They say California has no seasons. But anyone who’s taken the time to road trip around the state knows that’s not true. Fall in California is a magical time when the state’s diverse landscapes transform into a vibrant palette of colors. From the Sierra Nevada mountains to the coastal forests, there are countless scenic routes to explore. While it is only the beginning of what we hope to be a glorious season, it is getting us excited. It is a good time to start planning your visit to the fall destination of your choice this year.
Here are ten of the best fall road trips in California, perfect for leaf peeping and adventure
Always Plan Ahead to Catch the Peak Colors
It is so important to do some research beforehand so that you know exactly when to go. Fall colors appear and disappear so quickly.
The website California Fall Color is an amazing resource if you live in California and are on a hunt to see fall colors. They provide up-to-date information on the best spots for fall foliage in California.
California’s Best Fall Foliage Spots
- Sierra Nevada Mountains: Known for their vibrant aspen groves and alpine lakes.
- Yosemite National Park: Home to giant sequoias and stunning fall colors.
- Lake Tahoe: Surrounded by alpine forests and beautiful fall foliage.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Provides a unique desert landscape with fall colors.
- Shasta Cascade: Features volcanic landscapes, lakes, and fall foliage.
Best Fall Road Trips in California
Highway 395
- Distance from San Francisco: Approximately 220 miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Approximately 250 miles
- Location: Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Highlights: Aspen groves, alpine lakes, towering peaks, and historic towns like Mammoth Lakes and Bishop
- Best Time: Late September to early October
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Hike to Mono Lake for stunning views of the tufa formations and fall colors.
- Explore the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountain Range.
- Take a scenic drive along the Tioga Pass road for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.
- Hike to Convict Lake for a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by fall foliage.
Related Reads: Best Highway 395 Road Trip Guide
Yosemite National Park
- Distance from San Francisco: Approximately 150 miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Approximately 230 miles
- Location: Central Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Highlights: Giant sequoias, waterfalls, granite cliffs, and hiking trails
- Best Time: Late September to early October
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Hike to Yosemite Valley and admire the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan.
- Visit the Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias.
- Hike to Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall for stunning waterfall views.
- Take a scenic drive along Glacier Point Road for panoramic views of the valley.
- Explore the Tuolumne Meadows for alpine meadows and fall colors.
Related Reads: The Best Concise Guide on what to do In Yosemite
Lake Tahoe
- Distance from San Francisco: Approximately 250 miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Approximately 500 miles
- Location: Lake Tahoe region, Hope Valley, Carson Pass
- Highlights: Scenic lake views, alpine forests, and historic towns like South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City.
- Best Time: Late September to early October
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Drive around Lake Tahoe and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Hike to Emerald Bay State Park for a beautiful lake and beach.
- Visit the Vikingsholm Castle for a historic mansion overlooking the lake.
- Take a boat tour on Lake Tahoe to see the surrounding mountains and fall colors.
Related Reads: The Best Road Trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
Inyo-White Mountain Wilderness
- Distance: Varies depending on route
- Location: Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Highlights: Alpine lakes, wilderness hiking, and stunning fall foliage.
- Best Time: Late September to early October
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Hike to the Whitney Portal Trailhead for a challenging hike to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
- Hike June Lake Loop for a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by fall foliage.
- Camp and fish on Lundy Lake Campground surrounded by fall foliage
- Take a scenic fall drive on Lee Vining Canyon
Related Reads: Extraordinary Road Trip from San Francisco to Mammoth Lakes
Shasta Cascade
Related Reads: Remarkable Road Trip from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Distance from San Francisco: Approximately 250 miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Approximately 600 miles
- Location: Plumas County, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Trinity Alps, Redding, Chico
- Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, and national parks like Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Best Time: Late September to early October
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park to explore its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and waterfalls.
- Hike to Manzanita Lake for beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by fall colors.
- Visit Shasta Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming surrounded by alpine colors
- Drive along the scenic Cascade Loop for stunning views of the mountains and lakes
Joshua Tree National Park
- Distance from San Francisco: Approximately 350 miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Approximately 150 miles
- Location: Southern California
- Highlights: Unique desert landscapes, Joshua trees, and rock formations.
- Best Time: Late October to early November
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Drive through the park and admire the unique Joshua trees and desert landscapes.
- Hike to the Cholla Cactus Garden to see a forest of cholla cacti.
- Explore the Hidden Valley campground and its rock formations.
San Bernardino Mountains
- Distance from San Francisco: Approximately 350 miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Approximately 100 miles
- Location: San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and Laguna mountains
- Highlights: Alpine forests, lakes, and hiking trails.
- Best Time: Late October to early November
- Things to do and places to see fall foliage:
- Hike to Big Bear Lake for beautiful lake views and fall colors.
- Visit the San Bernardino National Forest for hiking, camping, and fishing.
- Drive along the Rim of the World Highway for panoramic views of the mountains.
- Drive through the Angeles National Forest to see the changing leaves.
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