As the summer heat fades away and crisp autumn air takes over, certain parts of California transform into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows.
Imagine taking a stroll through forests where the trees are bright with color or driving along winding roads that reveal stunning views at every turn.
California may be famous for its sunny beaches and towering redwoods, but when fall arrives, it’s the golden state’s hidden gem—its fall foliage—that steals the show.
If you think California can’t match the autumn magic of the East Coast, think again!
From the mountains to the valleys, there are many secret spots where nature puts on a dazzling display.
Ready to discover where?
1. Bishop
Bishop is situated in the stunning Eastern Sierra and is known for its breathtaking fall foliage and outdoor adventures.
Located at the northern end of the Owens Valley, Bishop is surrounded by majestic peaks and is a gateway to Bishop Creek Canyon, which is renowned for its stunning fall colors.
In the fall, the area transforms into a sea of colors with aspens, willows and cottonwoods turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.
You can explore this natural wonder by hiking around North Lake, Lake Sabrina and South Lake, where the reflections of the vibrant foliage on the water create a magical experience.
2. June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop, located in California’s Eastern Sierra near Mono Lake and Mammoth Lakes, is a breathtaking 16-mile drive renowned for its stunning fall foliage.
This loop takes visitors around several beautiful alpine lakes and majestic granite peaks that look truly spectacular in the fall.
In the fall, the vibrant colors of aspens, willows and cottonwoods create a breathtaking display, especially around the four lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake.
You can enjoy hiking, fishing and the annual Leaves in the Loop festival, which celebrates the season with photography workshops and other fun activities.
3. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a picturesque mountain town in the San Bernardino Mountains, famous for its stunning fall foliage and fun outdoor activities.
Located about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this destination turns shades of crimson, amber and gold in the fall, due to the diverse trees like aspens, oaks and cottonwoods.
You can enjoy hiking the scenic Castle Rock Trail, taking leisurely drives around the lake or participating in the festive Oktoberfest celebrations.
Big Bear Lake is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the magic of fall in California, with its breathtaking views and colorful landscapes.
4. Lundy Canyon
Lundy Canyon, located just off Highway 395 near Mono Lake and north of Yosemite National Park, is a hidden gem in California’s Eastern Sierra, especially during the fall.
It is a well-known but less crowded spot making it a hidden gem in the region.
As the season changes, the canyon bursts into a vibrant display of golden aspen trees, making it a must-see destination for leaf-peepers.
You can enjoy a moderate hike through the canyon to see stunning waterfalls and the colorful foliage that lines the trails and surrounds the beautiful Lundy Lake.
Whether you’re hiking, camping or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Lundy Canyon offers a magical autumn experience that feels like stepping into a painting.
5. Napa Valley
Napa Valley, located just a short drive from San Francisco, is a world-renowned wine region that becomes a magical fall wonderland with its vibrant foliage.
As the grape harvest wraps up, the vineyards and surrounding hills burst into brilliant shades of gold and crimson, creating a stunning backdrop for wine tastings and scenic drives along the Silverado Trail and Highway 29.
You can enjoy the fall colors while hiking through Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or taking a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the colorful landscape.
Napa Valley enjoys mild weather in the fall, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, making it the perfect autumn escape.
6. Bass Lake
Bass Lake is a hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada, just a short drive from Yosemite National Park, offering a stunning display of fall foliage.
As the leaves change, the surrounding dogwoods and oaks burst into vibrant shades of red and gold, creating a picturesque setting for your outdoor adventures.
You can enjoy kayaking on the calm waters, hiking the scenic trails or mountain biking through the colorful forests.
Bass Lake is a perfect fall escape with its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views.
7. Healdsburg
Healdsburg is a charming town in Sonoma County, known for its world-class wine scene, with numerous vineyards and wineries offering exceptional wine-tasting experiences.
Located about 65 miles north of San Francisco, Healdsburg offers a stunning display of autumn colors as the vineyards and downtown trees turn brilliant shades of orange and red.
You can also enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards, stroll through the picturesque Healdsburg Plaza or take a scenic bike ride through the colorful countryside.
Healdsburg’s cozy cafes, art galleries and boutique shops are also must-dos.
8. Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Lake, situated in the Eastern Sierra between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, is a stunning place to experience California’s vibrant fall foliage.
The area around Rock Creek Lake is well-known for its spectacular display of golden aspen leaves during the fall, attracting many visitors who come specifically to enjoy the autumn colors.
Little Lakes Valley, accessible from the nearby Mosquito Flats trailhead, offers one of the most scenic hikes in the region, with multiple alpine lakes and stunning mountain views.
Rock Creek Lake itself is also popular for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout, and the surrounding peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop.
9. Hope Valley
Hope Valley, located about 20 minutes south of South Lake Tahoe, is a breathtaking spot in California’s Sierra Nevada, known for its vivid fall foliage.
The aspen trees in Hope Valley turn brilliant shades of gold and orange in the fall, offering a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Highway 88 offers one of the most scenic drives through Hope Valley during the fall.
Additionally, hiking options including the Burnside Lake Trail provide great opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
10. Julian
Julian is a charming mountain town located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, just an hour east of San Diego.
The town is famous for its fall foliage and particularly for its apple pies, which are a major draw during the autumn season.
Julian experiences beautiful fall colors, especially with its oak and other trees turning amber and crimson.
You can also enjoy apple picking at local orchards, savor freshly baked apple pies and explore scenic hiking trails like those in Volcan Mountain Preserve.
11. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is situated in the San Bernardino Mountains, just a couple of hours from Los Angeles.
This stunning alpine retreat is known for its beautiful display of autumn colors, particularly during October.
The fall season brings a vibrant array of colors to Lake Arrowhead, with the surrounding forests showcasing bright yellows, oranges and reds.
You can enjoy scenic drives along the Rim of the World Highway, take a boat tour on the Arrowhead Queen, or hike trails like the Heart Rock Trail for breathtaking views of the colorful landscape.
12. Sacramento
Sacramento, the capital of California, is an exciting city known for its stunning fall foliage, earning its nickname as the “City of Trees.”
Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Sacramento boasts beautiful autumn colors, especially in neighborhoods like East Sacramento and Midtown, where ginkgo and scarlet oak trees light up the streets.
McKinley Park is also a popular spot for enjoying fall foliage in Sacramento.
The American River Bike Trail is another scenic route that offers beautiful views along the river, and the University Arboretum at Sacramento State is known for its diverse collection of trees and fall colors.
13. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, located in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada, is a breathtaking destination, especially in the fall when the trees turn to vivid shades.
The dogwoods, maples and oak trees transform into a bright display of reds, oranges and yellows, especially during October and November.
The best places to see these stunning colors are in Yosemite Valley, where the trees create a spectacular display against the backdrop of iconic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome.
The Valley Loop Trail and other popular trails like the Mirror Lake Trail offer excellent opportunities to experience fall colors.
Scenic drives through the valley and along roads like Tioga Road also provide breathtaking views of the foliage, especially along the Merced River.
With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the perfect time to explore Yosemite’s natural wonders and enjoy its peaceful, colorful landscapes.
14. Truckee
Truckee is a delightful mountain town located in the Sierra Nevada, just a short drive from Lake Tahoe.
The area is known for its beautiful fall foliage, especially in late September and October.
As the leaves change, the town and surrounding areas come alive with vibrant yellows and oranges, especially along scenic drives like Highway 89 and Old Highway 40.
Truckee’s historic downtown is also a popular spot for visitors, and the Donner Summit Canyon Trail is well-known for its scenic beauty, especially during the fall.
Donner Lake is also a great place for kayaking or paddle boarding while taking in the fall colors.
15. Quincy
Quincy is a charming town in Plumas County, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and known for its breathtaking fall foliage.
The fall season in Quincy brings vibrant colors from black oaks and maples, especially along the Feather River Scenic Byway (Highway 70), which is famous for its scenic drives and spectacular fall colors.
Quincy’s historic downtown is also a delightful area to explore and the Cascade Trail is a popular spot for hiking, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
With its small-town charm and natural beauty, Quincy is definitely a top destination for leaf-peepers.
