Where to Find Fall Colors in San Diego
It’s no doubt that fall is one of the most wonderful times of the year, the weather starts to get a bit chillier and the leaves start to change color…oh wait, not in San Diego. Or so you thought! If you’re looking to get into a full fledged fall mood but don’t know where to find those beautiful fall colors, don’t you worry because we’ve got you covered. When you think of San Diego, the first things that come to mind are probably the beach, surfing and warm weather, but fall foliage is more than likely not on the list. Believe it or not, though, there are quite a few beautiful places in San Diego County where the weather gets just cold enough to change the leaves to stunning hues of orange and red.
JULIAN
Photo courtesy of @jeanmaries_photos on Instagram
First on the list is the charming little town of Julian, famous for its killer pie, apple picking and gold mining history. Julian is located in east San Diego County and is one of the only areas where the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. The picturesque landscape of Julian is also one of the very few places in Southern California that experiences all four distinct seasons. If you are the outdoorsy type, this quaint town has a little something for everything with various hiking trails, fit for everyone from beginners to experts. If you are looking for the perfect spot to celebrate all that the fall has to offer then Julian could be the place for you, take a walk around downtown Julian, go apple picking or try some delicious pie! Don’t forget to bring the kids and the dog along! You’ll see families strolling along with their pups and children in tow, everyone enjoying all this little town has to offer. So next time you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy the fall, make sure to check out this historic spot in East San Diego County.
CUYAMACA RANCHO STATE PARK
Photo courtesy of @cuyamacaranchosp on Instagram
If you are looking for stunning views, look no further! Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is a hikers dream, with everything from shorter hikes for beginners to lengthier, more challenging hikes for the adventurous type of hiker. With an abundance of lush foliage and greenery, this state park offers plenty of fall colors and is a surefire way to get all the fall feels. Unlike central San Diego, this area has larger trees such as pine and cedar, rather than the classic San Diegan palm trees you can find along the coast. It is also one of the few places in the San Diego area where you can find the characteristics of each season; yes, even decent snowfall in the winter! If you enjoy other outdoor activities, Cuyamaca State Park covers all of your fishing, mountain biking and camping needs. It is truly the outdoorsman’s (or outdoorswoman’s) dream!
MOUNT LAGUNA
Photo courtesy of @mmbalagtas on instagram
Sitting at just under 6,000ft above sea level, the stunning Mount Laguna is possibly one of the most incredible and underrated hiking areas in San Diego County. Just an hour long drive from central San Diego, Mount Laguna offers rustic, rolling hills with pastures and lake views. The hiking trails around Mount Laguna are washed with beautiful red, yellow and orange leaves during the fall and offer breathtaking sights every step of the way. We recommend the Big Laguna Mountain Loop trail and the Sunset Trail for some of the most scenic hiking in San Diego. A big plus is that dogs are allowed on leash at Mount Laguna and while this is a popular hiking area, the trails don’t tend to be too crowded in the fall months so you don’t have to worry about heavy foot traffic. Not to mention, Mount Laguna also offers the small town experience with just one general store, restaurant and quaint campgrounds where you can sleep beneath the stars and the vibrant fall foliage.
LAKE POWAY
A popular destination in the summer for lake goers, hikers and fishermen alike, Lake Poway has so much autumnal fare to offer! Because the weather doesn’t get too chilly in the fall months, fishing, camping and all of the same activities you can do during the summer are still just as enjoyable and may even be less crowded. If you want to get out on the lake, boating and fishing permits are available and you can easily rent a boat for the whole day and take in all of the beautiful sights from the lake. The Lake Poway Park is also home to one of San Diego’s most popular hikes, Potato Chip Rock. This hike can be quite rigorous but is well worth it when you get to the top. During the fall months it can be quite busy because of the cooler temperatures, we recommend getting there pretty early in the day to beat the heat and the foot traffic. While the area itself doesn’t have a whole lot of greenery and is mostly desert plants, the meadowy areas turn a beautiful amber color that is only intensified during golden hour and sunset that is sure to give you that warm fall feeling.
Contrary to popular belief, San Diego has some colorful breathtaking sights to see during the fall, especially for all you outdoor lovers. Just a short drive away and you can immerse yourself in all the beauty of the season. We can’t think of a more picturesque way to get out in nature, clear your mind and even get active with some hiking or fishing. The changing leaves and the chill in the air can be refreshing, and offers a lovely contrast to the San Diego landscapes where we’re most accustomed.
Living in Southern California doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fall festivities. We hope that this has given you some insight on where you can go when you want to get into the autumn mood and soak in the beautiful rustic landscape. Now is the perfect time to get out there and appreciate the outdoors – go out there and dive into your next autumn adventure.