Water Canyon, near Winnemucca, has some fall color showing up as of October 9, 2024, although it has a way to go before it reaches peak.
The best color is past the spot where the main road turns into more of an AWD track. A couple of orange aspens as well as trees turning yellow make for a pretty sight. This area is in the Getting Better stage at 25%.
Understory is turning red in places, brightening up the forest.
Mid-way up the canyon, a grove of young aspens is also starting to turn, with about 15% of the trees a golden yellow.
When To Visit for the Best Color
The rest of the canyon is either still green or Patchy at 5%. It will probably take about 7 – 14 more days for the trees around the upper campground to reach Near Peak. Plan on visiting Water Canyon between October 17 – 26 for the best color, weather permitting. A strong breeze was blowing some of the leaves off the trees when we were there on October 9, but if the weather stays warm and calm, this area could be a fall color hotspot soon.
Water Canyon would be a great place to visit for the long Nevada Day weekend, especially for folks who live in Reno, since it’s only 2 ½ hours away.
View stunning photos of Water Canyon Near Peak in this post from 2022.
Water Canyon Fall Color Report
Lower Canyon – Still Green
Mid-Canyon – One grove is Patchy (15%) while the rest of the middle canyon is green.
Upper Canyon – Some yellow and oranges start to show up after the main road ends and along the dirt track (25%), Patchy by the campground (5%).
Dozens of Other Places to View Fall Color in Nevada
Relax and rejuvenate amid the fall foliage by using our Nevada Fall Color Map to choose your ideal spot. Buy it now before the autumn color disappears for another year.
