Catching the peak of Fall Foliage in the Sierra Nevada

Science is cool and so are interactive maps. Thanks to some programming whiz kids at SmokyMountains.com and their use of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data (including historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation), historical leaf peak trends, and peak observation trends, travelers now have an online map that lets them in on the best weeks to catch fall foliage splendor around the country — including right here in Tahoe.

What does it tell us? Well, while the North-East Coast’s burst of colors is past its peak by the first week in October, Lake Tahoe is just hitting its prime.

Book your trip to South Lake Tahoe now and check out some of the best hikes to see the peak fall colors below.

Top 5 Lake Tahoe Fall Foliage Hikes:

Fall Foliage hits its peak in Lake Tahoe in October.

‍

Rabe Meadow

Easily accessible from U.S. Highway 50 with a paved bike and hiking trails, this meadow pops with color in the fall and leads down to the shoreline at Nevada Beach.

Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake got its name for a reason. The beautiful lake has large swaths of Aspens along its shoreline. With parking options at the campground or snow park lot off Highway 89, the lake has trails that meander along the shoreline and through stands of Aspen groves and past historical ruins like Anita Baldwin’s private house on the lake’s west shore. Anita was the daughter of E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin the colorful mining and turf figure of the old west with ties to California including the Santa Anita Racetrack.

Big Meadow to Round Lake

Start at Big Meadow Trailhead on Highway 89 headed south toward Luther Pass. Lake Tahoe in autumn brings fewer crowds and more parking spots at the trailhead. After crossing back over the highway there is a half-mile uphill hike to Big Meadow which sits at about 7,500 feet in elevation. After enjoying the meadow view head back into the forest and follow the signs to Round Lake.

Hope Valley

Further along Highway 89 at the junction with Highway 88 there plenty of road pullouts for a long or short hike among a network of trails that work their way through brilliant stands of Aspens. The West Carson River flows through the valley and offers excellent fishing opportunities.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

With trails that start at lake level at the California/Nevada state line and go all the way to the Tahoe Rim Trail, Van Sickle bi-state park is a great way to get a panoramic view of fall color on the South Shore.

Take advantage of Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel’s fall special and catch Lake Tahoe’s peak season of color.

‍