Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
State park · California
A 4,000 acre park in the Mayacamas Mountains above Kenwood, where big-leaf maple, buckeye, and a mix of oaks color the creek canyons while the surrounding hillsides stay green with bay laurel and Douglas fir. Twenty five miles of trail climb from the campground to Bald Mountain, and Sonoma Creek's waterfall runs best after the season's first rains.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Peak: November 10–November 14
Color builds from October 28 · mostly bare by December 5
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (372 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park 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 does Sugarloaf Ridge State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 10–November 14 (best estimate November 12). Color starts around October 28 and is mostly bare by December 5.
- What is Sugarloaf Ridge State Park best for?
- A Sonoma Valley hike with real fall color.
- How do I get to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park?
- The closest city is San Francisco, about 46 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
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