Before we take off on our journey to view the fall foliage in eastern Nevada, we’re issuing a Go Now alert for Hope Valley, California.
As of Friday, October 2, much of the valley is Near Peak to At Peak. Overall, I’d rate it at 60% of the trees are turning. Maybe 1/3 of the trees are still green.
In my 30 years of going to Hope Valley in the fall, I’ve never seen this much color there so early in the season.
Driving through Carson Valley, Nevada to view the red maples on State Route 88 and then up into the mountains to Hope Valley makes a great fall color drive.
What’s the Fall Color Like at Desolation Hotel?
Some of the trees at Desolation Hotel are yellow, but some are still green and a handful look Past Peak. If the trees here continue to progress they should look lovely in the next few days.
Along State Route 88 to the west of the hotel the aspens are looking pretty dressed in yellows and oranges with some green. Some of the trees here have lost their leaves.
Across the road from the resort a grove of aspens is really putting on a show with orange and yellow leaves.
Autumn Color at Other Locations in Hope Valley
The hillside covered in aspens just east of Blue Lakes Road is Near Peak at around 60%. Orange decorates the trees at the bottom of the slope, midway up they’re golden, and at the top they’re mostly green.
Unfortunately, the aspens around the cabin at the west side of the valley (by the long turnout) don’t look as vibrant as usual, but it’s possible they might still turn red. The hillside above is still mostly green so there’s a lot of color to come there, weather permitting.
The trees across the highway from the cabin have lost some of their leaves and are either At Peak or Past Peak.
Even the Grand Finale Grove has more color this early in the season than I’ve seen before. But it’s not At Peak yet. It’s still mostly green.
This weekend is definitely the time to go to Hope Valley, but keep in mind there will be a lot of fall foliators appreciating the autumn color. Be careful crossing the road and make sure your vehicle is parked completely off the road.
Hope Valley Fall Color Report October 2, 2026
Hope Valley Overall – 60% of the trees are either Near Peak or At Peak. Some trees are Past Peak while others are Still Green.
Desolation Hotel – A mixture of yellow, green, and Past Peak. This area could look stunning next week if the trees progress.
Woodford’s Canyon – Patchy (10%). Some color here and there but mostly still green.
