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Copyright 2023 Visit Truckee-Tahoe
When most people think of fall, they imagine dreary weather. Guess what? In Truckee, that just isn’t true! Crowds dwindle, the sun is still shining, and during the day it warms up. Our calendar is filled with fun fall festivals and events. And the best part is your helping sustain Truckee’s economy by making sure there are year-round jobs and local businesses continue to thrive. It’s the ideal time to escape from the doldrums of daily life.
Starting in about late September / early October, grab your camera for a fall trip to Truckee - fewer folks and great lodging rates! If you haven’t heard of leaf peeping, it’s the simple act of finding and admiring beautiful displays of fall colors in the forest. In Truckee-Tahoe, Aspen and Cottonwood trees put on the most spectacular display, their leaves turning bright orange and yellow. Anyone with a camera can become a nature photographer and capture the incredible canvas of color.
Read our daily fall color report on the Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert!
For more ways to appreciate fall's canvas of color, read our blog about the best fall activities in Truckee-Tahoe.
Places like Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail are adorned with colorful displays. But one of the easiest to access from Truckee is Martis Valley. The newly paved 10.2-mile scenic paved trail connects downtown Truckee to Northstar. Along it you’ll find the golds and browns of willows and grasses contrasting against the deep green of the pines.
Truckee is renowned for its easy access to the outdoors so it makes sense that it’s also perfectly situated to catch the fall foliage via a scenic drive. Pretty much in any direction you set off you’ll catch Mother Nature’s display. For example, head north on Highway 89 towards Sierraville to take in the Aspens, Willows and Cottonwoods painting the landscape with brilliant yellows. Or head west over Donner Pass via Old Highway 40. After you’ve taken in the views of Donner Lake from above, continue to Summit Valley. As the road follows along the rocky South Yuba River, it’s lined with Aspens and Cottonwoods. When the leaves turn, the vibrant yellows and golds are duplicated in the reflections of the river. To get an even closer look, consider taking the short 4-mile Bill Patterson Loop.
Read this recent article to learn more! 5 Scenic Drives Near Truckee To Catch Lake Tahoe Fall Colors
A great time to hit the trails, fall in Truckee-Tahoe brings cool mornings and warm afternoons. Layers are a must with the temperature range and don’t forget a lightweight waterproof rain jacket when there is a chance of rain or snow.
There is nothing quite like riding a flowy singletrack when fall colors are peaking. Late fall usually marks the return of California’s wet season, and rain showers set up the trails for hero dirt, also known as hero dirt - the best conditions for mountain biking!
For climbers, October is known as Rocktober: one of the best times of year for rock climbing in Truckee-Tahoe. The cooler, crisp fall temperatures make it easier for climbers to grip granite, the pleasant afternoon sun is warm but not intense, and fewer crowds mean more climbing for all.
Maybe it’s because the nights are cooler. That the leaves are changing color or the farms and vineyards are harvesting for their final time. For whatever reason, fall is THE time of year for outdoor events. Beer lovers will find that Truckee has not one but TWO Oktoberfests to enjoy on separate weekends. One in Tahoe City and another in Palisades Tahoe. Then there is the Truckee River Day & Fair on October 15th. This is where you can help improve wildlife habitat, plant native species, and ensure that the Truckee River remains beautiful. To see the past years hard work in person, the Truckee River Watershed Council has created this self-guided tour for you to take.
For a full list of events happening this fall, visit our events page and check out this blog to learn more about Truckee-Tahoe's fall festivals and events.
With the days getting shorter, there’s a sense of “Carpe Diem” every sunny afternoon. You savor each stroll into the forest or climb to a peak. Along with all the hiking, biking and climbing to be done, this is also a great time to tee off at Truckee’s links. The changing of the leaves against the sharp contrast of pines makes for a unique experience. Then there is the fly fishing, which is enjoyed year-round in Truckee. Fall fly fishing isn’t just fantastic, it's one of the best times to be out on the water.
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Copyright 2023 Visit Truckee-Tahoe