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Giving Thanks and Looking Back at 2023

On this Thanksgiving Day, californiafallcolor.com is thankful for this year’s color spotters who are the heart and soul of making this website happen. In a year of transition to new ownership, we appreciate your patience, understanding and encouragement as we navigated the busy world of fall color in California.

For 2023 they are as follows:

Philip Reedy, Samantha Lindberg, Angie Plaisted, Michael Beatley, Jeff Simpson, Betsy Forsyth, Peter Asco, John Poimiroo, Dakota Snider, Liz Grans, Alicia Vennos, Lucas Yan, Amanda Carlson, Robin Roberts, Jim Adams, Jennifer Natale, Michelle Pontoni, Michelle English, Jeff Titcomb, Jake Edwards, Rodgersl Duncan, Gary Hromada, Peter Robbins, Clayton Peoples, Shanda Ochs, Dave Pabinquit, Hanna Summers, Risa Wyatt, Brandon Downey, Gary Skipper II, Ruth Hartman, Bob Blesse, Christopher Adkins, Gary Young, Lance Pifer, Vishal Mishra, Tom Pitts, Tim Vandehey, Zhibin Guan, Betty Bishop, Karen Kleven, Beth Reid, Jim Van Matre, Ellie Hinrichs, Matt Snoozle, Sharon Jiang.

If somehow we missed you, please know it wasn’t intentional. We are truly indebted to every contributor.

As the new Publisher and Editor of the site, I did not fully understand the full breadth of what the site’s Founder, John Poimiroo, had created until I dove in this year. The level of passion and excitement for fall color in the Golden State is extreme and beautiful. It was more than I could have ever imagined, which just goes to show we have something pretty special here.

The amount of content we received this year was astounding and I often had difficulties keeping up with postings. However, just as I would be on the brink of frustration that I wasn’t doing the site justice, one of you would send an encouraging word or comment and I’d be off and running again.

Again, I appreciate everyone’s patience as I learned the ropes and found my groove. I’ll only get better from here!

Special thanks are expressed to Inyo County Tourism, Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Mono County Tourism, Destination Plumas County and Roadsurfer for underwriting California Fall Color, and to the many reporters and media who carried our reports and gave attention to what we have shown about California’s fall color.

Our deepest thanks go to the more than 68,000 readers who read, followed, reacted to and commented here and on our social media pages. You are still, after all, the reason we do this.

Special thanks to my newborn son, Will. Your entrance into this world gave me the time and the opportunity to work on this site, and the adventure became a bonding experience for us. And to my husband and daughter for putting up with me as I took on a new endeavor that took time away from them.

The photographs selected for this year’s video represent the Best of the Week photos from this year’s weekly reports. They demonstrate some of the finest photography of 2023. To be considered for the video, photos must be high resolution (300 dpi), not watermarked, and submitted within one week of capturing them.

A special thanks to my good friend, Dakota Snider, for putting together this year’s video. You are an all-around good human and I thank you for your friendship.

And of course, I would be remiss not to thank the man who created this site and has mentored me through this first season. I will forever be indebted to the talented Mr. John Poimiroo for passing on his passion project to me.

While autumn doesn’t end today, we begin to dial back reports and will post less frequently. We’ve also stopped sending weekly updates to meteorologists, travel and outdoor writers.

So, enjoy your Thanksgiving Day and plan an Orange Friday of fall color spotting, tomorrow.

California – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – In our hearts, California is always at its best. We’ll see you next autumn, dude.

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Vibrant Fall Foliage in California

Convict Lake (10/12/23) Hanna Summers

Californiafallcolor.com was highlighted this week, along with several photos from our color spotters in a piece titled,“California’s fall foliage is ‘very vibrant’ this year. Here’s where to see it.”

Indeed, while it got off to a late start, this year’s color has been beautiful and vibrant so far.

The piece covers the topic of this anomaly year where color changes have not followed the pattern of descending from highest elevations to lowest, but instead have popped up, willy nilly around the state.

If the link doesn’t work you can read the article here.

Snowcreek Meadow, Mammoth Lakes (10/13/23) Angie Plaisted
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It’s GO Time!

Conway Summit (10/11/23) Jeff Simpson

As of Oct.11, 2023 it is GO time in the Eastern Sierra as well as Plumas County!

All week long photos have been pouring in from leaf peepers in these areas showing vibrant displays of fall color. Plan your trip now for your chance to discover what fall is all about in the Golden State.

Things are changing quickly in the mountains, reports color spotter Betsy Forsyth. With areas that were mostly green last week now being in full-blown fall color mode, all locations in Mono County and the majority of locations in Inyo County are at peak or approaching peak colors!

In Plumas County, Jeff Titcomb reported, ”We’re getting there pretty quickly.”

Michael Beatley added on October 10, “Quincy today, although cloudy, was bursting with fall colors, 70-90%. Behind the historic courthouse on Jackson Street, the trees are full of fall color. In the next few days Quincy and American Valley and the surrounding area will be glorious.”

Mist Falls (10/8/23) Brandon Downey

INYO COUNTY – as of 10/11/23

Southern Inyo County

Lots of yellows on the cottonwoods in the valleys and aspen in the high country. 

  • Lone Pine (3,727′) – (10-50%)
  • Alabama Hills (4,534′) – (10-50%)
  • Whitney Portal (8,375′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
  • Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”)50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
  • Independence (3,930′) -(10-50%)
  • Onion Valley (9,600′) – (10-50%)
  • Big Pine Creek (7,660′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
  • Big Pine (3,989′) – (10-50%)

Bishop Creek Canyon

Bishop Creek Canyon is beautiful right now, and may not last for long! The leaves are changing VERY QUICKLY. From last week to this week, so many of the trees have gone from green with a little yellow hue to lots of yellows and some oranges. There are still some green groves of aspen, but lots of yellows and oranges up there, and many leaves already on the ground. 

South Fork, Bishop Creek

  • South Lake (9,768′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Weir Pond (9,650′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) –  Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Willow Campground (9,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. These groves are peaking and absolutely beautiful. 
  • Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. There are some beautiful yellow trees here surrounded by green groves. 
  • Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. Closer to 75% for sure There are still green groves, but most of the aspen are peaking now. 
  • Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! This area changed so much in the past week! 

Middle Fork, Bishop Creek

  • Lake Sabrina (9,150′) –Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! 
  • Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. The upper part of the canyon above Cardinal Village is past peak, and at peak down near Cardinal Village. There are still some green groves in the lower area, but it is uncertain how quickly those will change. 
  • Intake II (8,000′) – Peak/Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! Lots of orange and yellow, and leaves on the ground at this point. 
  • Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.

Bishop

  • Bishop (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%) Closer to 50%. Many of the trees in town have some yellows, especially in the upper sections of the trees. There are some trees that have quite a bit of color to them. 
  • Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Owens Valley (4,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods throughout the Owens Valley. Some trees are almost completely yellow. It’s really beautiful. 

Northern Inyo County

  • Lower Rock Creek Rd (7,087′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
  • Round Valley (4,692′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. It’s really beautiful throughout the Owens Valley. There is a fair amount of yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.
  • Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) There are more yellows throughout the canyon. This is a spectacular canyon when you catch the colors and the light right!
  • Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. Closer to 50%. At the top of the canyon, there are some yellows in the Aspen, and everything else is getting some yellows as well.
Dunderberg Meadow (10/9/23) Peter Robbins

MONO COUNTY 

100% FULL PEAK: Last call for Sagehen Summit, Upper Rock Creek Road, and Lobdell Lake Road. These locations have been brilliant for the past 5-7 days and we are unsure how long they will hold on. GO NOW or you’ll miss your opportunity at these locations. 

75-100%: The high mountain passes of Tioga Pass, Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass were all at full peak on October 10 with orange and yellow leaves from top to bottom. Upper Summers Meadows Road was the most spectacular we have ever seen it this morning – this is a MUST stop for this weekend. Conway Summit had sections of beautiful peaking orange aspens with yellows and greens mixed in and should be perfect for the next 7-10 days. 

50-75%: Virtually every other location in Mono County is approaching peak color with varying degrees of progress. Along the June Lake Loop you’ll find a lot of green with pockets of over-achieving golden trees. Convict Lake has a great section of yellow leaves on the back side of the lake with green foliage still located in other spots. The banks of the West Walker River were about 50% with the towns of Walker, Coleville and Topaz being the only fully green sections left in Mono County.

Past peak: Virginia Lakes was the only place on our list that is officially past peak. The leaves were stripped of their color about 3 miles up the road. Sagehen Summit, Upper Rock Creek and Lobdell Lake road will probably make this list by next week’s report. 

BONUS: We usually don’t report on this area but we had to include it in this week’s report. Take a drive up Little Walker River Road for an intense spectrum of color. For those willing to hike on foot, take Molybdenite Canyon Trail (located at the end of Obsidian Campground on Little Walker River Road) for huge valleys full of peaking aspen. (Trust us on this one!)

Jamison Creek Trail (10/8/23) Anonymous

PLUMAS COUNTY

In Eastern Plumas County, Mark Kidder gave us a peek into the Lakes Basin area. Hikers can explore the 3.7 Jamison Creek Trail. The trailhead can be found several miles up County Road A-14 towards Johnsville and takes you past Jamison Falls, Grass Lake, and on to Rock Lake and Jamison Lake–all, which are ideal for backpacking if you don’t mind the chilly nights. There are beautiful aspen scattered along this trail.

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

From Graeagle, head west on Highway 70 towards Quincy where the colors haven’t peaked, there are some beautiful spots and many pet-friendly backcountry roads. Right before Quincy, take a drive down La Porte Road to see many colorful maples with evergreens in the background, and then head back into Quincy where the dogwoods are turning bright red and maples are looking good. The best drive for those right now is the Big Creek Road towards Bucks Lake.

Big Creek Road to Bucks Lake

From Quincy, head north on Highway 89 towards Indian Valley. The drive along Indian Creek is still nice but the Dixie Fire did do some damage to that area. As you near the turn off to Taylorsville, the hawthorns are turning a vibrant red. Keep going another few miles and you’ll begin to ascend up the road to Antelope Lake (road currently only open on weekends due to construction). Antelope Lake is showing one of the best displays of quaking aspens right now, which were captured by Jeff Titcomb, another avid leaf peeper.

Above Kings Creek Falls

One of our leaf peepers in Chester, Betty Bishop, said that the colors are just starting to turn on the North Fork of the Feather River that runs right through the town. A few miles outside of Chester turn off on Highway 32 and drive along Deer Creek for some lovely scenery. And the aspen are still golden in Lassen Volcanic National Park and in other spots around Lake Almanor along with some very cool waterfalls, like the one on the Kings Creek Falls trail.

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Cold Temps Flipped the Switch

Lobdell Lake Road in Mono County (10/3/23) Jeff Simpson

A wild weather pattern earlier this week brought fall colors in the state to attention. After the most delayed start that color spotters in Mono County have seen in their 12 years of reporting on fall colors, the color change is finally in full swing and several areas are at the GO NOW rating.

Additionally, color spotters in Plumas County have been reporting a bit of an early start with plenty of brilliant colors to come.

In Mono County trees were still green last Friday, Sept. 29 at locations that in past years would be at full peak. The change came fast though – almost overnight, according to color spotter Jeff Simpson. A wintery-weather system moved in on Friday night and lasted through the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, rain, and even 2-6” of light snow to the higher elevations. This was a welcome surprise for photographers as it provided ideal conditions for landscape pictures with fall colors and freshly snow-capped peaks early Monday morning. Thankfully, the leaves held on and warmer temperatures on Monday quickly melted the snow.

As of October 4, Mono County was back on schedule! The forecast for the next 8-10 days shows above-average temperatures with no precipitation in sight. It should be perfect conditions for fall color viewing for the foreseeable future.

Lobdell Lake Road, Virginia Lakes, Rock Creek Lake, and Sagehen Summit are all peaking and are at the top of our list for visiting this weekend with “GO NOW” conditions. All three locations are closer to 75% than 100%, with lots of green mixed in with the yellows and orange, which means they should be perfect for the next seven days or so.  

Lobdell Lake Road requires AWD or 4WD, so if you’re comfortable with rougher dirt roads we are sure you’ll love one of our favorite fall color spots in the Eastern Sierra.   

Sagehen Summit still had green as of Oct. 4, but the colors should keep progressing there as we approach the weekend. Rock Creek Lake is at full peak around the lake but still green as you head down in elevation along the road. The best color in Virginia Lakes is located around the trailhead parking lot and along Dunderberg Meadows Road (AWD or 4WD recommended here, too).

We’re well on our way with still plenty of color change to come! Plan your trip within the next three weeks to catch the fall brilliance in-person.

Rock Creek Lake (10/2/23) Dakota Snider
Also Rock Creek Lake, earlier in the morning (10/2/23) Samantha Lindberg

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′) 10-50% – Patchy with the best color near the pass.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) 0-10% Some leaves changing in Walker Canyon with this area usually peaking the last week of October.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) 10-50% We didn’t make it up to the summit this week but could see lots of green around the Leavitt Falls elevation. 
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) 75-100% GO NOW! Lots of great color all the way up the road to the lake. One section of trees had red, orange, yellow and green leaves within a 100 feet of each other. Lots of contrast and varying degrees of color. This spot should be great for the next 10 days. (The road has been repaired but AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES
Twin Lakes (7,000′) 0-10% just a few leaves around each lake at this point.
Bodie Hills (9,419′) 10-50% There are great pockets of color and should be approaching peak by next week. (Some sections of road have been washed out from the spring runoff. AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 75-100% GO NOW! The best colors are at the highest elevations. Trust us when we say to take the dirt road detour on Dunderberg Meadows Road as there are some beautiful groves of crimson red happening right now.
Conway Summit (8,143) 10-50% a couple of good groves of yellow up the hill but mostly green near US 395 at the summit.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) 10-50% Full peaking trees at the highest elevations but mostly green along the road. 

LEE VINING
Tioga Pass (9,943′) 50-75% Near Peak No new update. While there are few aspen trees in this area, you will still find fall color near peak in the bushes and grasses with scenic views.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) 10-50% Some really great groves near the ranger station and in Lower Lee Vining Campground. This location should be approaching near peak by next update.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) 10-50% some great sections with yellow trees but still mostly green. 

BENTON & 120 EAST 
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 75-100% GO NOW – Still maturing in some sections with green on the lower elevations. Maybe 5 days to perfect color. (There are no bathrooms located here. Please drive slowly long the paved and dirt sections to this locations as there are a lot of wild horses in the area)

JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) 10-50% A couple groves of color in sections north of Silver Lake but still getting going. 

MAMMOTH LAKES 
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) 10-50% Patchy – Colors within the Mammoth Lakes Basin are spreading throughout specially with the bushes. This is a great option for call colors right within Mammoth Lakes!

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 10-50% No big changes from last week. Patchy Shades of yellows and lime are lining the river here, casting colors throughout the canyon. The best colors will be located on foot up the trail. 
Around Crowley community (6,781′) 10-150% Some nice color starting to make it’s way down into the town. 
Convict Lake (7850′) 10-50% Patchy – Not much change. Golden and lime hues are lining the lakeside, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This location is a perfect choice for those seeking a leisurely stroll among the trees, as a scenic path winds its way along the back of the lake, immersing you in a lush canopy of changing leaves.

ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) 75-100% GO NOW! – Rock Creek Lake is spectacular with most of the trees at “peak” around the lake. However, the at “peak” sections are very localized and you will still see greens along Rock Creek Road.

Bishop Creek Canyon (10/3/23) Dave Pabinquit

INYO COUNTY

In Inyo County, Bishop Creek Canyon has been a treat for photographers this past week with a mix of snow and color as well. Anyone who was out last weekend was able to capture multiple seasons in one shot. Certain portions of this area are also in GO NOW condition with beautiful weather on the horizon for the next few weeks.

It is important to note this year that while roads are open in the Eastern Sierra for leaf peeping, many are narrow with limited parking. Please take extra care when you stop for photos this year as some of the shoulders of the roads have been impacted/washed out.

Southern Inyo County

Lots of yellows on the cottonwoods in the valleys and aspen in the high country. Little bits of orange here and there. 

  • Lone Pine (3,727′) – (10-25%)
  • Alabama Hills (4,534′) – (10-25%)
  • Whitney Portal (8,375′) – (10-25%)
  • Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”)(10-25%)
  • Independence (3,930′) -(10-25%)
  • Onion Valley (9,600′) – (10-25%)
  • Big Pine Creek (7,660′) – (10-25%)
  • Big Pine (3,989′) – (10-25%)

Bishop Creek Canyon

According to color spotter Betsy Forsyth, “Bishop Creek Canyon is beautiful!! We had a really beautiful few days of snow in the high country last weekend which created some incredible contrast of fall colors with the snow. It was short-lived and the snow has pretty much all melted around the lakes in Bishop Creek Canyon. It seems like about half of the Canyon is yellow with an orange hue. There is still lots of green leaves as well.” There is still a lot of rabbitbrush blooming on the way up Highway 168 as well as some mosquitoes. Wildflowers are still visible up in the high country and some can even be found on the road to Lake Sabrina.

South Fork, Bishop Creek

  • South Lake (9,768′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Weir Pond (9,650′) – Patchy (10-50%) There are a couple of beautiful trees, but mostly green leaves around the pond. Yellow starting up the hills. 
  • Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) –  Patchy (10-50%)
  • Willow Campground (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) 
  • Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!) Some beautiful yellows here. Closer to 50%. This is one of the more spectacular spots right now. 
  • Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some beautiful yellow trees here surrounded by green groves. Some orange leaves spotted here. And some just going form yellowish to falling off the Aspen. Not super vibrant, but colorful. 
  • Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) – Patchy (10-50%) Some beautiful yellow trees here surrounded by green groves. 
  • Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – 50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!) Always a stunning spot in the fall!
  • Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Patchy (10-50%). This section of the road has a yellow-brown hue. Not super spectacular, but changing colors for sure. 

Middle Fork, Bishop Creek

  • Lake Sabrina (9,150′) -Patchy (10-50%). Closer to 50%. There are a few patches of orange, with plenty of yellows and still lots of green. This area will be getting really good VERY SOON. 
  • Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Patchy (10-50%) Mixed yellows and greens along the road. Again, closer to 50%. We’re still hoping to get some oranges along this road, as it is so spectacular. 
  • Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) Still pretty green. 
  • Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′) – 50-70% GO NOW The upper part of the canyon above Cardinal Village is all yellow, and hopefully the lower part will get some nice bright colors. 
  • Aspendell (8,400′) – Starting (0-10%)
  • Intake II (8,000′) – 50-70% GO NOW Lots of orange and yellow here. 
  • Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Patchy (10-50%)

North Fork, Bishop Creek

  • North Lake (9,225′) – Patchy (10-50%) Go Soon!! This seems like it should be really beautiful soon. Still mostly green along the road by the lake, with some yellows. Across the lake there are some yellows starting. 
  • North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)

Bishop

  • Bishop (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%) Yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods. 
  • Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Owens Valley (4,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) It’s really beautiful throughout the Owens Valley. There is a fair amount of yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.

Northern Inyo County

  • Lower Rock Creek Rd (7,087′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Round Valley (4,692′) – Patchy (10-50%) It’s really beautiful throughout the Owens Valley. There is a fair amount of yellows in the upper parts of the cottonwoods.
  • Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) The lower part of the canyon has some yellows, but still has a ways to go. This is a spectacular canyon when you catch the colors and the light right!
  • Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) – Patchy (10-50%) At the top of the canyon there are some yellows in the Aspen, but everything else is mostly green. 

PLUMAS COUNTY

Bridge to Snake Lake, Plumas County 10/2/23, Bob Blesse
Theiler Tree, 10/3/2023, Bob Blesse

Quincy is about 25% of peak overall, with some trees showing much more than that, like the Theiler Tree, which is almost at peak.

There are some nice colors on the drive to Meadow Valley (Snake Lake Bridge) but the Aspens at Bucks Lake still haven’t turned. 

Indian Valley and Genesee Valley are at about 10% of peak so still more brilliant colors to come.

Antelope Lake is beautiful right now. Photos to come!

Lobdell Lake Road (10/3/23) Jeff Simpson

PEAK, DRIVE AND HIKE OF THE WEEK

Predicted to have California’s best fall color overall, best fall color drive and best hike in the coming week.

  • Peak of the Week – Lobdell Lake Road (Mono County)
  • Drive of the WeekLobdell Lake Road (9,274′) 75-100% GO NOW! Lots of great color all the way up the road to the lake. One section of trees had red, orange, yellow and green leaves within a 100 feet of each other. Lots of contrast and varying degrees of color. This spot should be great for the next 10 days. (The road has been repaired but AWD/4WD is highly recommended.)
  • Hike of the WeekRock Creek Lodge to Rock Creek Lake (Mono County) 2 miles round trip – 300 ft. elevation gain. This quiet hike leaves the lodge and meanders beside Rock Creek, through meadows and a lodge pole forest. There is excellent fishing along this stretch and also at the pond, about 3/4 mile from the lodge. Behind the inlet of the pond the trail climbs alongside the creek as it cascades for a couple hundred feet. The trail levels out again, following the tail water of Rock Creek Lake.
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Peak Fall Predictions

Tulip tree, Sunnyvale (11/5/22) Lucas Yan

It’s the first day of fall and while we wait for the colors to really kick off throughout the state, we thought we’d give our answer to the million dollar question: When and where will fall color peak in California? 

  • Late September to late October – the Eastern Sierra (Inyo and Mono Counties, US-395);
  • October – the Northern Sierra (Hope Valley/Carson Pass, Lake Tahoe, CA-89);
  • October – Southern California’s mountains (San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and Laguna mountains, Angeles National Forest);
  • Mid October to early November – the Shasta Cascade (Plumas County, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Trinity Alps, CA-299, Redding, Chico);
  • Mid October to early November – the North Coast (Redwood National & State Parks), Elk rut late September to mid October;
  • Late October to early November – California’s vineyards (peaking by grape variety);
  • Mid October to mid November – Central Coast (wineries,  Salinas Valley, Monarch butterflies);
  • Late October to mid November – Gold Country (Calaveras Big Trees SP, Apple Hill, wineries, Hwy 49 and its chain of 1850s Gold Rush towns);
  • Mid October to Thanksgiving Day – Western & Southern Sierra (Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks);
  • November – the Central Valley (walnut and pistachio orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wildlife refuges);
  • November to early December – California’s urban forests (Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Stockton, Modesto and arboreta and botanic gardens); and
  • December – The Deserts and Coastal Islands.
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See You Next Autumn, Dude

Today is the last day of Autumn. Winter arrives tomorrow, but we could not leave without one last look at what made this fall memorable.

  • California (0 – 14,505′) – Past Peak, You Missed It.
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Special Moments

Bill McFall shares special moments he photographed this autumn.

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Sensorio

Sensorio, Paso Robles (11/20/22) Claudia Cram

Large, commercial, holiday light displays have become very popular during late autumn and early winter. They are found in ball parks, arboreta, fair grounds, theme parks, neighborhoods, even a mountain resort. Though the most evocative of California’s landscape is Sensorio in Paso Robles.

Sacramento area color spotter Claudia Cram visited recently and shares these images. Created by artist Bruce Munro, Sensorio has two major features: the Field of Light  which undulates over several acres of terrain with blooms of colored lights spreading around a foot path and the Light Tow­ers, a tribute to Paso Rob­les’ wine coun­try with 69 tow­ers made from over 17,000 wine bot­tles that are illu­mi­nat­ed by fiber optics and that respond to a musical score.

The Field of Light is best at dusk when oaks are silhouetted against the Paso Robles hills, though it is dramatic when glowing against the inky-black Central California sky.

Sensorio, Paso Robles (11/20/22) Claudia Cram

Listed here (in date order) are several of California’s largest recurring holiday light displays. Entry fees apply to most, and some benefit charities.

  • Sensorio, Paso Robles – Through Dec. 31
  • Enchant, Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento – Through Jan. 1
  • Winterfest, Great America, Santa Clara – Through Jan. 1
  • Holiday in the Park, Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo – Through Jan. 1
  • Illuminate SF, San Francisco – Through Jan. 1
  • Holiday in the Park, Magic Mountain, Valencia – Through Jan. 1
  • Imaginarium, CalExpo, Sacramento – Through Jan. 2
  • Lightscape, LA County Arboretum, Acadia – Through Jan. 8
  • World of Color, Disneyland, Anaheim – Through Jan. 8
  • Christmas Celebration, Sea World, San Diego – Through Jan 8
  • Festival of Lights, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – Through Dec. 16
  • Wildnights at the Living Desert, Palm Desert – Through Dec. 24
  • Mission Inn Festival of Lights, Riverside – Through Jan. 4
  • Stockton Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 1
  • Lighting of the Snowmen, Sonoma – Dec 1
  • Christmas Tree Lane, Fresno – Dec. 1-25
  • Capistrano Lights, San Juan Capistrano – Dec. 1 – Jan. 6
  • Lighted Boat Parade, Morro Bay – Dec. 3
  • Roaring Camp RR Holiday Lights Train, Santa Cruz – Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-23
  • Boat Parade of Lights, Dana Point Harbor – Dec. 7-8, 14-15
  • Snow Wonder and Holiday Boat Parade, Marina Del Rey – Dec. 8
  • Parade of Lights at the Harbor, Santa Barbara – Dec. 9
  • Harbour Boat Parade, Huntington Beach – Dec. 9 – 10
  • Bay of Lights, San Diego – Dec. 9, 16
  • Fisherman’s Wharf Lighted Boat Parade, San Francisco – Dec. 14
  • Zoo Lights, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens -Dec. 14 – 30
  • Night of Lights, Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes -Dec. 15
  • Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach – Dec. 19 – 23
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Giving Thanks and Looking Back at 2022

On this Thanksgiving Day, CaliforniaFallColor.com is thankful to the 75 color spotters who contributed reports, photographs and videos in 2022.

They include (from first leaf): Philip Reedy, Hannah Meisner-Bogdahn, Samantha Deleo, Jeff Simpson, Daniel Stas, Alena Nicholas, Betsy Forsyth, Patrick Griley, Dakota Snider, Gary Young, Angie Plaisted, Linda Hennessy, Michelle Petit, John Pan, Parchers Resort, Michael Beatley, Jeff Luke Titcomb, Jim Van Matre, Trent Vierra, Sam Xi, Shanda Ochs, Amanda Carlson, Ken Robesky, Marianne Berttell Vaughn, Shawn Reeder, Soyojng Kim, Sharon Jiang, Legarlin Li, Bill McFall, Donna Mercer, Tim Zalaha, Bethany Anderson, Peter Robbins, Clayton Peoples, Gary Skipper II, Vishal Mishra, Curtis Kautzer, Steve Arita, Mark Hoshovsky, Mark Harding, Jeffrey Lu, Max Comer, Lucas Yan, James Wei, Dave Pabinquet, Ryan Boyd, Lyle Gordon, Julie Kirby, Wolfie, Grant Ly, Noah Sondgroth, Curtis Kautzer, Mark Hanning Lee, Bruce Wendler, David Sharp, John Natelli, Sandy Steinman, Frank McDonough, Salil Bhatt, Walt Gabler, Risa Wyatt, Michelle Pontoni, Kathy Jonokuchi, Bonnie Hulkower, Frank Dariano, Parrish Todd, Ellie Wilson, Steve “Spike” Spiker, Gianna Crest, Claudia Cram, Danielle Ormsby-Toombs, Lara Kaylor and Ron Tyler, who produced the above video.

If, somehow, we missed you, please know it wasn’t intentional. We are truly indebted to every contributor.

Special thanks are expressed to Inyo County Tourism, Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Mono County Tourism, Mammoth Lakes Tourism and Choose Redding for underwriting California Fall Color, and to the many reporters and media who carried our reports and gave attention to what we have shown about California’s fall color.

Of course, this list is not complete without mentioning Joan, my bride of 52 years. She has pulled the car to the shoulder so that I could jump out to photograph particularly beautiful locations; humored my recording of color percentages, species and elevations; pointed out spectacular color; and tolerated my exuberance in showing her countless stunning photographs taken by our contributors.

Our deepest thanks go to the more than 70,000 readers who on over one hundred and twenty thousand occasions opened, read, followed, reacted to and commented here and on our social media pages. You are, after all, the reason we do this.

The photographs selected for this year’s video represent: what happened, the diversity of fall color across the state, and some of the finest photography of 2022. 

If you would like your photographs considered for inclusion in next autumn’s video, we recommend that you submit “horizontal,” high resolution (300 dpi), not-watermarked photographs, within a week of having captured them. Pictures taken in places not often photographed have an advantage in getting selected, as competition is stiffest among pictures taken at popularly photographed destinations.

Autumn doesn’t end today. It continues for nearly a month longer. We’ll continue to post photos and reports, as received. Though today, we dial back reports and will post them less frequently. We’ve also stopped sending weekly updates to meteorologists, travel and outdoor writers.

Finally, this is my last autumn editing CaliforniaFallColor.com. The site will continue, but will be edited and published by someone else. You may see my photographs and comments occasionally as a contributor, but it’s finally time for this old travel editor to do a bit of traveling and enjoy retirement.

So, enjoy your Thanksgiving Day and plan an Orange Friday of fall color spotting, tomorrow. 

  • California – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – In our hearts, California is always at its best.

CaliforniaFallColor.com will see you next autumn, dude.

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The Million Dollar Question

Hot car + Hot color at Bishop Creek Canyon (10/2/16) A hot photo by Daniel Stas

When will fall color peak? That’s the million dollar question.

Here’s the two dollar answer:

  • Late September to late October – the Eastern Sierra (Inyo and Mono Counties, US-395);
  • October – the Northern Sierra (Hope Valley/Carson Pass, Lake Tahoe, CA-89);
  • October – Southern California’s mountains (San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and Laguna mountains, Angeles National Forest);
  • Mid October to early November – the Shasta Cascade (Plumas County, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Trinity Alps, CA-299, Redding, Chico);
  • Mid October to early November – the North Coast (Redwood National & State Parks), Elk rut late September to mid October;
  • Late October to early November – California’s vineyards (peaking by grape variety);
  • Mid October to mid November – Central Coast (wineries,  Salinas Valley, Monarch butterflies);
  • Late October to mid November – Gold Country (Calaveras Big Trees SP, Apple Hill, wineries, Hwy 49 and its chain of 1850s Gold Rush towns);
  • Mid October to Thanksgiving Day – Western & Southern Sierra (Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks);
  • November – the Central Valley (walnut and pistachio orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wildlife refuges);
  • November to early December – California’s urban forests (Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Stockton, Modesto and arboreta and botanic gardens); and
  • December – The Deserts and Coastal Islands.