Best Places for Fall Photography in San Diego and Beyond
What is it about fall that get’s everyone so excited? The crisp cooler weather, the gorgeous scenery and pumpkin flavored everything! Part of celebrating autumn is viewing the changing of the leaves and taking beautiful photos with nature on full display. Though not renown for fall color, there are Southern California opportunities to share in the magic if you’re adventurous and patient.
HOW TO PREDICT THE FALL SEASON
The weather leading up to and during the fall season, is a big driver in the brilliance of autumn leaves. In short, the best recipe for a great fall season include: a warm wet spring, a moderate summer (relative to heat index and precipitation) and warm sunny days followed by cool nights in the fall.
READ MORE about the science of the fall leaves.
HERE is an interactive prediction map to see how fall is shaping up around the country (including Southern California).
(UPDATE 10/28/24) According to the interactive prediction map, Southern California begins peaking on November 4th, reaching its peak on November 11th, and past peak on November 18th. I will go on record to say that due to the extreme summer heat in 2024, it’s likely our Autumn season will fall short of expectations this year. I’ve visited inland parks in early October and everything was very brown, dead, and dry.
Now that I’ve burst your bubble a bit, just because San Diego may fall flat in 2024, doesn’t mean it’s like that everywhere. In fact, the Sierras look like they’re putting on a show if you can get up there. Yes, it’s a long drive but have you a better reason to discover new and farther places; magical places you’ll likely revisit year after year? But, sit back and read everything that Southern and Easter California have to offer, and go from there.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Try these San Diego locations for a little autumn magic. Note that the leaves in Southern California often change later in the season depending on location. Be sure to research and “know before you go” especially where dogs are concerned. Though dogs are allowed in most state parks, unfortunately they are limited in the areas which they can travel on-lead with you— often restricted to paved roads and camp grounds; no trails. Additionally, some areas mentioned below do not have services, may require adventure passes or are at higher altitudes (for those with health considerations).
Black Oak
A stately tree, with large canopy of yellow leaves across evenly spread out branches.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park - Located on Highway 79, five miles north of I-8, (760) 765-0755. Though evidence of the 2003 Cedar Creek Fire is everywhere, there are numerous black oaks at Lake Cuyamaca that contrast nicely with the calm early morning waters. Black Oaks supply the main fall color with leaves turning a nice golden yellow.
Palomar Mountain State Park - Off Highway 76, up Highway S6, left on Highway S7, at the junction near the peak (760) 742-3462. The park features a nice autumn vista of bracken fern in the meadows turning a rich golden brown against the dark green of adjacent forests. Also, look for oaks on Thunder Ridge and Chimney Flat Loop. Last, try the Observatory Trail at Cleveland National Forest - 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, CA 92061. This wooded trail connects the Palomar Observatory and a popular campground. Black oaks thrive on the north-facing slopes reaching brilliant oranges during November.
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve - 1209 Farmer Road at Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036. Five Oaks Trail home to some of the oldest and largest black oaks in San Diego County.
Sweet Gum
Maple-like shaped leaves. Beautiful purple, red, and deep red leaves. Often found in planned neighborhoods and parks in coastal and inland areas.
Balboa Park & the corner of Quince and 6th Street where a group of Sweet Gums grow.
San Dieguito Park - 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014, (858) 755-2386. Pile up the fallen leaves of the Sweet Gum trees in the “Lower Park” and enjoy!
Cottonwoods
Extremely tall trees with yellow leaves. Frequently found near watersources.
If you’re out hiking in the canyons of San Diego, you’ve likely come across a cottonwood. Not usually planted as an ornamental tree in San Diego, they’re not as easily accessible like the Sweet Gum or found in large groups like the Black Oak. But there is a place in the Eastern Sierra where you can get amazing images —more on that later!
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Mount San Jacinto State Park, in Idyllwild, (909) 659-2607, offers Blacks Oaks though not in a large grouping as you’ll mostly find pine trees in this area. It is said you can see a few Black Oaks at the following trails below, but I’d visit this area for the gorgeous mountain scenery rather than fall leaves.
Deer Springs Trail
A trail off Highway 243 near Idyllwild that offers close-up views of the black oak leaves
Long Valley Discovery Trail
A beginner-level trail with views of the fall colors and nature trail posts
SAN BERNADINO COUNTY
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, off Interstate 15, east Highway 138, past Highway 143 out of Hesperia, features a nice autumn vista of black oaks nestled in pines. (760) 389-2281.
EASTERN SIERRA - INYO AND MONO COUNTIES
My All-time Favorite for Fall Leaf Peeping (Dogs Welcome!)
Cottonwoods
The Cottonwoods in Inyo County turn a burnt-golden yellow color each year.
They are found all over Bishop, following the Owens River, and along the 395.
There are a group of Cottonwoods found outside of Bishop that to me, are even more beautiful in the winter than the fall. Anyone who’s seen Django Unchained knows exactly what I’m talking about! This would be in the Round Valley. GPS: 37.419588178201124, -118.5882180437737. But it is still quite beautiful to look at in the Autumn.
There’s no better place to witness autumn that is still very accessible to Southern California residents then the Inyo and Mono Counties. Yes, it’s a haul but this is my GO-TO for autumn photography where Aspens, Oaks and Cottonwoods are abound and dogs are welcome! Everyone will appreciate the adventure and great outdoors where you’ll find the trails remarkably family+dog friendly. Stay in Bishop or Mammoth Lakes where you have access to awesome hiking and some of the best bakeries. Imagine donning sweaters, sipping apple cider and venturing out into the crisp air to enjoy nature and take amazing photos. HEAVEN!
INYO COUNTY
Mist Falls. Bishop, CA
Inyo county has so many places with amazing scenery of mountains, lakes, rivers, and yes … leaves, you may as well just go to the source! Here is a website that provides a fall leaf update every year so you “know before you go” Bishop Visitor.
If you’d like to try your hand at photographing waterfalls with fall foilage there are a few for you to discover! Here is a great website that tells you how to get to the falls and provides a cool interactive map Bishop Visitor.
MONO COUNTY
As with Inyo County, there are so many places in Mono County to visit, this dedicated website with up-to-date information on the fall color progression is my goto. Just note that Inyo county with it’s elevation and water bounty is better known for —you guessed it, ASPENS! This gorgeous tree has delicate BRILLIANT yellow foliage that make amazing photographs. Below are fairly reliable spots given you can time it right.
Lee Vining - Lee Vining Canyon (6,781'), Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858').
Benton & 120 East - Sagehen Summit (8,139’).
June Lake Loop - June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654').
Mammoth Lakes - Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996’). Follow Mammoth Lakes Tourism for the most up-to-date information: VisitMammoth.com.
Crowley Lake / McGee Creek / Convict Lake - Crowley (6,781), Convict Lake (7850’).
Rock Creek Canyon - (9600’).
Bishop - (4134’).
DOCUMENTING “YOUR” AUTUMN MEMORIES
Now that you have resource for beautiful fall landscape photography, have you considered fall family portraits? Lugging around a tri-pod and remembering how to setup the timer on your camera is a chore. Why not “leave” the photography to a professional so you can be sure your memories are beautifully documented while you focus on having fun?
It’s our job to scout locations in advance and do all the leg-work leading up to a photo session.
We know lighting and can help plan the best day and time for gorgeous images.
Don’t ever leave the pup out of family photos again. Hire a professional photographer specializing in pet photography to include the entire family.
If the “fall spectacular” isn’t very spectacular, a photographer with mad photo-editing skills can enhance a fall scene. It’s not ideal but if you have your heart set on it, it’s definitely doable!
Let me help you create those amazing autumn photos you’ve always wanted!
My session offerings vary from a single San Diego location to an all-out multi-location, multi-day photography event in beautiful Mono County! I travel to Mono county frequently, so if you’re planning on visiting the Eastern Sierra, give me a call and I’ll put together a brilliant package for your family with your four-legged best friend.
Enjoy the season!
