Best Places in Lake Tahoe to See Fall Color
The end of September and beginning of October turn the mountains around Tahoe into a beautiful scene of color. This is due to the quaking aspen trees that grow at this elevation. Their light green leaves in the summer turn to a stunning golden yellow come fall.
The natural beauty of fall leaves draws everyone from tourists to professional photographers to Tahoe. Whether you are coming up to Tahoe specifically for the colors or are already in the area, changing leaves are a cannot miss sight at the beginning of fall. Here are some of the places that you should go to check them out.
Where to Find Changing Leaves in South Lake Tahoe
It is possible to spot pockets of fall color almost wherever you are around Lake Tahoe when the season is right. You could hop on a bike and head down the Pope Baldwin Bike Path to see trees changing color all around, or specifically head to some of these locations to find fall colors:
Taylor Creek Visitor Center - Right off the Pope Baldwin Bike Path outside of downtown South Lake Tahoe is the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Here you can see colors changing on the trees. You can also spot the salmon swimming upstream to spawn in the fall. This location is easy to get to and has accessible walking paths to guide you through.
Fallen Leaf Lake - It may come as no surprise that a place called Fallen Leaf Lake is a prime spot for fall color. The lake is surrounded by aspen trees and their color reflects on the clear surface of the lake for a stunning sight.
Zephyr Cove - Across the border in Nevada, Zephyr Cove has aspen trees that turn red, orange, and yellow come full time. This is a smaller grove of aspens, but the area tends to be less crowded and the aspens look beautiful when they reflect off of the lake.
Hope Valley - Hope Valley is a bit of a drive from South Lake Tahoe, especially at the height of fall colors as the area attracts a significant amount of traffic, and for good reason. This is perhaps the most beautiful area with expansive groves of aspens covering the mountain sides with beautiful creeks and wide meadows stretching out in between.
For the locations closer to downtown South Lake Tahoe, biking is a great way to see all of the different aspen groves and enjoy a one of a kind biking experience surrounded by some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful scenery. Pine Nut Cycle Cafe offers bike rentals until the end of October, giving you a great way to head out to local trails. Reserve your bike ahead of time from Pine Nut Cycle Cafe to beat the crowds this fall.
