Discover some of the best places to see fall colors in Lake Tahoe!
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is pleasantly crisp, and by mid-October, brilliant displays of fall color are peaking throughout Lake Tahoe and the Eastern Sierras.
In this post, I'm sharing 6 of the best spots to see fall colors in Lake Tahoe and when to go!
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Fallen Leaf
Fallen Leaf in Lake Tahoe has multiple hiking trails, stunning views of Mt. Tallac, and in autumn, beautiful displays of fall color. The foliage can be seen along the shoreline of the lake and along the road itself (accessed via State Route 89). Fallen Leaf Lake Road is very narrow, but there are shoulder spots alongside the road, making it easy to pull over and explore the fall colors.
Best viewing time: Early to mid-October.
Hope Valley
Hope Valley is a top location for fall foliage. Located about 25 minutes south of Lake Tahoe, the spectacular autumn hues can be seen right from the highway. One of Hope Valley's best spots to enjoy fall colors is along State Route 88 between Pickett's Junction and Blue Lakes Road.
Best viewing time: mid-October.
Granite Lake
Granite Lake is a picturesque alpine lake in Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness. It's accessible via a short hike along the Bayview Hiking Trail. The hike is about 1 mile and features a fantastic viewpoint of Emerald Bay along the way. In the fall, yellow aspens dot the lake and the surrounding area.
Best viewing time: mid-October.
Spooner Lake Area
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall color in Lake Tahoe, North Canyon Road at Spooner Lake is the place to be. By mid-October, this picturesque trail is lined with glowing orange and yellow aspens. Spooner Lake is also my personal favorite spot to experience fall color in Tahoe.
Best viewing time: Mid to Late October.
Taylor Creek
Taylor Creek Visitor's Center is another excellent spot to enjoy fall colors in Lake Tahoe. Two recommended trails are the Rainbow Trail, which is lined with yellow aspens, and the Lake of the Sky Trail, which has views of Mt Tallac and leads down to Kiva Beach.
While visiting Taylor Creek in the fall, be sure to check out the annual Kokanee Salmon spawn. The bright red salmon can be spotted migrating upstream from viewing platforms along the Rainbow Trail.
Best viewing time: Early to mid-October.
Emerald Bay
And last but not least, Emerald Bay. The classic views at Emerald Bay are stunning any time of year, but autumn just adds something special. There are lots of golden aspens around the bay and along HWY 89, making it a fantastic location for fall color. In 2019 the colors peaked a little later at Emerald Bay than at other spots on this list. I took this photo during the last week of October.
Best viewing time: Late October to early November.
I hope you enjoyed my guide on where to see fall colors in Lake Tahoe!
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