California Fall Colors 2024

Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State

Best time: late September–early November

California may not be the first place that comes to mind for fall foliage, but the Golden State can surprise you with its stunning palette of autumn hues. California's fall foliage destinations offer a unique and beautiful experience for visitors. With a variety of locations and activities to choose from, it's worth planning a trip to see California's fall colors. Whether you’re exploring the Shasta Cascade Region, the Lake Tahoe area, or the scenic spots in Southern California, there’s plenty to enjoy during the fall season.

Best Time for Fall Colors

Starting from late September and peaking in October in the northern areas or at higher elevations across the state, autumn hues make their way south by late October and make their last brushstrokes in early November.

Best Locations to View Fall Colors

Shasta Cascade Region

Shasta Cascade Region, also called Upstate California, is among the most beautiful fall destinations dotted with numerous leaf-peeping places. Some of the best places to view fall foliage in Shasta Cascade are Redding, Mount Shasta, and Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, northeast of Redding, promise stunning vistas adorned with golden aspens. Plumas-Eureka State Park in Plumas County is another scenic spot in the region. In Sonoma County, it's worth your time to see Annadel State Park with its numerous big leaf maples and black oaks displaying shades of yellow and orange. Nearby Napa Valley is dressed up in red and orange thanks to its vineyards. Finally, you can enjoy some mountain scenery in Castle Rock State Park located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Lake Tahoe Region

Lake Tahoe Region is one of the best destinations for leaf-peeping. Hope Valley gets transformed with yellow aspens and cottonwood. Take a ride from South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50 to Echo Summit for about five miles, then take a turn on Highway 89 to Luther Pass that features especially beautiful aspen grove. Also, stop by Markleeville and the East Carson River to snap some photos. This area is full of aspen trees and picturesque creeks. More aspens await for you on Ebbetts Pass that can be reached by Alpine state highway or Highway 4 stretching on the south side of Hope Valley. Kinney Creek and Kinney Reservoir provide great fall views. Read more about fall colors in Lake Tahoe region over here.

Yosemite National Park

Fall foliage scenic drives in Yosemite National Park include the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road that is famous for its yellow aspens. Stop by the Tuolumne Grove trailhead or the Yosemite Creek area for some fall-time photography. Leaf-peepers will be also rewarded on a trail that goes from Badger Pass ski area to Bridalveil Creek Campground. The southern part of Yosemite Valley is colored in yellow, red, orange, and bronze thanks to a great variety of trees. A small village of Wawona, south of the valley, looks very picturesque covered in yellow, orange, and brown tones from oaks and cottonwood. In Northern California, the leaves start to change color in late September with peak fall foliage season in mid-October.

Southern California

It seems summer never leaves Southern California. However, it's possible to see some beautiful fall displays there as well. Visit Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in San Diego Сounty that gets transformed by gold and yellow hues due to the abundant black oaks. Another scenic location for fall colors in Southern Calfornia is Palomar Mountain State Park. The park is composed of evergreen trees with yellow accents created by black oaks. Nearby Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers a similar scenery of green and yellow patterns.

Mono County and the Eastern Sierra

Mono County and the surrounding Eastern Sierra provide one of the most spectacular displays of fall colors in the western United States. As the summer fades, the region's rugged granite canyons, carved by rushing streams and framed by an azure sky, become adorned with vibrant shades of gold, orange, and crimson. Notable locations include Rock Creek, Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop, Yosemite's Tioga Pass, Lundy Canyon, Bridgeport, and Sonora Pass. The Quaking Aspens, Cottonwoods, and Willows in these areas create a stunning contrast against the dramatic landscape, offering a mesmerizing autumnal scene that peaks from mid-September through mid-October. This annual transformation draws leaf peepers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from all over, eager to experience the magic of fall in the Eastern Sierra.

Outdoor Activities

California's fall foliage destinations offer a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Popular trails include the June Lake Loop, Lundy Canyon, Green Creek, Virginia Lakes, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, and Rock Creek Canyon. Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are perfect for fall hikes.

Entry Fees and Hours

Most state parks and national parks in California charge an entry fee, typically ranging from $5 to $30 per vehicle. Yosemite National Park, for instance, charges $35 per vehicle for a three-day pass (seven consecutive days when a reservation isn't required). For Yosemite, reservations are necessary from 5 am to 4 pm on specific dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024. Park hours vary, so it’s best to check the specific park’s website for up-to-date information.

Where to stay

Napa Valley is one of the most romantic fall getaways in California. It offers a variety of lodging: cozy bed & breakfasts, Victorian Inns, and stylish boutique hotels located right in the vineyards. Lake Tahoe area boasts many hotels and resorts with spectacular views. Yosemite National Park has many campsites. Palomar Mountain State Park features Cedar Grove Group Campground with three separate areas for camping all year round.