Great Spots for Fall Colors in California

California isn’t always what comes to mind when planning a leaf-peeping trip to enjoy the brilliant hues of fall, but while New England crawls with leaf peepers, those in the know are heading to California’s Mono County for a scenic drive filled with the brilliant yellow and reds of the season.

Mono County, located in the Eastern Sierras, is known for having the longest season for viewing the fall colors in the entire state of California. With an elevation ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 feet, the leaves turn at different times throughout the season and, with plenty of picturesque towns to visit and miles of mountain road to traverse, there are a seemingly endless list of great places to experience the beauty of fall.

As the lush green forest gives way to a blanket of winter snow in many areas of the county, take this opportunity to visit some of the best spots in California to witness the transformation as the leaves turn dazzling shades of yellow, orange and crimson.

To find some picture-perfect fall scenery, head to June Lake Loop for a leisurely drive through the town and past the four lakes of the area. Along this scenic road, you are sure to find beautiful shades of fall colors, plenty of fall photo opportunities and beautiful views of all four lakes from the road.

Convict Lake is still coming into its own this season, with the brightest colors of fall yet to arrive. While the color change has already started, there is still plenty to come, and a hike along the trail that winds its way along the lakeside will give you a sense of peaceful tranquility as you take in the beautiful scenery. The lake is also one of the best places in the county for fishing. When you head out into the lake at this time of year, the real treat is the scenery, but catching a few fish is definitely a bonus.

When it comes to catching the changing colors of fall, timing can prove tricky. Go too soon and you’ll still see the green landscapes of summer. Visit too late and you could miss it entirely and instead see a brown expanse waiting for winter. To help take the guess work out of trying to pinpoint the best time and place to plan your trip for leaf-peeping, the county created a handy online tool, the fall color report. Updated weekly, this report offers a ton of information including the elevation of different areas and a rating scale ranging from 0 percent to Past Peak for each location to help you determine your best chances of catching the show.