy pull-offs, and every shade of fall imaginable.
McGee Creek – A quieter gem, where red willows and yellow aspens mix for incredible contrast.

Overlanding through the golden aspens of the Eastern Sierra.

Overlanding truck driving through a forest of golden aspen trees in California’s Eastern Sierra during peak fall color season. — Exploring hidden forest tracks under glowing aspens — the heart of fall in California’s Eastern Sierra.

We ventured off the main roads too — dusty backroads and hidden forest tracks where we camped under golden canopies, miles from anyone else. At night, the only sound was the crackle of the fire and Henry’s laughter echoing through the trees.

When to Visit the Eastern Sierra for Fall Colors

Fall color in the Eastern Sierra doesn’t last long — and that’s part of its magic. The season shifts fast with elevation and weather, usually peaking between late September and mid-October.

Here’s a quick guide:

Above 9,000 ft (Rock Creek, Sabrina Basin) → Early October
7,000–8,500 ft (Bishop Creek, June Lake) → Early to mid-October
Below 7,000 ft (Lundy Canyon, Bridgeport area) → Mid- to late October

If you’re planning a trip, stay flexible. One cold front can strip the trees overnight. Go early, check local color reports, and let the road decide where you end up.

ather and son setting up an overlanding campsite beside a creek surrounded by colorful aspen trees in the Eastern Sierra. — Our remote camp by the creek — quiet mornings, cold air, and the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.

Lessons from the Road: Fatherhood, Patience, and Presence

This trip wasn’t all smooth trails and perfect sunsets. We had delays helping a neighbor, crowded fishing spots that didn’t pan out, and moments of exhaustion when plans fell apart. But that’s the beauty of overlanding — it teaches patience, flexibility, and gratitude for the unexpected.

There’s a quiet clip in the video (around 7:42) where I talk about being present — really present — for my son. No phones, no schedules, just dirt roads, stories, and shared silence. Those moments reminded me that adventure isn’t about conquering the map. It’s about connection.

The Moment That Made It All Worth It

On our final morning, we woke to a stillness you only find in the high Sierra — no wind, no noise, just the sun lighting up the aspens like fire. Henry stood beside the creek, his little hands gripping the rod, and after days of trying… he caught his first rainbow trout.

At 30:42 in the video, you can see the exact moment — the wide-eyed grin, the triumphant yell, the pure magic of a kid’s first catch.
That’s when it hit me: this trip wasn’t about chasing colors or catching fish. It was about chasing moments — the kind that never fade.

Young boy catching his first rainbow trout during an overlanding trip in California’s Eastern Sierra. — Henry’s first fish — a rainbow trout caught on our final morning in the mountains.

Why You Should Chase Fall in the Eastern Sierra

If you’ve never experienced autumn in the Eastern Sierra, do it once in your life. The combination of color, solitude, and raw California beauty is unmatched. Whether you’re camping, overlanding, or just road-tripping, it’s a reminder of how much beauty exists just off the pavement.

Here are a few quick tips:

Bring layers — mornings freeze, afternoons warm up.
Check conditions daily — fall color moves fast here.
Respect the land — pack it in, pack it out, and leave no trace.
Slow down — the best views aren’t always on the itinerary.

Watch the Full Story

This trip changed the way I see adventure — not as miles traveled, but as moments shared. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the pull of the open road, the crisp air of mountain mornings, or the quiet pride of watching your child discover the wild, this film is for you.

👉 Watch “Chasing Fall | Epic Overlanding in the Eastern Sierra” on YouTube

It’s a story about color, connection, and what it means to be a dad in the wild.

Father and son celebrating a first rainbow trout catch beside a mountain lake during a fall overlanding trip in California’s Eastern Sierra. — Henry’s first fish — a rainbow trout caught on our final morning in the mountains. A moment we’ll both remember forever.

Tags: eastern sierra fall colors, california overlanding, father-son camping, bishop creek canyon, june lake loop, fall travel california, family road trip, fall foliage california

Chasing Fall in the Eastern Sierra: A Father-Son Overlanding Adventure You’ll Never Forget