Lara Kaylor – Page 3 – California Fall Color

Apple Hill is Astounding

It was a fall-filled weekend for Vishal Mishra and his wife, Seema, who took a long, rainy drive from the Bay Area to Apple Hill in El Dorado County.

We have been fortunate to get good rain over the last few days, Mishra said.

“It was pouring the entire day (November 18), but made for brighter colors! Absolutely vibrant in most parts of Apple Hill, Placerville and Camino. It surely seems to be peaking right now,” he said.

Cider and donuts rounded out the experience for a perfect combo of fall favorites.

Apple Hill, Camino (3,133′) – Full Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

November 20, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Mount Shasta color (11/16/23) Philip Reedy A road trip for work this week took color spotter Philip Reedy along the the Upper Sacramento River on the way to Oregon. Along the way he found some beautiful color. “I made several stops coming and going to check out the colors along I-5 and the river,” Reedy […]

November 19, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, San Diego County

San Diego is Super

Color spotter Angie Plaisted found some gorgeous color in San Diego County this weekend, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Cuyamaca area including the area by Stonewall Mine is “going off” right now, Plaisted said.

GO NOW! 50 – 75%

November 18, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

CaliforniaFallColor.com, Shasta Cascade, Special Events

Seasons Come and Seasons Go

Plumas County has enjoyed the awe of Mother Nature this fall with stunning colors from vibrant yellows to scarlets and purples. Now the area is beginning to enjoy the change from golden colors to leaves wafting in the breeze and falling to the ground in preparation for the area’s winter wonderland.

Lots of holiday preparation is going on in the rural towns starting with finding the perfect Christmas tree. Cutting permits for $10 at:

Plumas County tree cutting permits

Lassen County tree cutting permits

On November 24 join the community of Chester for a tree lighting ceremony, the opening of the ice-skating rink and the annual Merchant’s Night Out. Streets are filled with shoppers enjoying the warmth of bonfires in front of all the stores while having a bite to eat and a holiday libation.

On December 2, the 52^nd annual Sparkle in Quincy is reminiscent of a country Christmas with lighted parade, live music and shopping. Learn about more events here.

November 18, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, Gold Country

Lovin’ That Color County

In and around Nevada City, colors are looking bright and beautiful according to Michelle English.

Bear Yuba Land Trust’s Cascade Canal Trail, on Banner Mountain in Nevada City was looking lovely on November 12 and again on November 14, 2023.

This is one of the area’s most popular trails, English says. You can make it a mellow stroll on level ground along the canal, or you can get those glutes working by heading off on a few side loops.

“It’s glorious and has a special woodpecker preserve area off of one of the loops,” she explains. “We saw a pair of Pileated woodpeckers pounding away at a large snag, which was worth the uphill on the return, for sure.”

Champion Mine Road in Nevada City is also part of the Bear-Yuba Land Trust’s Tribute Trail system, so you can have these fall views on amazing trail hikes and you even get to cross a super nifty suspension bridge over Deer Creek.

“Lovin’ our county right now!” English says.

November 15, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, Los Angeles County, Southern California

Color Spiking in San Gabriel Mountains

Fall foliage is NEAR PEAK in the San Gabriel Mountains reports Tim Vandehey. During his first fall really hunting the colors, Vandehey captured the area in some beautiful images of black oak trees and more.

He also reports that the area near Mt. Baldy is a mix of PATCHY/NEAR PEAK.

San Gabriel Mountains (5,900’) – Near Peak (50 – 75%), Go Now.

November 15, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, San Francisco Bay Area

Berkeley’s Botanical Beauty

The UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is at various stages of color. Color spotter Jennifer Natale is a member and goes at least twice each fall. When she visited this week, some areas, such as the Eastern US section and some of the Asia collection are at, or near, peak.

Other areas such as the rest of the Asia area and Japanese pool are just starting to turn with some green leaves still remaining. Usually the week of Thanksgiving is peak for the Japanese pool but it may last until the very end of the month, given how slow it’s changing, Natale says. She also recommends that visitors check football schedules and campus events, which could make parking and traffic difficult. Also check the university’s website for hours or any closures for special events.

Natale suggests people go in the next two weeks for a good mix of color (barring any heavy wind events).

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden (171′) – Near Peak, Go Now.

November 15, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

CaliforniaFallColor.com, Central Valley

Davis Double Take

Color spotter Philip Reedy found a unique, fall color vantage point while wandering around his neighborhood this week. Fabulous light and fall color made for two different, but beautiful images from the same exact location. It just goes to show that fall color is best captured when you get up early or stay out late, and in this case, both!

Davis (52′) – NEAR PEAK (50-75%) Go Now.

November 15, 2023 by Lara Kaylor

Fall Color Report, North Coast

Yowzers in Yountville

Yountville in the Napa Valley region is looking lovely with peaking Chinese Pistache trees as well as beautiful changes at the public vineyard at Oak Circle. Everything is peaking and you should make plans to Go Now!, says color spotter Lucas Yan.