My Favorite Places For Fall Foliage in California

Despite the lack of fall colors in San Francisco, California DOES experience fall colors. You just have to look for it. Below I’m sharing my favorite spots in California for fall colors.

Yosemite National Park – Popping through the evergreens, you’ll find aspen and dogwood trees blooming with fall colors all over Yosemite. Areas to check out are Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley. Fall colors bloom during clear, dry, and cool conditions, but not freezing weather. Colors start blooming from early October to early December when the first heavy winter storm occurs.

Sonoma – I love visiting my hometown during the fall months. The neighborhoods are filled with trees that are lush with shades of oranges, yellows and red.

Napa Valley – The vineyards turn into a gorgeous yellow in the early fall. As the season progresses, the vines turn into beautiful shades of oranges and reds. Fall foliage in wine country starts at early October to mid November. Head to Frog’s Leap, Rombauer Vineyards, and Reynold Family Winery for some fall scenery.

June Lake Loop – The lakes in June Lake Loop are lined with beautiful yellow trees during the fall season. Go for a hike or kayak to take in the fall colors and the gorgeous mountains that surround you.

Lassen National Park – The park and the towns surrounding the park are filled with fall colors. Get there no later than mid-November because road access is limited during the winter months.

Redding – Just 30 minutes north of Redding is a gorgeous waterfall called Mossbrae waterfalls. And it is gorgeous during the fall. Details on how to get to this waterfall can be found here.