Top Places To Visit In Nevada In The Fall

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Nevada, with vibrant colors lighting up the landscape. Nevada is home to one of the largest aspen groves in America. Found in Great Basin National Park, these quaking aspens put on a spectacular fall show. Nevada also features the only mountain range in the lower 48 states that runs directly north-south, so the Ruby Mountains see foliage changes at higher elevations later into the fall season compared to other locations. Nevada's climate and terrain vary greatly from alpine forests in the northeast to high desert in the south. Aspen, willow, and cottonwood trees thrive along waterways and in certain mountain elevations. 

These deciduous trees undergo annual changes of added splashes of crimson, burnt orange, and golden yellow tones each autumn. Native plants like quaking aspen and four-wing saltbush also contribute seasonal displays as temperatures drop and days grow shorter, signaling winter's approach. From aspen-dotted mountainsides to cottonwood-lined rivers, here are some of the best places around the state to experience the changing leaves from late September through November.

Great Basin National Park

One of the best places to enjoy the changing leaves in fall is the Great Basin National Park of eastern Nevada. The aspen trees here put on a spectacular show as their leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the months of September and October. Hiking along the scenic Alpine Lakes Loop during this time allows visitors to take in stunning vistas of colorful mountainsides.

Entry to the park is free, and it is open daily. Hikers have many other opportunities for exercise with trail options like Bristlecone Loop Trail, which passes groves of ancient bristlecone pines. You don't want to miss this fall kaleidoscope of colors in one of Nevada's most scenic and under-visited national parks.

Clark County Wetlands Park, Las Vegas

Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Clark County Wetlands Park is a surprising oasis offering plants, wildlife, and walking trails. In fall, the plants here take on shades of red, orange, and yellow, providing a splash of color against the blue skies and brown desert landscape. The Wetlands are home to over 300 species of birds, so it is an excellent spot for birdwatching as flocks migrate through the area.

General admission to the park is free; however, guided tours have a small fee of $40 to 75, depending on the number of visitors and hours. Spending a morning or afternoon exploring the different habitats and trails, especially in October and November, travelers will see the fall colors in full effect.

Riverview Park, Carson City

Resting along the Carson River, Riverview Park is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air in the capital city of Carson City. In autumn, the cottonwood and willow trees that line the river glow yellow, making for a picturesque setting. The 109-acre park has over 1.6 miles and an additional 0.4 miles of paved and unpaved trails perfect for walking or biking. Playing fields and picnic areas also provide space to relax in the shade. A visit in October guarantees the scenery of changing leaves along the shining river.

Windy Hill, Reno

Just ten minutes south of downtown Reno lies Windy Hill, a hidden gem offering panoramic valley views. In the fall, the meadows and slopes are dotted with colorful sagebrush, mountain mahogany, and quaking aspen. The open space has over five miles of trails to choose from, with options for a hike or mountain bike depending on your ability and fitness level. 

There is no fee to visit, and it is open daily. A visit in November is when the aspens really light up the hillsides with golden leaves. It's a picturesque spot just outside the city, offering a taste of fall in the high desert.

Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas

Conveniently located just twenty-five minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Floyd Lamb Park offers an urban oasis to escape the crowds. In fall, the desert vegetation and ornamental trees at this 680-acre park come alive with shades of burgundy, rust, and gold. The park has 0.9 miles of scenic paved trails perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. 

Other amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields, and barbeque grills. General entry to the park is $6 per vehicle. You can purchase an annual pass at $50, and it is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visiting in late October is encouraged when the colors are most vibrant before the leaves drop. It's an underrated gem close to the hustle and bustle of Vegas.

Lamoille Canyon

Situated in the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon, also known as "Nevada's Yosemite,” offers stunning mountain vistas all year long but especially magnificent in autumn. In September and October, the abundant aspen and mountain mahogany trees here erupt in beautiful golden shade. Hikers also take the short but steep trail to the thundering Lamoille waterfalls, which are doubly breathtaking and framed by fall foliage.

No entry fee is required to access the area. It's worth a stop to experience some of Nevada's best high-country fall colors.

Truckee River, Reno

A stroll along the paved river walkway following the Truckee River in downtown Reno is a picturesque way to admire fall foliage. In October and November, the yellow aspens and orange cottonwoods that line the river really stand out against the brown and gray cityscape. Popular spots to visit include Wingfield Park, Riverside Artist Lofts, and Idlewild Park, where you can enjoy live music, restaurants, and art galleries or simply relax by the water.

Admission is completely free to wander the riverwalk or relax in one of the parks. It's a lovely urban escape surrounded by nature's fall colors in the heart of the "Biggest Little City."

Washoe Valley

Found between Carson City and Reno lies the picturesque Washoe Valley. Driving through in October and November offers beautiful vistas of changing colors as you pass rolling hills, ranches, and fields dotted with golden aspens and color-changing sagebrush. There is also Washoe Lake State Park, where there are paved walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the lake framed by fall foliage.

The park has an entry fee of $5 per local vehicle and $10 for tourists outside the state. Even if the trip doesn't involve hiking, just driving this striking valley road offers front-row seats to outdoor fall scenery not far from the cities.

Nevada State Capitol Grounds, Carson City

Right in the heart of Nevada's capital city are the beautiful 10 acres of Nevada State Capitol Grounds. In autumn, the meticulously landscaped lawns, trees, and gardens come alive in shades of red, orange, and gold. Travelers can explore the paved paths while taking in the statues, fountains, and buildings framed by fall displays. Picnic areas also provide space to relax and enjoy the colors. 

Admission and guided tours are free (tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., walk-ins on Saturdays only), and the grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visits are best in October when fall color is in peak display. It's a lovely urban oasis surrounded by fall scenery within steps of Nevada's seat of government.

Visiting these scenic spots around Nevada in the fall allows you to experience the beauty of the changing seasons. From the vibrant golden aspens of Great Basin National Park to the colorful cottonwoods along the Carson River, the landscape comes alive with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Whether you choose to explore the rugged mountains, relax by lakes and rivers, or simply take in the views from scenic drives, every location offers new vistas of fall foliage.

Planning for visits is best when they are in late September through November to catch the leaves at their peak colors before they drop. These locales lead to some of the most picturesque fall destinations across the Silver State. Most importantly, packing a camera to capture lifelong memories of Nevada's stunning seasonal transformations is highly recommended.