When you think of great places to view fall foliage, California is probably not the first state that comes to mind. People typically head Back East to witness New England’s dramatic display, but there is no reason to hop on a plane and battle the “leafer” crowds; California fall color does exist!
Autumn in California begins as early as September in the Sierras, and continues into December in Southern California’s low elevations.
An extended fall season gives you plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy the show. Here are a few of my favorite spots to enjoy fall in California.
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Where to Enjoy Fall in California in 2021
1. Experience Vibrant Fall Foliage at June Lake
There are few places in California more beautiful than the Eastern Sierra in the fall. Quaking aspens flanking June Lake seem to glow as the sunlight penetrates their leaves. Granite-covered mountainsides reflect in the lake’ with fiery trees highlighting the foreground, are the reason people head back to June Lake year after year.
One of the most scenic drives in Mono County is the June Lake Loop. Come early in the season, before the snowfall begins and the area around the lake takes on its winter coat. Colors tend to peak by mid-October.
Mammoth Lakes is just down the road. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Mammoth.
Need a place to stay? Here are Tripadvisor approved vacation rentals nearby.
More California Fall Color in Mono County
If you are looking to add a bit of adventure to your California fall foliage hunt, Mono County has some outdoorsy experiences to consider.
What better way to enjoy the wilds of the West than on horseback? Adults and children as young as seven can join the two-hour Horsetail Falls Loop ride which is offered by McGee Pack Station. The foliage-filled ride follows a creek to Horsetail Falls and McGee Gorge before returning on the Canyon Trail.
In Bridgeport, Leavitt Meadows offers several different horseback riding trips, ranging from one to four hours in length. The rides near Secret Lake are especially scenic. Riders ages seven and up are welcome.
The Mono County region is filled with several lakes that are perfect for kayaking or boating. Aspens and other brilliantly-colored trees line area lakes such as Convict Lake, Twin Lakes, Rock Creek Lake, as well as Lake Mary and Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Several area marinas have kayaks and boats to rent.
Read more about where to stay and what to do while visiting the Eastern Sierra with Kids.
2. Witness the Remarkable Yellows and Oranges of Bishop Creek Canyon
Mid-September is the time of year to begin your California fall color hunt in the High Sierras. You can view the vibrant fall foliage near Lake Sabrina, North Lake, and South Lake. These spots are located west of Bishop in Inyo County, just off Highway 168.
These Tripadvisor-approved vacation rentals in Bishop will put you close to the leaf changing action.
The elevation in the Bishop Creek Canyon area hovers around 10,000 feet, and the fall color reflects beautifully off the alpine lakes. There are several great hiking trails in the area, perfect for leaf peeping.
Explore more of the Golden State. Here are the best things to do in California with kids.
3. Enjoy Fall in California’s Vineyards & Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Fall color in Napa Valley is an experience unto itself. Wineries are just finished celebrating “the crush”, grape leaves turn colors, and the night air is distinctively crisp.
Book one of these wine tours in Napa Valley to enhance your autumn experience in Wine Country.
In between stops at wineries, be sure to walk a trail or two in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The big-leafed maples are gorgeous and their leaves sound so wonderful crunching underfoot. Color tends to peak in mid to late October.
Check out our guide to the best things to do in Napa with kids.
4. See the Changing Aspens of the Lake Tahoe Area
Fall Color is easy to find around Lake Tahoe. In South Lake Tahoe, head over to the Fallen Leaf Lake area to enjoy the yellow aspens of Fredrick’s Meadow. The one-mile trail to Glen Alpine Springs is also in the are and full of color.
In North Lake Tahoe, head to the Tahoe Rim Trail where it meets Ward Creek Boulevard and hike 1.5 miles north to Page Meadows. Marlette Lake near Tahoe and the Upper Truckee River are two more nice places to enjoy the aspens. October is your best bet for Tahoe fall color.
See what other spots made our epic NorCal bucket list. Here are 25 Awesome Things to do in Northern California with kids.
5. Find California Fall Color in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is like the prom queen. She’s never had a bad hair day and always looks picture perfect.
No matter what the season is, Yosemite never stops short of wowing whoever graces her presence. While many of the trees in the park are evergreen, there are still maples, oaks, and dogwoods to spice up the scenery come mid-October.
The fall weather makes for nice mid-afternoon strolls on the park’s hiking trails. Be sure to read our guide on enjoying Yosemite Without the Crowds (pssst….. the fall is a good time for that).
Check for amazing deals on family-friendly hotels near Yosemite.
Book a tour of Yosemite National Park and let the experts lead the way!
6. Enjoy of Burst of Color in Julian
Yes, there really is California fall color in San Diego County! At 4,000 feet in elevation, palm trees and sandy beaches give way to Julian’s mountain air, apple orchards, and some wonderful opportunities for leaf peeping.
This historic mining town is a great place for Southern California natives to get a taste of fall without having to hop on a plane. Grab a cup of hot apple cider and enjoy the view before heading back on down the mountain and into the land of endless summers.
7. Enjoy Urban Fall Foliage in Sacramento
California’s capital is filled with more than high rises and legislature. Sacramento’s 110,000 city-owned trees (and many more privately owned) create quite a vibrant spectacle come fall. When I lived in Sacramento, I absolutely loved taking the bridge over the river and gazing down at the beautiful trees below.
Discover the best things to do in Sacramento with kids.
My kids loved jumping in piles of leaves in city parks and searching for maple leaves bigger than their tiny faces. If you can pick any season to visit the City of Trees, make it autumn.
Good to know: Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is another place to enjoy urban autumn color.
Sacramento is a great place to eat! Check out these Sacramento food tours. Need a place to stay? Here are the top picks for Sacramento lodging on Trip Advisor.
8. See Fall in Samuel P Taylor State Park
Fifteen miles west of San Rafael, the Bay Area crowds are non-existent and coastal redwoods intermingle with oaks and firs to create a lovely fall spectacle come late October.
Samuel P Taylor State Park in Marin County is a great place to hike, bike, and enjoy the golds and browns popping against the evergreens. Point Reyes National Seashore is nearby, a nice place to take in the sunset this time of year.
9. Experience a Stunning Fall Scene at Burney Falls
Tucked up into Northeastern California about an hour from Redding are the stunning Burney Falls in McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park. These falls are fed by an underground spring and drop 129 feet out of dozens of holes in the side of the cliff.
The resulting waterfall is so beautiful that president Teddy Roosevelt referred to it as the “the eighth wonder of the world.” It is especially photogenic during the fall when the surrounding foliage changes color.
There is a one-mile loop trail to explore the area around Burney Falls and Lake Britton is a short walk away. This park tends to show off its peak color in mid-October.
Visiting Burney Falls made our list of 25 epic things to do in Northern California. See what else made the list.
Lead Image by: Bigstock/SNEHITDESIGN
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