When will Reno get fall foliage? A look at what Farmer’s Almanac, Explore Fall and NWS say

The autumn equinox is about three weeks away, and that means it’s almost time for the trees to turn a myriad of red, orange and gold in Northern Nevada. But when will it be the peak time to see Reno’s fall colors?

The Reno Gazette Journal looked to three different sources — the Farmer’s Almanac, Explore Fall and the National Weather Service — to see what each organization or company said would likely be Northern Nevada’s peak season for autumn foliage.

Here’s a look at when Renoites should be able to see the best fall leaves during the upcoming season.

Is October a good time to visit Reno?

Late October to very early November was named the peak season for fall leaves by Explore Fall, with leaves beginning to turn in early October. Explore Fall is a website dedicated to fall foliage that uses data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other mapping and environmental organizations to create a map showing predictions of when the fall foliage is expected to appear in different areas of the United States.

Farmer’s Almanac’s prediction follows Explore Fall’s almost exactly, with peak colors in late October for Northern Nevada with leaves beginning to change in Washoe County as early as September.

In early August the National Weather Service also told the RGJ that it’s unclear when the fall leaves will change, but the Reno is already headed for a period of daylight loss which means red, orange and gold leaves in the near future.

What does fall look like in Reno/Tahoe?

Reno Gazette Journal photographer Jason Bean explored the Reno-Tahoe region last fall on the hunt for fall colors. Here’s what he found.

Where can I find fall leaves near Reno?

Thomas Creek Trail —Thomas Creek Trail is a 20.3-mile hike that takes nearly 10 hours to complete. For a shorter option, try Lower Thomas Creek Trail, a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, or Upper Thomas Creek Trail, a 14.8-mile out-and-back route averaging 7 hours and 30 minutes, according to AllTrails.

Hunter Creek Falls Trail — This trail near Mayberry Highland Park is popular for trail running and hiking, so if you bring four-legged friends, make sure to leash them up. It is a 5.7-mile, out-and-back hike that should take about 2 hours and 53 minutes to complete.

Steamboat Ditch Trail — Another trail near Mayberry Highland Park, this hike should take nearly 5 hours to complete. It is a moderately challenging 15.4-mile hike that provides not only views of fall foliage up close but an overlook of the autumn leaves at Caughlin Ranch.

Crissie Caughlin Park — For those not wanting to venture far from Reno’s urban neighborhoods, fall foliage can be found close to home. Located on Idlewild Drive along the Truckee River, the park brings autumn colors right to Renoites’ back doors.

Rancho San Rafael Park — Near the University of Nevada, Reno, this is another easily accessible place to see the bright colors of autumn. The 580-acre park is Reno’s largest and has a variety of facilities to accommodate visitors with pets and children.

Where can I find fall leaves near Tahoe?

Page Meadows — Near Tahoe City, this large meadow area provides scenic views and easy walking for people who may want to see leaves on an easier trail.

Hope Valley — This 4.1-mile, out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe provides an easy route that should take visitors less than 2 hours to complete. Reviews of the hike say there are a large amount of fall trees in the area, but the trail disappears in areas, so plan to pack sturdy footwear.

Big Meadow Trailhead — Big Meadow is one of the entrances to the Tahoe Rim Trail, the path that travels around the Tahoe Basin. Big Meadow itself has views of Hope Valley, Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe, according to the U.S. Forest Service. For adventurous hikers wanting to explore the Tahoe Rim Trail, be sure to visit tahoerimtrail.org to ensure you have the correct permits and maps.

This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: When will Reno get fall foliage? A look at what Farmer’s Almanac, Explore Fall and NWS say

Reporting by Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal / Reno Gazette Journal

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Related: Northern Nevada leaf peeping guide: Where to see fall colors