My first-ever vacation with Mom after she adopted me was for Fall Foliage at Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth. Wow! What a great first trip! That was the beginning of many more adventures! We had a great cabin, a warm fireplace and full kitchen and Mom had lots of tunes playing on her portable Bose speakers. Now that’s what I call P-A-W-C-A-T-I-O-N!
Our big picture window was facing one of the Twin Lakes! All of the cabins, in fact, face the lake and there are a variety of sizes and amenities to choose from. My favorite thing is that we had awesome walks right out of the front door! It was a tad chilly for my last bathroom break tho – we had a little snow on our first day!
Soooooooo…..needless to say, Mom and I LOVE the Eastern Sierras for Leaf Peepin’! Mom has been watching the Leaf reports this year and Bishop Creek, Rock Creek Lake and Mammoth areas are just beginning to turn a little in color.
From our experience, the best time to head to the Eastern Sierras for Fall Colors is late September to Mid-October but, check here for the latest updates for all of your favorite areas. This year we can only go in Mid-October so, wish us luck for seeing great leaf colors! I also like to check here for another great cross-reference.
We think the Eastern Sierras are the best for Southern California Fall Foliage but, if you don’t want to drive 6 hours, don’t be sad……there’s still some nice color changes closer to So Cal which should happen a little later because they are at lower altitudes. For the latest updates or to check your favorite areas, here’s a GREAT link!
Check our our short list too:
Big Bear – Peak should be 1st – 2nd week in October but check check here for the latest updates. Another fun thing is the Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. it runs Mid-September to the end of October. We haven’t been but Mom says it sounds like lots of fun! We may to try to check it out this year at the end of October.
Idyllwild – Peak should be Early to Mid-October but check here for the latest updates. Mom also wants to go in the Spring when there’s still running water in the streams! So, we’ll probably go next March.
Julian – peak is usually later from Mid-October to Mid-November but check here for the latest San Diego County updates. Mom say’s Julian is fun to go in early November because it’s cooler and Apple Pie Season is still going! Did I hear her right? Apple Pie? YUM! She also says there’s a cool lake, Lake Cuyamaca where we can have a nice little walk, enjoy the lake and buy food in their restaurant for a nice picnic! Mom recommends an overnight trip – drive in and enjoy lunch and the lake then, head into downtown for dinner and spend the night. The next day you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and pie! She says there are plenty of areas to explore all day if you’d like to spend the night again. According to Dogfriendly.com, there are plenty of choices for dog-friendly restaurants and wineries. Yay! Then, you could check out Palomar on your way home on Day 3. Boy oh boy, I can’t wait to go! I hope we can do it this November!
Palomar Mountain – If you want to get away from it all and “back to nature” check out Palomar Mountain. There’s even an Apple Festival in October! Golden Eagles, Picnicking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, and the Palomar Observatory…….Cool! Dogs on leashes are only allowed on Myer’s Fire Road which begins on the East side of Doanne Valley Campground as seen on this brochure and map. We’ve found varied reports that the hike to the Observatory is dog-friendly so I’m not sure. According to this website it is. If so and if you have 2 humans, possibly they can take turns hanging out and snacking with you while they visit the Observatory. Regardless, Mom says the hike is beautiful 🙂 So, I WANNA GO! Beware of Poison Ivy and Poodle-Dog bush which humans can have severe reactions to! Treatment options if you or your humans come in contact with any poisonous plants can be found here.
Happy Fall! I hope you see some great colors out there!
XOXO,
Scoobs