The Best Places to Find Fall Color in California
While fall color may conjure images of pastoral New England byways, there are plenty of blazing ochres, crimsons, and golds to be found throughout the Golden State. And with such varied elevations and topographies, leaf-peeping season easily lasts from September into December. Here, we detail the best places to find fall color in California, including the average peak time for each region.
Jump to:
- Eastern Sierra
- Lake Tahoe
- Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon
- Wine Country
- Redwood National Park
- Gold Country
- Southern California Mountains
- Shasta Cascade
Eastern Sierra
Color Typically Peaks: mid-September to mid-October
From Bishop to Bridgeport, arguably the best fall color in California is found in the eastern Sierra. Here, the dramatic mountain vistas are ablaze each autumn, with fiery groves of aspens and cottonwoods silhouetted against sharp granite peaks.
You’ll see plenty of fall color up and down the Highway 395 corridor. However, some of the best spots (going geographically from south to north) include: Bishop Creek Canyon, Rock Creek Canyon, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, Lundy Canyon, Conway Summit, Green Creek, and the Sonora Pass.
For more detail, check out our dedicated guide to the best fall color in the Eastern Sierra.
Lake Tahoe
Color Typically Peaks: early to mid-October
The northern Sierra surrounding Lake Tahoe burst into autumnal colors around the same time as the eastern Sierra. Some of the best fall leaves are found south of Tahoe, in the Highway 88/89 corridor that encompasses Markleville, Hope Valley, and Kirkwood.
Closer to town, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Fallen Leaf Lake have some of the best color along the lake. Just be mindful to share the trail with other Tahoe residents. Bears are particularly prevalent here in the fall, when the salmon run up Taylor Creek to spawn.
Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon
Color Typically Peaks: late October to November
Despite the prevalence of conifer trees like pine and fir (which stay green year-round), you’ll still catch a healthy dose of autumn in California’s three most popular national parks. There are plenty of cottonwoods, oaks, and other deciduous trees that come alive with the colors of the season.
In Yosemite, it’s easy to catch fall color from the roads through Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, or Wawona. You can also hike along the road between Badger Pass and Bridalveil Creek Campground to spot the groves of quaking aspen (3.4 miles each way).
Because Sequoia and Kings Canyon sit at a lower elevation, fall color hits later than the rest of the Sierra. However, you’ll still be able to catch bright yellow and rust hues within the Giant Forest, or spot the deep reds of dogwoods (Sequoia’s Redwood Mountain Grove) and maples (Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon).
Wine Country
Color Typically Peaks: October through late November
For a California spin on fall color, head to Napa and Sonoma, where the deep autumn hues of the grape leaves are no less vivid than the trees.
We’re partial to northern Sonoma County, including Healdsburg, Windsor, and environs. Here, bucolic farmhouses dot the hillsides in between the rolling vineyards, and the seasonal abundance of local apples, pumpkins, pears, persimmons, and more add to the cozy fall vibes.
Redwood National Park
Color Typically Peaks: late October to early November
While the namesake tree is coniferous, Redwood National Park still has an abundance of maples, alders and other deciduous plants that lend a vibrance to the autumn months. Even the poison oak turns prettily with the season. These bright bursts of color provide added drama to the primeval redwood forests.
Take a drive down the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, or explore the numerous recreation areas along the banks of the Smith River. The easy 0.6-mile loop of Stout Grove also has plenty of color-changing trees.
Gold Country
Color Typically Peaks: early to late October
Fall color lends an added charm to the quaint small towns that make up California’s gold country. Tucked back into the Sierra foothills, Gold Country is an easy extension to an eastern Sierra, Tahoe, or Yosemite trip.
Some of the most popular towns for leaf-peeping in Gold country include Nevada City, Auburn, Grass Valley, and Placerville. Near Placerville, you can also heighten the seasonal fun at Apple Hill. This community of 50 local family farms features you-pick orchards, pumpkin patches, kids’ activities, wine and hard cider tasting, and more.
Southern California Mountains
Color Typically Peaks: mid-October to early November
Although Southern California may conjure stronger images of palm trees than fall leaves, the mountains just outside Los Angeles and San Diego can still hold their own in the autumn months.
Some of the best places to spot fall color include: Lake Arrowhead (including Lake Gregory and Grass Valley Lake close by), Big Bear Lake, and Idyllwild in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, along with Julian and Palomar Mountain in San Diego County.
Julian makes a particularly whimsical day trip, as this charming 1800s mining town has multiple you-pick orchards and bakeries famous for their fall apple pie.
Shasta Cascade
Color Typically Peaks: mid-October
In the far northern reaches of California, the Shasta Cascade region feels more rugged and untouched than other parts of the state. Each autumn, the crisp mountain air brings flaming reds, yellows, and oranges to the landscape.
Some of the best fall foliage spots in Shasta Cascade include: Castle Crags State Park, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Lake Shasta, and Lassen Volcanic National Park (be sure to stop at Hat Creek and Manzanita Lake).
Did we miss somewhere? Let us know your favorite spot for fall color in California in the comments!
