While the natural scenery from the desert to the lakes is beautiful any time of year, there’s nothing more stunning than fall in Nevada. The weather is delightful and the pumpkin-spiced lattes are plentiful. Best of all, the fall foliage turns into hues of oranges, yellows, golds, and reds. It’s as if the aspens, oaks, maples, and cottonwoods are all dressed up for a special occasion — and you’re invited to watch. Here are 11 places where you can see the colorful autumn show without even leaving the state.

1. Lamoille Canyon, Wells

Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
Flickr / U.S. Department of Agriculture
Tucked in the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon abounds with a wide range of fall colors in Nevada. Take a drive along the 12-mile Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway or venture into the canyon for a closer view.

2. Great Basin National Park

National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Flickr / Frank Kovalchek
Known for its groves of ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park is a treasure trove in the fall in Nevada. A great way to enjoy the fall foliage is by taking the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

3. Mt. Rose Scenic Byway, Reno

Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe, 22222 NV-431, Reno, NV 89511, USA
Facebook / Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada State Route 431) rises from the foothills to pass through the colorful Tahoe Meadows then descends through pine forests before it joins the Lake Tahoe National Scenic Byway (Highway 28) at Incline Village.

4. Lake Tahoe National Scenic Byway

Lake Tahoe, United States
Flickr / jcookfisher
Drive south on Highway 28 for non-stop shades of autumn in Nevada. If you feel like getting out of the car, take a walk through the trees on a path at Spooner Lake or take a moderate hike up to Marlette Lake. For more information about this gorgeous drive, visit the National Scenic Byway Foundation website.

5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Amargosa Valley

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 8757 Spring Meadows Rd, Amargosa Valley, NV 89020, USA
Flickr / Pacific Southwest Region USFWS
The ash trees at this refuge turn orange and gold in the fall as the birds begin to fly South for the winter. The weather is beautiful and the wildlife is plentiful.

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6. Bowers Mansion Regional Park, Washoe Valley

Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Rd, New Washoe City, NV 89704, USA
Facebook/Bowers Mansion Regional Park
Enjoy the fall-colored tall trees and expansive lawn on a picnic at Bowers Mansion Regional Park. Located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this historic mansion sits surrounded by color highlighting the best of fall in Nevada.

7. Ruby Lake Wildlife Refuge, Ruby Valley

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Ruby Valley, NV 89833, USA
USFWS Flickr/Pacific Southwest Region
An oasis for birds and wildlife, this remote refuge is filled with mustard-yellow, gold, and lemon-yellow aspen and willow leaves, rabbitbrush blooms, and wildflowers during the fall.

8. Carson River, Dayton

Carson River Drive, Carson River Dr, Dayton, NV 89403, USA
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Named for expedition guide Kit Carson, the Carson River traverses five counties. In autumn, it is surrounded by gorgeous fall colors in Nevada.

9. Floyd Lamb State Park, Las Vegas

Floyd Lamb Park, 9200 Tule Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131, USA
Flickr / Austin Nguyen
This is a wonderful park for fishing, walking among the cottonwoods, picnicking, or simply relaxing. This lush land is an oasis in the Mojave Desert. It is centered around Tule Springs, which is comprised of four lakes.

10. Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, Las Vegas

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Office, 4701 N Torrey Pines Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130, USA
Flickr / Andrew
The Spring Mountain National Recreation Area includes Mount Charleston. Take a hike with the whole family through the multi-colored trees. Your kids will love grabbing a few leaves as a souvenir. It's one of the best places to spend autumn in Nevada! Discover more on the U.S. Forest Service website.

11. Reno Riverwalk District, Reno

Riverwalk District, Reno, NV, USA
Flickr / Vanessa Vancour
Take a leisurely stroll along the Truckee River in the Reno Riverwalk District. Grab a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe (pumpkin spice, of course) and take in the beautiful hues by the waterfront to celebrate fall in Nevada.

Photos don’t really do justice to the gorgeous fall in Nevada. For those who have visited some of these lovely places in person, please tell us about your experiences in the comments.

And for some more fall colors, take this dreamy road trip in Nevada. Also, consider reserving a cozy Vrbo to stay the night or even a weekend.

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More to Explore

Fall in Nevada

Katie Lawrence | August 17, 2022

What are the best places to visit during fall in Nevada?

Nothing screams "fall" quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch! One of the best places to visit during autumn in Nevada is the Lattin Farms Pumpkin Patch. Located in Fallon, this family-friendly destination takes visitors on a hayride to the patch, which is brimming with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. You can also enjoy a corn maze, miniature train, scarecrow factory, and more! Gather up the whole family and venture out to this festive pumpkin patch in Nevada. It will make your autumn season one to remember.

Where can I see fall colors in Nevada?

The Silver State is a leaf peeper's paradise, so if you're in the mood to see some fall colors in NV, you're in luck. One of the most scenic spots would have to be the Mount Rose Scenic Drive. Running between Reno and Lake Tahoe, this 25-mile route offers sweeping panoramic views of the Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake, the Sierras, and the Tahoe Basin. Although the road is beautiful to drive on any time of year, it really comes alive in the fall when the trees are bursting with vibrant seasonal hues.

Which hiking trails in Nevada are best in the fall?

If you're looking for a short and sweet hike to tackle this fall, set your sights on the Galena Creek Nature Trail. One of the best fall hikes in Nevada, this delightful stroll is located at Galena Creek Regional Park along the Mount Rose Highway. At just over a mile long and with minimal elevation gain, the trail requires little effort — but still boasts spectacular views. During fall, the surrounding forest erupts in a striking display of autumn color, with the leaves of its trees transforming into the most vibrant, eye-catching shades of yellow you'll ever lay your eyes on. The best part is that, since it's such a short hike, you will have plenty of time to stop and admire the scenery!

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