Knott's Scary Farm
Haunted attraction · Buena Park · California
Southern California's original theme-park haunt hands Knott's Berry Farm over to 10 mazes and 5 scare zones on select nights, with hundreds of monsters loose across the midways after dark. The 2026 run goes September 17 through October 31.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Select nights
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: November 28–December 2
Color builds from November 15 · mostly bare by December 24
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Knott's Scary Farm’s own coordinates and elevation (26 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Knott's Scary Farm on the map
More things to do in California
June Lake Loop
Scenic drivePeak September 26
A 16-mile loop off US 395 threads four alpine lakes below Carson Peak, and by early October its aspen groves turn the roadside gold. Pull off anywhere along the pavement; Reversed Creek and the June Lake overlook give the classic Eastern Sierra shot.
Don’t miss: Reversed Creek aspen groves · Views of Carson Peak · Four lakes along one loop road
Bishop Creek Canyon
Scenic drivePeak September 28
South Lake Road climbs from Bishop into a narrow Eastern Sierra canyon where quaking aspens along Bishop Creek turn brilliant gold, usually peaking mid-to-late October. North Lake and South Lake bookend one of California's densest fall color drives.
Don’t miss: South Lake and North Lake · Aspen groves along the creek · Parchers Camp turnout
Yosemite Valley
National parkPeak September 29
Yosemite Valley's black oaks and bigleaf maples color the meadows below El Capitan and Half Dome in late October, thinning the summer crowds without thinning the granite. Cook's Meadow and the Valley Loop Trail frame the display.
Don’t miss: Cook's Meadow black oaks · Valley Loop Trail · Views of El Capitan and Half Dome
Lundy Canyon
TrailPeak September 22
A trail up Lundy Canyon climbs past beaver ponds and waterfalls through some of the Eastern Sierra's thickest aspen groves, glowing gold by mid-October. The out-and-back from Lundy Lake is Mono County's signature fall color hike.
Don’t miss: Beaver ponds and waterfalls · Dense aspen groves · Lundy Lake trailhead
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When is Knott's Scary Farm open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Sep 17 – Oct 31. Select nights. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Knott's Scary Farm peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 28–December 2 (best estimate November 30). Color starts around November 15 and is mostly bare by December 24.
- What is Knott's Scary Farm best for?
- Haunt veterans who want scale.
- How do I get to Knott's Scary Farm?
- Knott's Scary Farm is in Buena Park. The closest city is Los Angeles, about 20 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
Own or manage Knott's Scary Farm? Update your listing or get in touch.