Woodfords Canyon is the section of Highway 88 that stretches from just east of Woodfords, California to Hope Valley. Woodfords is about a 10-minute drive from the Nevada state line.
Most of Woodfords Canyon starts to peak after Hope Valley is Past Peak, so it gives fall foliators a bonus display of color. A mixture of aspens and other deciduous trees grow in the canyon.
On October 19, 2026, the middle and upper parts of the canyon were At Peak, and the lower part of the canyon was Near Peak.
The lower part of the canyon looked lovely. It was a mixture of yellow, orange, and green. The middle-part of the canyon also looked very photogenic with a lot of yellow trees. A lot of yellow color also lights up the Desolation Hotel Campground.
In a lot of places throughout Nevada and the Sierra, trees have changed earlier than normal. Not so for Woodfords Canyon. It’s right on target to deliver its fall color show at the same time as usual.
The best way to see the foliage in Woodfords Canyon is either as a fall color drive or park on one of the canyon’s short roads (most of them dirt) and take a stroll. Driving from Nevada, just past the second Crystal Springs Road, look for a narrow road on the right side of Highway 88. It’s a bit hidden, so you’ll need to go slow to find it. It’s paved, but the pavement is wearing away in places and part of the road is rough. At the far end of the road there’s a huge chunk of pavement worn away. Even so, if you drive carefully, it’s a good place to park and stroll alongside the Carson River and admire the autumn colors.
Road in Woodfords Canyon, 10-19-26, Kim Wilkes
Take a break from looking at the fall color to grab a sandwich or ice cream at the Mad Dog Café at Woodfords Station. I really love their bagel egg sandwich.
A storm is arriving between Tuesday afternoon and evening and is expected to last until Thursday night or Friday morning. The snow levels are higher, which means the lower and middle parts of the canyon should just get rain and no snow. We can cross our fingers that the leaves in Woodfords Canyon don’t freeze or blow off. Just be careful of possible lightning if you’re out and about.
Woodfords Canyon Fall Color Update, October 19, 2026
Lower Canyon – Near Peak (70%)
Middle and Upper Canyon – At Peak (100%)
