6 of the Best Places to See the Fall in California

Dr. Bharat Lall
Sep 7, 2018 · 4 min read

When most people think of places to see vibrant fall colors, they think of New England, Canada, or other destinations with cooler temperatures and a more continental climate. However, California also offers a wealth of locations to experience beautiful autumn colors.

Check out the following list of six great places to see the fall foliage in California:

Nevada County

Nevada County includes two places that offer especially beautiful fall colors: Nevada City and Grass Valley. Situated between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, these towns are located in the Sierra Nevada foothills at an elevation of around 2,500 feet. To see the best colors, visit the Victorian neighborhoods near each of the town’s historic districts, which feature red maple trees planted more than 100 years ago by the first European settlers.

Image by Erin Johnson | Flickr

As towns founded during California’s Gold Rush, Grass Valley and Nevada City also offer historic landmarks and museums where visitors can learn how the discovery of gold transformed the region in the mid-19th century. In addition to these towns, the nearby Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway, a 160-mile loop on state highways, passes through groves of quaking aspens as well as old, abandoned mines in historic villages.

Yosemite National Park

Although Yosemite National Park is probably better known for its majestic giant sequoias, the park has such a variety of elevations that it also is home to many species of deciduous trees that change color in the autumn. Dogwoods, black cottonwoods, and quaking aspens bring a beautiful rainbow of colors to the park every fall.

Locations that stand out for fall leaf-peeping include Tioga Road near Fern Spring and the Merced River, as well as the forests near June Lake. Another place to capture some great fall pictures is Superintendent’s Meadow, which features a black oak with yellow leaves and the famous Half Dome in the background.

Bishop Creek Canyon

Located in Inyo County in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bishop Creek Canyon stands out for the beautiful autumn leaves around North and South Lakes, as well as Lake Sabrina. The colorful trees and their reflection in the lakes against the backdrop of soaring, 10,000-foot mountain peaks make this an ideal place to see stunning fall scenery.

Image by Don Graham | Flickr

Those looking for a place to enjoy outdoor activities while taking in the colors will find plenty of fishing, with anglers visiting the area to catch rainbow, brown, and golden trout. The canyon also features a number of hiking trails leading to some 50 lakes with even more excellent fishing spots.

Big Bear Lake

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is ideal for Southern California residents and visitors looking for fall foliage without having to travel far. Though best known as a summer vacation hotspot, Big Bear stands out for the contrast of colors set against the evergreen forest. Families can begin at the Big Bear Discovery Center and continue on a 1.5-mile hike along the Woodland Trail. Further trails north of Big Bear Lake offer some of the best views of the fall foliage.

Pinnacles National Park

The newest national park in the country, Pinnacles National Park is located near the town of Soledad in Central California. The park features beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow as the temperatures cool in autumn, when the weather is best prior to the arrival of the rainy season in October or November.

Image by oliver.dodd | Flickr

To explore the views from the many nooks and crannies of the park’s hills and volcanic rock formations, venture up the High Peak’s Trail or make your way up the Pig Fence, which was installed to keep feral pigs out. The climb is so challenging that you’ll be glad you can grasp the fence as you ascend. Other highlights of the park include its diversity of wildlife, which ranges from cougars and bobcats to coyotes and wild turkey.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Located near Julian, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park stands out as an unexpected site to see fall colors in San Diego County. The park features more than 100 trails to explore on foot or via bike or horseback.

At higher elevations above 5,000 feet, the park enjoys a true change of seasons and features 25,000 acres of conifer and oak forests. The region’s most famous fall tree is the black oak, which turns yellow and creates a beautiful contrast with the surroundings.

The park also offers overnight camping at the Green Valley and Paso Picacho campgrounds. Together, the camps include more than 160 sites and beautiful trails featuring views of both the desert and changing fall foliage.

The above six destinations are proof that California has plenty to offer visitors seeking fall color. As you explore these places, look for lesser-known sites along the way. You may discover even more excellent locations to view fall foliage in the Golden State.

Dr. Bharat Lall

Written by

Dr. Bharat Lall, an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, leads Pinnacle Hotels as president and chief executive officer.

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