Carson Valley Fall Colors GettingĀ  Better

A peaceful scene that appears at this time of year are the cottonwoods turning gold along the Carson River at Cradlebaugh Bridge, on the north end of Carson Valley, on Highway 395.

Professional photographer Patrick Wilkes ventured over to the Cradlebaugh Bridge to see how the fall colors there are progressing. He reports that overall the cottonwoods along the river are in the Getting Better stage (25%). Some individual trees in that area have reached 50%, so itā€™s looking pretty by the river right now, even if it hasnā€™t reached its peak color.

Carson River Cottonwoods
Cottonwoods by Cradlebaugh Bridge in the Getting Better Stage, 10-15-24, Patrick Wilkes

If you stop to take a photo, be careful of the traffic whizzing by on Highway 395 and for your safety stay off the road while youā€™re taking photos.

Cottonwood leaves
Cottonwood leaves by the Carson River, 10-15-24, Patrick Wilkes
Cottonwood by Cradlebaugh Bridge, 10-15-24, Patrick Wilkes

Maples, Pumpkins, and Pig Races

Maples and Jobā€™s Peak, 10-11-24, Kimberly Wilkes

Also looking pretty in the Carson Valley are the red maples. Theyā€™re mostly Near Peak at around 70%, with some stragglers, like the one in our backyard, just starting to turn. Some of the maples are half green and half red, decorating the valley in Christmas colors.

While youā€™re taking a fall color drive through Carson Valley, visit Corley Ranch for their October Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Thereā€™s a lot going on at the Harvest Festival during the week, but on weekends you can also watch pig races or try the giant sling shot or wagon rides.

Rain and Snow in the Forecast

Rain in the valleys and snow at the higher elevations is expected over the next few days, so your best bet of viewing the fall color will be over the weekend of October 19 ā€“ 20, 2024 and beyond. The cold nighttime temperatures could freeze the leaves of some trees, but weā€™ll hope for the best.

Carson Valley Fall Foliage Update 2024

Cradlebaugh Bridge Cottonwoods ā€“ Getting Better (25%)

Cottonwoods Throughout the Valley ā€“ Patchy (10%)

Maples ā€“ Near Peak (70%)

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