Hope Valley Fall colors in northern California: the changing of the leaves
By Jeremy Branham on Oct 24, 2011 with Comments 32
One of the most spectacular ways to welcome Autumn in northern California is with the Hope Valley Fall colors. This area is nestled along the Highway 88 and 89 corridor and is one of the most popular destinations for leap peeping near Lake Tahoe.
While Fall offers some great weekend getaways in northern California, these Fall colors, views, and photos show why Hope Valley is one of the best places for Autumn.
Last year was my first year to see the Fall colors in Hope Valley and I loved the mix of yellow, orange, and green leaves. This year, I had the opportunity to discover some new places to view Fall leaves and colors along the Carson river.
One of the popular spots for viewing the leaves is at Sorensens resort. This resort is blanketed with trees and colors and offers a variety of activities year round including hiking, snow skiing (near Kirkwood), fishing, cross country skiing, bicycling, or just relaxing in the log cabins.
During this time of year, cars are parked all along the road as people of all ages come here to welcome Fall as the Autumn leaves display their golden colors. The road along Highway 88 offers a variety of great spots to do a little leaf peeping where you can view the leaves and see the valley in full bloom.
While Hope Valley is a popular spot in the Fall, this isn’t the only place to see the changing of the leaves. The Fall colors in Markleeville may offer some of the best views and experiences for your Autumn afternoon with a mix of yellow, orange, and red leaves as they welcome you to this small, friendly town in Alpine County.
Photos of Hope Vally California Fall colors
If you love the Hope Valley Fall colors and beautiful leaves of Autumn in northern California, this is one place everyone needs to see for themselves.
Check out my northern California hiking guide to get photos, videos, and reviews of hiking trails at Round Top, Horsetail Falls, Muir Woods National Monument, and more.
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Filed Under: California • Destinations • Hiking • northern California
I'm Jeremy Branham and I love to travel. Check out my travel stories, guides, sports travels, and adventures.
The color is just amazing! Love Fall so much.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..A Foreigner’s Perspective on Argentina Elections
Thanks! I don’t even think Hope Valley is at its peak yet!
Those yellows are so bright and vibrant!
Amanda recently posted..Photo of the Day: Lake Hawea
There are lots of yellows and oranges in the area. Beautiful trees and fantastic views. However, I like the ones in Markleeville because there are some reds there. Great little town too!
Beautiful photos. Fall is my favourite season, the colours are so vivid.
Alouise recently posted..Road Trip Memories 15 – Grain Elevator Photos
Thanks for the comment Alouise! It’s my favorite time of year as well! I make sure I take at least one day to go see the leaves each year.
i love the contrast of the yellows against the greens of the pine trees.
jamie – cloud people adventures recently posted..Clouds Update
Thanks Jamie! I love the reds as well but not as many reds in this area. That’s why I loved discovering Markleeville!
Love the colors you’ve been capturing in your fall pictures lately. Amazing!
Shirlene from Idelish recently posted..{USA} Local Food, a Hidden Gem Serving the Best Kalua Pork in Maui
Thanks Shirlene! It’s my favorite time of year and I love seeing the leaves. I may do some more photos a bit later when the leaves start turning colors around here. How are the colors where you are?
Gorgeous colours, I want to go there! Autumn is the best season for photography.
Becky, I am not even a great photographer but with leaves like that, it’s hard to screw it up!
Any favorite places that you have for leaves?
Absolutely beautiful!
robin recently posted..Las Nubes
Thanks Robin! What are the colors like in Spain?
Really beautiful pics! The leaves in London are going the same way…
Laura Mannering recently posted..Best of Brighton: From caramel tarts to killer backgammon
Thanks Laura! I would love to see the colors in Europe for Fall! I’ve been there many times in the Fall but not when the leaves are changing colors.
Where are the reds? It’s all yellow.
adventureswithben recently posted..The Mac King Comedy Magic Show in Las Vegas; Why You Should See it Now
Ben, most of the leaves here are yellow. There will be a few reds but the color of the leaves all depends on what type of trees are in the area. If you need some reds (and like you, I need to see some reds), you can enjoy the Markleeville photos which have some reds in there. Maybe that’s why those are my favorite!
I consider myself an avid leaf peeper. Judging by the photos I would love to peep in Northern California’s Hope Valley. I hope to peep there someday.
Traveling Ted recently posted..10 Top Tips for Backpackers
Come out here to check out the leaves and you can visit Folsom as well!
wow, gorgeous!! I forget that are parts of california that actually have 4 [or at least 3] seasons!
jenjenk recently posted..Turkey: Best Fish Sandwich in Istanbul
Well we will call it 2 full seasons and 2 really short ones! Have to take advantage of Fall while it is here!
Beautiful! Love this area. We stayed at Sorenson’s over Memorial Day weekend, it snowed! The restaurant on site has really good hot chocolate
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Easily Save Money While Traveling
It was really crowded there on Saturday and a bit too warm for hot chocolate this time of year!
I love these colors. It’s amazing how the colors can be so different state to state. Here in Denver, it seems like there are loads of oranges right now, which is all about to change with a snowstorm on the way.
Suzy recently posted..Suzy Stumbles Over Travel: Week of October 24, 2011
Beautiful photos, Jeremy! I’d never know that was California if you didn’t say so.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Where in the world am I? (#17)
I never would have guessed this was California either. Gorgeous photos!
Laurel recently posted..Old South Cemetery Photos at Twilight
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Love the colors and seeing a side of California I have not seen before
eileen ludwig recently posted..Comment on Hidden Gem De Leon Springs State Park Florida by RestaurantsTT
You can look at any picture, but until you actually see it, it is so beautiful. Great post and will for sure +1 your site. Thanks for the thought.
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