I took a quick jaunt up to Hope Valley on Tuesday, October 13 and found a few good spots for photo taking even though the color was Past Peak.
The hill that’s covered with aspens visible on State Route 88 just east of Blue Lakes Road still looks very pretty covered in orange and gold. This hill leads up to Scott’s Lake, so if you walk or drive up Scott’s Lake Road (4WD or high-clearance only) you’ll probably see some fall color there, too.
Some of the aspens by Desolation Hotel are still a yellowish green. They look beautiful backlit in the afternoon. They should progress through the weekend.
Across the resort, some of the aspens are still colorful, while others are past peak.
The Grand Finale Grove is about half green with the other half Past Peak. The Past Peak half looks like it might have frozen after the last storm, possibly before even producing some good color. The orange-red trees growing along Highway 88 on the way up from Hope Valley to Luther Pass looked from a distance like they might have browned out. I won’t know for sure until I head up there. For more on the Grand Finale Grove, read last year’s fall color report.
Woodfords Canyon Fall Colors
Woodfords Canyon, the stretch of State Route 88 between Woodfords and Hope Valley, is not yet in full fall color. The middle part of the canyon boasts a bit of yellow and is Near Peak. The lower part of Woodfords Canyon is still mostly green. The middle and upper parts of the canyon lose sun early so it’s best to view it before 2 p.m.
A storm is predicted on Tuesday and Wednesday, so we recommend visiting Hope Valley before then. Wind from the storm might blow the leaves off the trees or freeze the foliage.
Hope Valley and Woodfords Canyon Fall Color Report, October 13, 2026
Hope Valley – Past Peak but there are still fall color photo opps in some places and still a little foliage left to change.
Lower Woodfords Canyon – Still mostly green. Expect this to turn during the next 5 – 7 days or so.
Middle Woodfords Canyon – Near Peak, 65%
