Natural History Wanderings

California Fall Color reports

 “In general, color extent varies considerably based on elevation. It is largely ‘just starting’ at lake level, but has progressed to ‘near peak’ in some higher elevations along the rim.”

Just Starting (0-10%) Lake Tahoe Lake Level (6,200 ft). Color is just beginning along the lake itself. Aspens are turning lime green, cottonwoods are getting some patches of yellow.

Patchy (10-50%) Lake Tahoe Mountainsides (6,200-7,000 ft).Color is beginning in patches in the aspen groves on the mountainsides along/near the Lake. 

Near Peak (50-75%) Specific Lake Tahoe Rim locations (7,000+ ft).Although still patchy in some places, some groves have really taken off and are near peak. This is especially true of the oft-visited grove on CA Hwy 267 near Brockway Summit. Portions of the grove are fully yellow, and the trees are dropping leaves. Will likely reach peak within the week.

See photos at Tahoe Ranges from Just Starting to Near Peak