SUMMER IS ENDING, or at least the commonly observed summer season, on Labor Day Monday. True, we’ve still got the autumnal equinox ahead, signifying true start of fall, but as of the second week of September, many people are moving into cider-sipping, scarf-wearing, plaid-rocking, show-me-all-the-pretty-foliage mode. Colorful trees may be scarce in several warmer and lower locations around the Golden State, but things are getting a touch golden in mountain towns as well as those tree-packed canyons that boast an impressive elevation. So just how does a devoted leaf peeper keep track of every single “go now!” moment? By checking in at the California Fall Color blog, a site that has been serving foliage fans since 2009. Started by travel pro John Poimiroo, the site, which shares reports from people who’ve seen red and yellow leaves from Plumas Canyon to Mono County and down to the deserts, is now energetically overseen by journalist Lara Kaylor, an outdoors expert.
THE FIRST 2026 COLOR REPORT… arrived on Aug. 26, with a sense that the seasons were shifting around Dog Lake in Yosemite. The promises of fall are revving up near the ocean, too: A Santa Cruz update on Sept. 1 reveals that the bright leaves seem to be on an earlier track this year. And there are tantalizing 2026 predictions to consider, too: A “lengthened fall” may be in store, due to the possibility of intense El Niño storms. If you can’t wait for October, when several spots begin to hit their zazzy zeniths, to seek out sensational sights, look to the Eastern Sierra where lovely leaf action is already finding fall-fun footing. Have you spied autumnal hues in your own area, or while traveling around the state, that you’d like to share? You’re invited to submit your observations to the site and help other leaf peepers make the most of the coming weeks and peaks.
YOUR MAP TO FALL LEAVES: Is the California Color Blog’s consistently updated foliage map the tool you need? Here it is. Keep in mind that once the little leaf icons turn orange, you’re in “go now!” mode, so pack that overnight bag and get a move on.