Mother Nature is always putting on a show during fall in Nevada, somewhere.
Thanks to our state’s dramatic elevations, the color peaks in various places at various times, from mid-September through late October. So, even if you miss the most vibrant colors in one spot, you can catch them in another.
The following scenic drives, hikes, and recreational spots are known for leaf peeping in Nevada. Generally, you’ll see early color changes in the higher elevations starting mid-September, followed by peak color from late September to mid-October, and fading colors in late October.
From a remote basin on the northern Nevada border to a mountain road connecting two canyons in Southern Nevada, check out these scenic drives, hikes, and natural oases for leaf peeping in Nevada.
Copper Basin
Where: Jarbridge, northeastern Nevada, on the Idaho border
Best time for leaf peeping: Late September to Early October
What you will see: Gold, orange, and red aspens and cottonwoods
So remote it’s practically in Idaho, Copper Basin sprawls through the wilderness of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest between the Copper Mountains and Fox Creek Range in Elko County.
This unexpected, sweeping landscape of meadows, lakes, and bogs lies about 12 miles south of Jarbridge, a tiny town that made its mark as the last gold-rush destination in the Western US and as the site of the last stagecoach robbery. The basin itself is part of the Jarbridge Wilderness Area, Nevada’s first wilderness area.
Copper Basin is known for its blooming wildflowers in Spring, but it also produces color in fall. You can enjoy the view while driving on the gravel and dirt roads of County Road 752, stop off at a trailhead, and stay awhile.
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
Where: Near Elko, northeastern Nevada
Best time for leaf peeping: Mid to late September through Oct. 15
What you will see: Yellow and gold aspens; red maples
About 20 minutes south of Elko, the majestic Ruby Mountains are home to the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. This leisurely 12-mile drive winds along a paved road past scenic lookouts, hiking trails, fishing spots, interpretive signs, and campgrounds, to an elevation of 8,800 feet.
For an outdoorsy trip, head out into the Ruby Mountain wilderness. Take a family-friendly round-trip stroll to Dollar Lake (3.4 miles) or munch on a pre-packed meal at the Powerhouse or Terraces picnic areas. You’ll find fall colors and breathtaking scenery everywhere you look.
Genoa Loop Trail
Where: Genoa, Carson Valley, Northwest Nevada
Best time for leaf peeping: Late September to mid-October
What you will see: Yellow aspen, orange cottonwood, and red maples
The charming town of Genoa is a picturesque spot year-round, but fall brings plenty of leaves to peep at and autumn scenery, from deer munching on fallen fruit in an apple orchard to a cacophony of orange, yellow, gold, and red foliage.
For a casual leaf-peeping experience, stroll past huge trees, an apple orchard, old buildings, and educational placards that share Genoa’s history at Mormon Station State Park in Genoa’s Historic District. If you’re up for a hike, the 17-mile Genoa Trail System has two access points within walking distance and connects to other trails before descending back into Genoa.
Spooner Lake
Where: Lake Tahoe, northwest Nevada, on the California border
Best time for leaf peeping: Early to mid-October
What you will see: Golden yellow and orange aspens and willows
Blink, and you’ll miss it. Ok, it’s not that quick, but the leaf-peeping window at Spooner Lake on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore passes fast. It’s also super rewarding, so check it out before it’s too late.
The best way to take in this aspen-surrounded lake and 12,000-acre forest is on the easy 2.5-mile Spooner Lake Loop Trail, suitable for the whole family. Overall, there are more than 60 miles of paths and trails for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking spanning this Lake Tahoe Basin wilderness area.
A day-use parking permit for Spooner Lake and Backcountry costs $10.
Mount Rose Highway
Where: Reno to Incline Village, Northwest Nevada
Best time for leaf peeping: Mid-October
What you will see: Red, yellow, gold, and orange aspens
The year-round link between Lake Tahoe and Reno offers panoramic views from lookout points along the way, with unobstructed views of Lake Tahoe. You’ll also see the Lake Tahoe basin from the accessible Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail, a family-friendly and educational 1.3-mile trail through meadowlands and forests, over bridges, and past interpretive signs, plus ADA-compliant restrooms.
Success Loop
Where: Ely, east-central Nevada
Best time for leaf peeping: Late September to October
What will you see: Gold, orange, and red aspens
Beautiful year-round, the 58-mile Success Loop in Ely’s Schell Creek Range is a beautiful backcountry drive on a mostly paved or well-maintained dirt road. You can enter south of Ely near Cave Lake State Park or north of McGill on Highway 93.
On this journey up to 9,000 feet at Success Summit, you’ll pass side roads, scenic vistas, dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, creeks, pinyons, junipers, aspens, wildlife, and lush high desert. Fishing, boating, and swimming are also highlights at the 4,000-acre state park and lake.
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Where: Great Basin National Park, east-central Nevada near the Utah border
Best time for leaf peeping: Late September to Early October
What you will see: Yellow, orange, and red aspens
The scenic 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is located near the entrance to Great Basin National Park by the Lehman’s Cave Visitor Center. The paved drive climbs to 10,000 feet along a cliff’s edge through several ecosystems, starting with sagebrush-dotted foothills, then past pines, fir trees, and aspens. At the top, you’ll find the Summit Trailhead with hiking trails leading to an ancient bristlecone pine forest, alpine lakes, and Nevada’s only active glacier.
Download a self-guided auto tour on the official National Park Service app.
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
Where: Las Vegas
Best time for leaf peeping: Late October to early November
What you will see: Yellow and orange cottonwood and oak trees, red Chinese pistache, and purple flowering plum
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is a great place to visit with your family any time of the year for recreation, farmers’ markets, and events. When it comes to leaf peeping, you don’t want to head to this 680-acre oasis too early in the season. The park doesn’t usually see its fall color until late October or early November.
The park is expansive with lots to explore, from fish-stocked lakes to the historic Tule Springs Ranch, a ranch within the park that’s open for self-guided tours. You can enjoy fall color throughout the park or on a trail, such as a one-mile loop around the lake lined with cottonwood and oak trees.
Note that there is a per-vehicle parking fee.
Mount Charleston
Where: Las Vegas
Best time for leaf peeping: Late September to early November
What you will see: Yellow and orange aspen
About 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Mt. Charleston in the Spring Mountain National Recreational Area offers cooler temperatures, hiking, amenities, and abundant leaf peeping. You’ll find fall color in both Kyle and Lee canyons, and plenty of photo stops on the scenic Mount Charleston Scenic Byway, or Deer Creek Road (SR 158), that connects the canyons.
If you’re up for a hike, take in colorful aspens and evergreens on Cathedral Rock Trail or one of more than 60 miles of hiking trails in Kyle Canyon. The canyon has two lodging options and a restaurant if you decide to take it easy. Deer Creek Road is about a mile away from the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway.
In Lee Canyon, you can explore the Bristlecone Trail, eat at a restaurant in the ski lodge, or ride the ski lift (if it’s open for the season). Once only known for winter sports, Lee Canyon now offers hikes and a bike park with five trails, typically open through late fall.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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