Guide to Spotting Fall Color in the Sacramento Area

As the days shorten and the air turns crisper, the greater Sacramento area transforms into a patchwork of gold, crimson, and amber. Although Sacramento doesn’t have the fiery displays of New England, it does have a surprising number of areas with impressive fall color. Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo counties all have options for those hoping to go “leaf peeping.”

But first, a little background on changing fall colors. During the warmer spring and summer months, green chlorophyll is the dominant pigment in leaves. But as the temperature cools, the chlorophyll breaks down, allowing other pigments such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) to show through. As sugars become trapped in the leaves, anthocyanins (red and purple) are formed.

In Northern California, the arrival of fall color depends on elevation. Leaves start to change at the highest elevations first, gradually making their way down the mountain, into the foothills, and finally, into the valley. In the High Sierra, for example, aspen groves begin to turn as early as September. But further down, it’s not until mid-October that the oaks, maples, and ornamental pistachio trees start taking on shades of orange and yellow. In the Sacramento Valley, the peak season tends to be late October to early November, as sycamores, walnuts, and cottonwoods turn. For the most up-to-date information, visit californiafallcolor.com, which also has an interactive map.

While a trip to the mountains always makes for a great getaway, you don’t have to drive far to catch amazing autumn colors. There are many local spots that have impressive displays, thanks to both native trees and the many ornamental trees that were planted here decades ago. The following are some local picks.

American River Parkway

Photo Courtesy of El Dorado Trail | IG: @eldoradotrail

This riparian corridor along the American River, bisected by the American River Bike Trail, is a favorite for locals. As sycamores, cottonwoods, and oaks shift color, the trail offers a long, peaceful stretch of leaf-peeping. Additionally, the El Dorado Trail, which runs from the town of El Dorado to Camino, has stretches of fall color as well.

Ancil Hoffman Park

Located in the lower American River area near Carmichael, this park features wooded trails with mature oaks and a gentle, dappled light. It’s a quiet, local option worth exploring, especially in fall, when the riverside aspens take on a golden hue.

Sacramento County Homes Under the Trees

Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake makes for a great day trip any time of year, but in the fall, the shoreline is striking with its golden leaves against the blue water. There are numerous spots to catch fall color at Folsom Lake, but one of the best is the Willow Creek Recreation Area on the western shore. The Folsom Historic District is another good spot, as the streets are lined with ornamental trees.

U.C. Davis Arboretum

Flanking Putah Creek, this mile-long demonstration garden has collections of trees representing diverse regions across the world. The mellow walking path wends through groves of oaks, maples, ginkgo, Chinese pistache, redbuds, and other vibrant specimens.

Find Your Fall Retreat in Yolo County

California State University, Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Sacramento State | IG: sacstate

Another college campus known for its fall color is CSUS. Its arboretum and alumni grove are popping with color this time of year, and you can find changing leaves throughout campus. The trees lining its main thoroughfare, College Town Drive, are also impressive come fall. Being that it abuts the American River, you can also see color along the riverbanks from atop the Guy West Bridge.

Auburn State Recreation Area

With miles upon miles of hiking trails, this area near Auburn is a good choice for spotting fall color. The area near the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River is especially scenic. If you prefer to stay closer to town, Old Town Auburn is also awash in fall color, with autumn hues seemingly around every corner.

Placer County Homes with Views

Apple Hill

Photo Courtesy of Starfield Vineyards | IG: @starfieldvineyards

This apple-growing region near Placerville offers the quintessential fall experience. Most people come to Apple Hill for apple picking and pumpkin hunting, but the scenery is spectacular in the fall. Rolling foothills covered with vineyards, windy mountain roads lined with trees in various shades of yellows and reds, and rural landscapes make it a great place for a fall drive.

Other Places to Spot Fall Color in Sacramento

Before it was America’s Farm to Fork Capital, Sacramento was the City of Trees. To many residents, it still is, and will always be. Beginning in the Gold Rush, officials began building the city’s canopy, planting trees such as oaks, maples, elms, and sycamores. As the city grew, so did its neighborhoods, with developers planting showy ornamental trees such as Chinese pistache, gingko, and redbud. Some of the best places to see fall color are right in the city itself! The most colorful Sacramento neighborhoods are Midtown Sacramento, Land Park, and East Sacramento. You can even spot color in outlying areas such as Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, and Natomas.

Golden Views, Cozy Neighborhoods in El Dorado County

Check Out Fall Color in Sacramento This Autumn

One of the highlights of living in the greater Sacramento region is its amazing tree canopy, which erupts in fall with fiery displays of yellow, orange, and red. You don’t have to travel far to experience the grandeur that is fall; instead, just take a drive through one of the many neighborhoods in Sacramento and beyond.