Think California Can't Compete with New England for Fall Foliage? Think Again!
When it comes to fall colors, Vermont and New Hampshire often steal the spotlight. However, California, the third-largest state, boasts a diverse Mediterranean climate and varying elevations—from sea level to 14,000 feet—that extend its vibrant foliage season. In California, elevation plays a bigger role than latitude in the timing of fall colors, changing at a pace of over 500 feet per week. Leaf-peeping in California can begin as early as September in the mountains and last through November in the valleys.
If you're not the type to plan ahead, there's good news: although autumn officially began on September 23, the timing of fall color changes is less predictable. According to the California Fall Color (CA FC) website, this year, nature is taking its time. For instance, in Yosemite Valley, dogwood and bigleaf maples won't start to change until mid-October, with colors expected to last into November.
For October, the CA FC suggests checking out the Eastern and Northern Sierra (including Lake Tahoe) and the mountain ranges of Southern California, like San Bernardino and San Jacinto.
Two of California's national parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Redwood National & State Parks, will be at their peak from mid-October to early November. Meanwhile, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks are likely to remain colorful until Thanksgiving.
In California's wine country, grape varieties may differ, but mid-October to mid-November is the ideal period to witness orderly rows of vines transforming into shades of burgundy and yellow. Additionally, November in the Central Valley offers a vibrant display from pistachio and walnut orchards. Here are some of the best spots in California to enjoy nature's stunning autumn palette.
Mammoth Lakes
U.S. Route 395 stretches approximately 550 miles along the eastern Sierras, rivaling Highway 1 as one of California's most picturesque drives, particularly the 55-mile stretch from Bridgeport to Mammoth Lakes. This route also features two remarkable geological stops: the ancient Mono Lake, known for its surreal tufa formations, and Devils Postpile, a national monument showcasing towering basalt columns up to 60 feet high.
The Eastern Sierra lakes, surrounded by a tapestry of colorful trees, include June Lake, Convict Lake, Lake George, and Lundy Lake. A favorite detour from Route 395, the June Lake Loop Road (or Highway 158) is a scenic 16-mile drive featuring several lakes; the vibrant aspens and willows add to the autumn charm. Convict Lake offers an easy 2-mile loop trail for those looking to explore on foot.
Yosemite and other national parks
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In October, Yosemite is a top destination for experiencing fall colors: you’ll find pink and red Pacific dogwoods, the orange hues of black oaks, and the golden shades of bigleaf maples, as well as the yellows of deer brush, Indian hemp, and various grasses. Near the east entrance, Tioga Pass features stunning quaking aspens.
For a quieter experience, consider Sequoia National Park. While the giant sequoias themselves don’t change color, the surrounding flora does. Pinnacles National Park is a great option for an easy day trip from the Bay Area; a few years back, I was welcomed by clusters of rusty orange sycamores at the eastern entrance in November, which outnumbered the visitors. Plus, the fall temperatures are much more pleasant than in summer.
California’s abundant wine regions
Photo by Jessie Beck
When you praise the reds of Napa Valley in autumn, you might be referring to both the foliage and the wines. At various wineries, you'll find golden ginkgo trees and scarlet liquid amber leaves alongside the colorful grape leaves. Keep in mind that fall harvests can lead to weekend traffic on Highway 29, the main route through Napa Valley, so consider venturing west to explore Sonoma County’s parks and vineyards. In Mendocino County, the scenic route through the vineyards of Anderson Valley along scenic Highway 128 offers a more twisty and picturesque drive than the straight paths of Highway 29.
Other delightful options in wine country include the River Road Wine Trail, which connects wineries in the Salinas Valley near Monterey. Further south, you’ll discover numerous vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, located northeast of Santa Barbara. Make your way to the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, which links Santa Maria, famous for its unique barbecue, to Los Olivos, a small yet charming census-designated place filled with wineries and tasting rooms.
Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas
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With aspens and cottonwoods leading the way, yellow takes center stage at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. A short drive north or west of Lake Tahoe brings you to Truckee, an excellent base for exploring charming small towns—such as historic Sierraville and the nearby Sierra Hot Springs—and the scenic forests along Highway 89. For a more tranquil experience away from the bustling coast of Lake Tahoe, visit Donner Lake for a beautiful display of fall foliage.
At the southern end of Lake Tahoe, Camp Richardson provides a stunning autumn landscape and various ways to enjoy it: biking, hiking, horseback riding, or taking an afternoon cruise around Emerald Bay (available until mid-October). Nearby, you’ll find two other notable spots for vibrant colors: Taylor Creek Visitor Center and the high alpine Fallen Leaf Lake. The wheelchair-accessible Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek is perfect for viewing aspens, while an easy, flat walk at Fallen Leaf leads to Cathedral Meadow’s beautiful aspen grove. A half-hour drive will take you to the undeveloped Hope Valley, which offers more fall colors.
San Bernardino Mountains
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The SoCal coast isn't ideal for leaf peeping; instead, you’ll need to venture inland and uphill from Los Angeles and San Diego to find autumn hues. Two notable spots also feature apple orchards: Oak Glen, with its namesake oaks and black walnuts displaying vibrant colors (plus an apple butter festival in November), is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains' foothills. Julian, around a 90-minute drive from San Diego, lies near Volcan Mountain and boasts not just apple trees but also colorful oaks and vineyards, making it a charming former gold mining town. Nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is known for its vibrant yellow and orange oaks.
Additionally, two areas typically associated with summer and winter also showcase beautiful fall foliage. Lake Arrowhead, which hosts an Oktoberfest every weekend in October, is located northeast of San Bernardino. Striking crimson and amber maples, along with golden aspens, are visible on various hikes around Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. Both lakes are approximately a two-hour drive from L.A.
Unpredictable weather and climate change affect the timing of leaf changes. (I remember seeing snow on yellowing aspens near Lake Tahoe in September a few years back.) However, even if you miss peak colors, your journey through the Golden State will still be filled with stunning scenery. For the latest updates, be sure to check californiafallcolor.com.
This article was first published in 2022 and was last updated on October 2, 2023, with the latest information.
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