I had seen photos of aspens at peak on Austin Summit in late September, so I wasn’t sure how much color would be left when I drove by there on Monday, October 13.
I was pleasantly surprised.
From just before I drove into Austin, Nevada from Fallon I could see groves of orange and yellow aspens on the west of Austin Summit.
Driving up the summit, more colorful, attention-getting groves decorated the hillsides.
Austin Summit Autumn Foliage, 10-13-25, Kim Wilkes
I consider Austin Summit to be like a natural “art gallery,” where groupings of aspens “hang” on the hillsides like artwork on display.
Overall, Austin Summit is At Peak at 75%. But 15% of the trees are still green and 10% past peak.
Important Information If You’re Going
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Austin Summit is on Highway 50 just east of Austin, Nevada, about 2 hours and 37 minutes from Reno, making for a nice weekend getaway. There are pullouts, so you can park and walk on the dirt roads or drive if you have a high-clearance vehicle.
Be Careful of Winter Weather and Carry a Satellite Device
A storm is expected to drop some snow in the area, so check the weather before you head out. Thursday through the weekend is forecast to be sunny. Hopefully the storm will be kind to the leaves.
Remember that many places in Central Nevada are desolate, and you won’t always have cell service. We highly recommend the Garmin In-Reach Mini 2 satellite device. You can use it to call for help if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere or if you’re having a medical emergency. I like to use it to send texts to my husband when I’m hiking by myself in areas without cell service to let him know I’m okay.
Austin Summit Fall Color Update October 13, 2025
• Austin Summit – At Peak (75%) with some trees still green (15%) and others past peak (10%).
