Fall on the Road

NEWSFEATURE

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

When one thinks of traveling to see the autumn leaves, places like New England or maybe Colorado come to mind.

However, the glorious splash of fall color from trees shedding their summer green can be found in many parts of the Golden State.

From Oak Glen, just outside Los Angeles, to the Napa Valley wine country, the reds, yellows and oranges of autumn are just a car trip away.

Mammoth Lakes

Info visitmammoth.com/fall-colors

On the eastern side of the Sierra mountains you’ll find showy autumn finery from mid-September until the last leaf falls from quaking aspens and willows.

Drive any road heading west off U.S. 395 near June Lake and Mammoth Lakes to find groves of autumnal color.

Mammoth Lakes offers a treasure trove of fall beauty. Near downtown, walk or drive past Sherwin Creek Campground where aspen groves will delight with a heady mix of leaves in reds, oranges, yellows and lime greens. Head south of town to drive aspen-lined McGee Creek Road or Rock Creek Road.

The timing of the fall colors depends on the weather, but a good time to count on it is from September into October.

Oak Glen

en Leaf Lake Campground, where the view of Mount Tallac is perfectly framed by a foreground of quaking aspens. For more leafy color, continue along the road to the Glen Alpine trailhead and walk a colorful mile along the cobbled trail to Glen Alpine Springs.

but with an elevation that’s nearly a mile high, and only 80 miles east of Los Angeles, it offers beautiful colors in addition to the oak groves, apple farms, berry ranches and plenty of old-fashioned fun.

An autumn trip to this quaint countryside will give visitors a chance to stop and view the brilliant oaks dotting the hillsides. If you visit Oak Glen’s historic schoolhouse museum at just the right time you’ll find it surrounded by bright red maple trees. For more fall color take a hike at the Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve. A 2.4-mile family-friendly loop leads from the preserve headquarters downhill through the apple orchards and into Oak Knoll Park.

Lake Tahoe

Info laketahoe.com/top-10-placesto-enjoy-fall-foliage-in-lake-tahoe

Willows and aspens light up both sides of this high-country lake when fall takes center stage.

The hillsides and meadows around Lake Tahoe’s meadows and hillsides you’ll see willows are the first to turn, followed by aspens. Shades of gold, yellow, amber mixed with touches of ruby and scarlet can take your breath away when nature and timing work together.

Hike 1.5 miles north on the Tahoe Rim Trail from Ward Creek Boulevard to see a beautiful autumn vista on the lake’s northwest shore at Page Meadows. You’ll also see Twin Peaks, Grouse Rock and Ward Peak soar above the trees.

In South Lake Tahoe, drive the Fallen Leaf Lake Road to Fredrick’s Meadow, a short distance from Fallego on located on Highway 79. Here autumn enthralls with the beautiful golden yellow leaves of the black oak. Camp amongst the colorful splendor of this woodland oak forest.

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=636

In Idyllwild, San Jacinto offers spectacular fall foliage mixed with high altitude wilderness.

Palomar Mountain State Park

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=637

Palomar Mountain park features something different, a fall vista of bracken fern in the meadows turning a rich golden brown against the dark green of adjacent forests.

Silverwood Lake

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=650

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in San Bernardino County features an autumn vista of black oaks nestled in pines. 

Napa Valley

Info bit.ly/3UWm2V9

Wine country might not be your first go-to thought of autumn splendor, but starting in mid- to late-October, the grape harvest crush winds down and a pageant of vineyard leaf color begins. Fall color in the Napa Valley isn’t limited to trees as grape leaves transform into colorful fall foliage in vivid coppers and ruby reds.

For a stunning fall trip drive the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga. Take your pick from dozens of wineries, including Frog’s Leap, Rombauer Vineyards, and Reynolds Family Winery, all worth a stop for fall scenery and wine tasting.

So, California State Parks

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Info bit.ly/3M0jCkl

Cuyamaca is northeast of San Di-