Fall is my favorite time of the year. With cooler weather upon us, all I want to do is head outside to enjoy nature and see the foliage. Living in the desert, summers can be downright brutal so when fall arrives, it's that much-needed relief from the unrelenting heat. I just love the cool, crisp air of autumn along with the opportunity to wear sweaters again! If you love this season as much as I do, take a look at some of the best things to do in Nevada in the fall:
Nevada Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Nevada For Fall Foliage
While Nevada may be mostly mountain and desert landscapes, you can actually find some incredible fall foliage here when the time comes. Just make sure you read about the fall foliage predictions for this year before you discover the best Nevada fall foliage. Keep in mind that peak fall foliage in the state usually occurs around early November. In the meantime, you can plan where to see fall colors. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Nevada in the fall for foliage:
1. Spooner Lake
Location: Spooner Lake, NV
Wow factor: The foliage is utterly spectacular here!
Need To Know: Located at Spooner Lake State Park in the Spooner Backcountry. Park entry fees are $10/NV vehicles and $15/non-NV vehicles.
Located close to Lake Tahoe, Spooner Lake is a bit of a hidden gem in comparison. Surrounding Spooner Lake is 12,000 gorgeous acres of forest and open space. If you love hiking, the park has over 50 miles of trails. Just imagine the foliage you'll see as you explore on foot! Mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities here as well as great alternatives to hiking if you prefer. For a weekend getaway, why not book a campsite or a cabin? Visit the Nevada State Parks website to make a reservation.
2. Lamoille Canyon
Location: Lamoille Canyon, NV
Wow factor: This canyon offers jaw-dropping mountain, lake, and valley views.
Need To Know: Lamoille Canyon is in the Ruby Mountains and can be reached by driving the Lamoille Canyon National Scenic Byway.
Lamoille Canyon is a large glacier-carved canyon set within the stunning Ruby Mountains that are considered the "Swiss Alps of Nevada." While beautiful at any time of the year, it takes on a special look and feel during peak foliage in the fall. If you end up taking a hike through Lamoille Canyon this season, you'll surely be in awe of the colorful fall colors surrounding you.
3. Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park
Location: Wheeler Peak, NV
Wow factor: There's nothing quite like the view of the fall foliage from the top!
Need To Know: Wheeler Peak is located within Great Basin National Park. There is no entrance fee.
Wheeler Peak is reachable either by trail or via the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive which starts at Nevada Highway 488. Once you get to the summit at an elevation of 10,000 feet, you'll have 360-degree views. It's truly awe-inspiring!
4. Reno Riverwalk
Location: Reno, NV
Wow factor: You won't have to leave the city of Reno for beautiful fall foliage. Fall is incredibly picturesque along the Reno Riverwalk!
Need To Know: Located in downtown Reno, this walking path parallels the Truckee River.
The lovely Reno Riverwalk District is among the most beautiful riverwalks in the country. This accessible paved pathway along the Truckee River is meant for all to use and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Fall is a special time of year here with trees aglow in fall colors and the cool crisp air against your skin. You can even find a bench to sit on and marvel at the beauty of the riverfront.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Nevada
Who doesn’t love visiting a pumpkin patch in Nevada in the fall? I don't know about you, but I feel like it should be a requirement! Here are some of the best pumpkin patches in Nevada:
5. Cosmic Pumpkin Patch
Location: 1717.5 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Wow factor: This place is so much more than just a pumpkin patch.
Need To Know: This pumpkin patch is open from late September through Oct. 31.
Las Vegas isn't just filled with casinos; come autumn, there's an incredible pumpkin patch that's fun for all ages. Welcome to the Cosmic Pumpkin Patch, a fall experience like no other! There will be pumpkin picking, a carousel, pumpkin treats, a corn maze, photo booths, and more. And, yes, there is a cosmic space theme throughout this seasonal attraction.
6. Andelin Family Farm
Location: 8100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV
Wow factor: Get ready for fun this fall at Andelin Family Farm!
Need To Know: This farm's fall festival occurs Wednesday through Saturday during the fall season.
When you purchase tickets to the Andelin Family Farm Harvest Festival, not only will you have access to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch but all of the other fun attractions this farm is known for. There are hayrides, barrel train rides, a kids' zipline, a hay maze, farm animals, and a whole lot more. Pumpkins are priced by weight and size, and we are sure you'll find the perfect one to take home!
7. Lattin Farms
Location: 1955 McLean Rd, Fallon, NV
Wow factor: Join in the fun at Lattin Farm's Fall Festival complete with a pumpkin patch and family-friendly attractions!
Need To Know: A hayride and access to the pumpkin patch is $8/person. The corn maze is $9/person.
A visit to Lattin Farms in the fall is such an exciting experience for families. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin. The fee includes up to an 11-inch pumpkin from the patch. Anything larger will incur an additional fee. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there's a pretty epic corn maze as well as a cow train that the littles will love. On two Saturdays in October, you can build your own scarecrow at the farm's Scarecrow Factory, and it's only $5 per scarecrow!
Best Fall Festivals In Nevada
How do you like celebrating the fall season? While pumpkin picking and apple picking are both up there, attending a fall festival is another great idea, and I always think it’s a great way to connect with members of the local community. Here are a few of the best fall festivals in Nevada to get you started:
8. Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas Oktoberfest
Location: 4510 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV
Wow factor: Oktoberfest in Vegas? You better believe it's a good time!
Need To Know: Oktoberfest is Sept. 13-Oct. 31, 2024.
If you're dreaming of Oktoberfest but can't make it to Germany this year, the next best place to celebrate is Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas. With your Oktoberfest beer, you'll listen to live music, play games, and dine on authentic Bavarian cuisine. Who needs to travel abroad for Oktoberfest when you can experience it right here in Vegas?
9. Pahrump Fall Festival
Location: Pahrump, NV
Wow factor: This festival is one of the best ways to celebrate fall in Nevada!
Need To Know: The festival will be held Sept. 19-22, 2024. Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Thursday; noon-midnight on Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the event is free.
What started out as a simple harvest festival has transformed into the incredible community event it is today. Thousands of people attend the Pahrump Fall Festival each year to celebrate the best of fall. Enjoy free admission to the event including live entertainment and Saturday's parade. However, there is a fee if you want to attend the rodeo or ride the amusement park rides. Of course, there will be lots of food and carnival games as well. Come one, come all to the town of Pahrump's fall festival!
10. Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
Location: 2601 Sunset Rd, Las Vegas, NV
Wow factor: Experience another era while having a great time at this ren fest!
Need To Know: Three-day passes are available for $40-$50/adult and $25-$35/child (12 and under). Day passes are also available for $17/adult and $10/child. Camping and glamping is also available on the festival grounds.
Set your sights on the Medieval era with a trip back in time at the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival. Join fellow festival-goers in spectating a jousting event, listening to live music, dancing, and enjoying the overall vibe of this time period. You can also partake in axe throwing, test your skills in a scavenger hunt, or take a ride on a camel's back. What a great event to attend this fall!
11. Nevada Day, Carson City
Location: Carson City, NV
Wow factor: This annual event is a local favorite. Join the Carson City community for some fun!
Need To Know: This is a free event that begins Oct. 25, 2024.
Since 1938, Nevada Day has been celebrated in Carson City. Nevada Day is the official day celebrating the state becoming part of the U.S. in October 1864. The official Nevada Day parade is held right here in Carson City, so to say it's a big deal is an understatement! Other events include a hot air balloon launch, historical tours around town, free admission to select museums, a pancake breakfast, contests, and other fun events. Everyone should attend this fall festival at least once!
Free & Cheap Nevada Fall Activities
Not all fun things have to cost a lot. There are plenty of inexpensive and even free activities to enjoy this season. So, go ahead and search online for “free fall activities near me” and see what comes up. You can also check out a few options below!
12. Take a ride along Mt. Rose Scenic Drive
Location: Ski Tahoe, NV
Wow factor: For jaw-dropping scenery and fall colors, this scenic byway is a must! Driving it is one of the best Nevada fall activities.
Need To Know: Mt. Rose Scenic Drive is SR 431, 25 miles long, and leads from Lake Tahoe to Reno.
Mt. Rose Scenic Drive is 25 miles long, winding through Ponderosa pine forests and Tahoe Meadows with views of Lake Tahoe along the way. The route will also take you to Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe which is the highest point in the area at over 8,000 feet in elevation. You'll get the best views from the Mt. Rose Summit. Take your camera — you're gonna need it!
13. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Wow factor: You'll be amazed at the fall display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens!
Need To Know: This attraction is free. The Fall Harvest display will be Sept. 14 through Nov. 9, 2024.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is 14,000 square feet of some of the most beautiful indoor gardens you've ever set your sights on. Located within the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, the gardens change periodically to reflect the season. Wait till you see this year's fall display filled with seasonal plants and florals.
14. Take a hike at Lake Tahoe
Location: Nevada State Park, NV-28, Incline Village, NV
Wow factor: Surrounded by fall foliage, Lake Tahoe takes on a different look this time of year...and it sure it stunning!
Need To Know: You will experience fewer crowds at Lake Tahoe in the fall compared to summer.
Taking a fall hike at Lake Tahoe, the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevadas, is something we should all do. While the lake is gorgeous any time of the year, there's something quite special about seeing it framed by gold and orange hues. Make sure you are prepared for hiking before you go and choose a trail from the AllTrails+ app.
15. Parade of Mischief
Location: Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV
Wow factor: For some spooky family entertainment, get dressed up in your costume and head on down to Summerlin for this Halloween-themed parade.
Need To Know: This event is held every Friday and Saturday night in October. Check the website below for details.
It's spooky season and with that comes a bit of fright and a bit of mischief! For an extra good time, plan on attending this year's Parade of Mischief in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin. There will be floats, entertainment, dance performances, and plenty of interesting costumes. You can also wear your own Halloween costume to the event! If you're in the Las Vegas area and looking for "fall activities near me," there's no better activity than the Parade of Mischief.
Whether you plan on taking a road trip, visiting a pumpkin patch, attending a festival, or going for a hike, we hope you enjoy every minute of the best season of the year! What are your favorite things to do in Nevada in the fall? Are you excited about Nevada in the fall? Let us know!
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