When you think of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe, you might be inclined to answer winter when it’s snowy, or summer, when the lake is perfect for kayaking. While it’s true that summer and winter are excellent times to visit, we’ll let you in on a little secret — fall in Lake Tahoe offers a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else. As the weather begins to cool and the smell of snow teases the air, you’ll be amazed at the brilliance of fall’s vibrant color palette settling over the region. Trees are painted with deep reds and oranges, providing a beautiful contrast to the ever-blue, always-clear waters of the lake. To make sure you make the most of your Secret Season escape, we’ve put together a handy guide for viewing the best of Lake Tahoe’s fall foliage.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Especially as the weather turns cooler, it is important to make sure you are up to date on all relevant information for the Lake Tahoe area. Utilize our Know Before You Go page to ensure you’re caught up on weather conditions, road advisories, county alerts and more. Plus, you’ll find useful information on public transit options when you’re here and environmental stewardship tips — everything you need to know before you visit Lake Tahoe.
Where to See Fall Foliage in Lake Tahoe
The short answer to the question of “where” is simply, everywhere! No matter where you go in Lake Tahoe, you can be pretty sure the views will be incredible — and in the fall, that is especially true. If you’re looking for those prime viewing spots that rise above the rest, check out some of these places below.
- Ellis Peak Trail: For those looking for a little bit of a workout alongside postcard-perfect views, Ellis Peak Trail is the ideal choice. This three-mile trail is somewhat steep and rocky, so it takes a bit of extra care to make your way to the top — but once you’re there, expect to be treated to a sweeping view of all of Lake Tahoe and its surrounding forests, all painted by beautiful fall colors.
- Page Meadows: With a wide variety of trails all ranging in difficulty, Page Meadows is easily accessible for everyone. As you stroll, take in the sights of golden aspens among pockets of evergreens, each tree a stunning example of why Lake Tahoe’s fall season is so special. Be sure to pack your camera for this one!
- Bayview Trail: Park at Bayview Campground and prepare for a hike offering incredible views of both Emerald Bay and the larger Lake Tahoe region. This steep trail is considered more strenuous, so plan accordingly and do not attempt this trail if you are not up for more of a workout. Luckily, Granite Lake offers the perfect respite along the trail, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop and rest before making it to the top. A wilderness permit is required, and you can pick one up for free at the self-serve kiosk at the start of the trail.
- Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail: For a shorter, 20-minute or so walk, you can stop at Eagle Lake and still experience some wonderful fall views.
- Spooner Lake: Boasting more than 12,000 acres of forested, open space, Spooner Lake is perfect for an afternoon spent wandering. The park features 50 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and horseback riding, so you have tons of options for how to explore. Here, you’ll find acres upon acres of wooded areas abound with fall foliage, as well as lots of spots for fishing or lakeside picnicking.
- Tahoe Meadows: Head to the Nevada side of the lake to explore Tahoe Meadows, a subalpine meadow alive with wildlife and fall foliage. The hike around the meadow takes around an hour to complete and is considered fairly easy, making this a great choice for the whole family. Although the loop has no particular destination, the wonders you will see along the way make the journey worth it.
- Shirley Canyon Trail: Starting in Olympic Valley, the Shirley Canyon Trail will take you four miles up into the mountaintops, allowing you to take in incredible views of the valley below. This hike is more strenuous, but you’ll hardly be focused on the challenge as you take in the waterfalls and the vibrant colors you’ll see as you climb to the top.
- Sand Harbor State Park: From sandy beaches to sweeping forests, Sand Harbor State Park offers 55 acres of space to explore the autumn wonders of the region. While this state park experiences a high volume of visitors during the summer months, during the fall, you’ll find a much quieter atmosphere — perfect for soaking in those stunning views.
- Tahoe Rim Trail — Brockway Summit: One of the longest and most famous trails in the Lake Tahoe area, the Tahoe Rim Trail has a history of attracting hikers all year round, and for good reason. The trail entirely circles the Tahoe Basin, totaling 165 miles. There are many trails and outlooks you’ll find along the way that make excellent day hikes, such as Brockway Summit, which is right outside of Kings Beach. Here, you’ll find panoramic views of the lake, making this an excellent spot to see the totality of fall’s magical effects on Lake Tahoe. It’s a stop on the Lake Tahoe Ale Trail to boot.
- Martis Creek Wildlife Area Trail: Within the Martis Creek Wildlife Area, you have access to a four-mile hike that follows alongside Martis Creek itself. This easy hike can be completed in around an hour and a half, and in that time, you’ll be able to take in the sights of the autumn foliage and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the unique species of birds often found there.
More Ways to Catch Fall Foliage
Trails aren’t the only way to find the treasure of fall colors in Lake Tahoe. Here’s some more inspiration for your itinerary.
- Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park: What better way to experience colorful fall foliage than among the treetops? Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park is open year-round, come rain or snow, so even as the weather gets chillier, this remains a fun activity for all members of the family. Embark on an aerial trek through the forest and experience the thrill of soaring through the leaves and branches during Lake Tahoe’s breathtaking Secret Season.
- Biking: One of the best ways to explore Lake Tahoe? On two wheels, of course. Many hiking trails are also ideal for mountain biking, so while you’re planning your fall adventure, consider bringing the bike along with you! Better yet, consider renting from a local Lake Tahoe business. Learn more about how to gear up for biking in Lake Tahoe.
- Stroll the Towns: Lake Tahoe has 12 unique towns to explore, and each of these has its own touch of autumn magic you need to see to believe. Spend an afternoon strolling, shopping and unwinding as you breathe in that cool fall air and take in falling leaves swirling on the breeze around you. Take the Go To Town quiz to find out which Lake Tahoe town suits you best.
When Is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage?
You’ll find fall foliage is at its best from around mid-September to late October, and even sometimes as late as November, depending on when the snow starts. Any time in this window is an excellent choice for spending a few days admiring the foliage in Lake Tahoe. For a truly spectacular experience, try to time one of your hikes with the sunset — the colors of the setting sun reflect the autumnal tones already present in the trees, creating a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece you won’t soon forget.
Make a Clear Difference This Fall
As always, when you visit Lake Tahoe, it is your responsibility to give back to the region in every way you can. We encourage residents and visitors alike to Make a Clear Difference as they enjoy the Secret Season, and there are a few simple ways to do this:
- Pack out everything you pack in, and if you spot litter left behind by others, pick it up and throw it away in a designated trash receptacle.
- Stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing the region’s flora and fauna.
- Park only in areas designated for vehicles.
- Adhere to all guidelines regarding pets — if a trail is not marked as dog-friendly, leave the pups at home.
- Stay bear aware and keep wildlife wild.
For more stewardship tips, check out our page.
Plan Your True Tahoe Fall Escape
Ahead of the holidays, why not plan a tranquil escape that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized? Book your stay in Lake Tahoe today and discover how endlessly wonderful a True Tahoe fall can really be. We’ll see you soon!
