Fall is one of the best times of the year for a getaway. While New England may be famous for its vibrant foliage, the west offers some fantastic experiences that will make you want to book a trip ASAP.
Yosemite, California
The summer crowds in Yosemite Valley can be hard to bear. Still, autumn means no more battling hordes of visitors to take in the spectacular views, and the lack of foot traffic on those scenic trails makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Although many of the trees in the park are evergreen, the park also boasts gorgeous big-leaf maples, black oaks, and many deciduous trees that turn brilliant shades of red and yellow around mid-October and frame awe-inspiring sights like Yosemite Falls. Book a cabin rental to make the most of your fall getaway.
Bend, Oregon
Bend has become an adventure travel mecca. Located just east of the Cascades in Central Oregon, visitors enjoy frequent bright blue skies, lots of fall colors, and the chance to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, golf, and much more. After a day of play, back in town, there is a thriving food and drink scene, including several innovative, award-winning breweries.
Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-style town on the eastern slopes of Washington’s Cascades is one of the west’s top destinations for fall foliage, but it offers a whole lot more. After driving over the spectacular mountain pass along Highway 2, you’ll discover a place that genuinely feels like you’re in Europe, with the distinct Bavarian architecture, wealth of German eateries, and people dressed in lederhosen. The big sign welcomes you by saying, “Willkommen to Leavenworth.” Visit in late September to attend the Autumn Leaf Festival and, throughout October, visit the world-famous Oktoberfest.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Autumn is an ideal time to visit Joshua Tree National Park, particularly later in the season. The temperatures are often idyllic, with highs in late October through November hovering around 83 degrees. Enjoy hikes that will bring you views of stunning, unique rock formations, bizarre Joshua trees, and unusual plant life. After dark, you’ll be mesmerized by some of the world’s darkest skies, with clear nights on nearly every night of the year due to the low desert humidity and absence of light pollution. Stare at the starry sky from one of these great glamping rentals.
Lake Tahoe, California
Visiting Lake Tahoe in the fall means you’ll be between the busy seasons, winter and summer, and will have the chance to enjoy a more tranquil experience and often clear and crisp days. One of the highest alpine lakes in the country, it not only offers the opportunity to get out on the water by taking a lake cruise or, on warmer days, heading out on a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe but there’s also all sorts of things to do on land. One of the best ways to witness the striking beauty of the area is to take a hike with miles and miles of scenic trails found throughout the region.
Crater Lake, Oregon
Countless visitors flock to Crater Lake in the summer to witness this stunning six-mile-wide caldera that holds the deepest lake in North America at a depth of 1,949 feet. About 80 percent of the nearly half-million visitors arrive in July and August. But from mid-September to about mid-October, the temperatures are still pleasant, both the water and the sky seem to be the bluest you’ll find all year, and you’ll practically have the place to yourself while most areas and services are still open. You can look forward to beautiful hikes, fishing, ranger talks, jaw-dropping scenic drives, and more. Accommodation options range from cabins and campers to glamping tents and A-frame houses.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the most picturesque places in the country, with few other spots featuring a landscape that is as dramatically colorful, especially in autumn. Here, towering red rocks soar into an almost always bright blue sky, and the golden hues of fall frame the view. The hot Arizona temperatures have subsided, providing the opportunity to enjoy hikes in the crisp, idyllic weather. Enjoy an evening stroll among the specialty shops and art galleries in the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. If you visit in October, you can attend the annual Sedona Plein Air Festival, which offers the chance to watch artists in their element along Main Street and take any one of several artist workshops.
Taos, New Mexico
“The Land of Enchantment” is exemplified in Taos, and the autumn season brings out its very best. Many of the art galleries have paintings reflecting the colorful surrounding mountains. You can view some of the best fall foliage in the southwest can be found by taking the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loop from Taos to Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. While you’re here, you can visit Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities on the continent, drawing artists and photographers year-round.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is internationally renowned for its wine, picturesque scenery, and Michelin-starred restaurants. October is the time to enjoy vibrant colors and the winemaking experience. You’ll see trucks overflowing with grapes and spilling onto the roadways and be able to take part in harvest festivals that offer delicious foods, crafts, live music, and plenty of wine. Rent a bike and head out on the paths, and enjoy wine tasting as you go.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Autumn is the sweet spot for touring the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Temperatures dip down to the mid-70s, and the kids are back in school, providing a more peaceful experience and cheaper hotel rates. Incredibly vibrant colors and unforgettable panoramas of the canyon measure an average width of ten miles, a depth of one mile, and a length of 277 miles. Don’t just peer over the rim. Get an up-close-and-personal look by taking a mule ride down to the bottom.
