Autumn is officially here, and for those looking to really get into the spirit and take in the fall colors in all their splendor, there are plenty of places just a short drive or train ride away.
CaliforniaFallColor.com, a seasonal website that tracks the changing of the leaves at some of the state’s most popular getaways, as well as those that are off the beaten path, has published an interactive map that allows Californians north and south to find fall foliage near them.
The map is, of course, color-coded to signify how far along the leaves have progressed in their transformation, ranging from “Just Starting” and “Patchy,” to “Go Now!” for near- and full-peaks.
But pay close attention before planning a trip, because you could quickly end up going after the colors have long gone and you’ve officially missed peak season.
The website provides reports and photographs that are submitted by local volunteer spotters. The more people check out the fall foliage, the more accurate the map becomes.
Lara Kaylor, editor and publisher of CaliforniaFallColor.com, spoke to LAist and provided expertise and best advice for those looking to catch a glimpse of the gold, bronze and burgundy leaves before it’s too late.
“The higher elevations are where it is always going to start, and then it generally comes down about 500 feet in elevation every week,” Kaylor said. “There are a variety of elevations, so even if you miss one area in the Eastern Sierra, you can go down to Bishop and check out Bishop Creek Canyon, the lower elevations.”
The Eastern Sierra it typically the starting gun for fall colors, and at Mammoth Lakes, the transformation is already well underway.
Mammoth Lakes Tourism releases weekly fall colors reports which utilizes the same ranking scale as Kaylor’s website.
Among the areas that are peaking now, Tioga Pass near Lee Vining is at 50-75% peak, which means “Go Now!”
“Fall colors within this area have excelled since last week,” Mammoth Lakes Tourism wrote in its report. “Above 9,000 feet the aspens and bushes are near peak creating a stunning scene with the lakes within the area.”
Around the town of Benton and Highway 120 East, the Sagehen Summit is also at “Near Peak.” That area, located at an altitude of about 8,100 feet, has seen “significant color change” from week to week.
Other areas, including Rock Creek Canyon, Crowley and Convict lakes, and Mammoth Lakes itself, colors are either patchy or just beginning to shift.
To subscribe the Mammoth Lakes Tourism fall colors reports, click here.
As the fall colors abseil from the mountain peaks to the fields and forests below, both Kaylor and Mammoth Lakes Tourism are in agreement: plan a trip before it’s too late.