Every fall, Mother Nature unpacks her easel and paints the Sierra Nevada in a kaleidoscope of color.
Oaks, aspens, cottonwoods and willows become yellow, orange and brown. Dogwoods turn crimson. Getting into the spirit, even meadow grasses and ferns take on a golden hue.It's enough to make an evergreen jealous.The color displays, which seem even brighter this year, typically last from mid-October through Thanksgiving, moving lower in elevation as the weather turns colder.Here are some of the best places (within reasonable driving distance from Fresno) to enjoy the show. And be sure to check out the Web site californiafallcolor.com for reports from throughout the state.DrivesYosemite: Maple trees, including the famous one that grows behind the Yosemite Chapel, are at their peak right now. And so are the dogwoods that grow alongside the Merced River between the Valley and El Portal. Contact: Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-0200 or
nps.gov/yose/.McKinley Grove: A great picnic spot about 30 minutes from Shaver Lake for as long as Dinkey Creek Road stays open. Flaming dogwoods look even brighter when surrounded by giant sequoias. Contact: Sierra National Forest, (559) 855-5355 or fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/.Quaking Aspen: Located along Highway 190 above Camp Nelson, this campground boasts what might be the largest accessible display of aspen trees in the Southern Sierra. Even worth the long, winding drive. Contact: Giant Sequoia National Monument, (559) 784-1500 or fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/.Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway: An underrated place for fall foliage; don't miss the stand of aspen trees north of Cold Springs Summit. Contact: Sierra National Forest, (559) 877-2218 or fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/.Eastern Sierra: While too far for a day trip, Mono and Inyo counties are stuffed full of glowing deciduous trees. Lundy Canyon, Bishop Creek Canyon and Convict Creek Canyon are particularly colorful. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 873-2500 or fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/.HikesAspen Flat: This often-overlooked jewel starts at the Eagle/Mosquito Lake Trailhead near Mineral King. An easy stroll along the Kaweah River's East Fork leads to a delightful aspen grove. Contact: Sequoia National Park, (559) 565-3341 or nps.gov/seki/.Nelder Grove: While best know for giant sequoias, this sanctuary off Sky Ranch Road in Madera County also contains some outstanding dogwoods. Contact: Sierra National Forest, (559) 877-2218 or fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/.Carlon Falls: Since the trailhead is outside Yosemite (along Highway 120), most people drive right by. The falls aren't much this time of year, but the oaks and dogwoods sure are. Contact: Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-0200 or nps.gov/yose/.Potter Pass: A grove of aspens grows just below the pass when approaching from Kaiser Pass Road. It's about one uphill mile from the Potter Pass Trailhead. Views from the top are a nice reward, too. Contact: Sierra National Forest, (559) 855-5355 or fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/.