7 Places You’d Never Guess Have Incredible Autumn Leaves

When the fall months arrive, colorful foliage is at the forefront of many minds. For many of us, New England is the very first region in the country we all think about during this season. While the vibrant colors across the northeastern landscape are undeniable, you may be able to discover fall colors in other places around the country you probably never thought of.

Here are a few unexpected places for fall foliage viewing in the U.S.:

1. Owens Valley, California

To the east of the Sierra Nevada and west of the White-Inyo Mountains, at where the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts meet, lies a semi-arid valley. Owens Valley may be one of the last places you'd expect to see fall colors, but, if you happen to be in or traveling to this part of California, consider it your next leaf-peeping spot this fall. The Owens River cuts through the valley, and along its banks, willows and cottonwoods grow, creating an unexpectedly vibrant scene in an otherwise desert landscape.

If you need a basecamp for your leaf-peeping adventures in Owens Valley, book a stay at The Californian, a cozy, stylish home in downtown Bishop.

2. Napa Valley, California

One place I never thought would have fall colors is a vineyard in Napa Valley. But just like the species of oaks and maples that grow in this region of California, grapevine leaves are also deciduous and put on quite a stunning show. Shades of crimson and shimmering gold transform Napa Valley vineyards into a fall wonderland, creating a picture-perfect scene to enjoy a wine tasting. Fall is also harvest season in Napa Valley, making it an exciting time to visit.

With vineyard views in the heart of California wine country, reserve a few nights at the Napa Sonoma Sunset Airstream. This modernized vintage trailer is set on 27 acres and you'll have access to a fire pit and swimming pool.

3. Sedona, Arizona

I'm a native New Englander living in Arizona, and folks at home are often surprised that we experience fall foliage here. In addition to Flagstaff with its vibrant aspens, their leaves of gold in the fall, Sedona is another favorite spot of mine to discover the colors of the season. Fall colors take center stage over Sedona's otherworldly red rocks, and it's a scene you don't want to miss. With its location in Boynton Canyon, filled with oak and cottonwoods, Enchantment is one of the best places to stay and you can see fall foliage in Sedona from the resort's grounds.

4. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

For those outside of the southeast, Ozark National Forest is a bit of a hidden gem for fall foliage. One of the best ways to see as much fall color as possible during the season's peak is by taking a scenic drive through the mountains along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23). Along the drive, you'll encounter a tunnel of trees that drapes over the roadway — it's utterly awe-inspiring in the fall.

5. Zion National Park, Utah

Best known for its dramatic landscape of cliffs and rock formations, and intense, bucket list-worthy hikes like Angels Landing and the Narrows, you may not realize how Zion National Park somehow becomes even more stunning during the fall. Home to cottonwoods, ash, and maples, seeing the vibrant display of colors against Zion's iconic landscape during fall is a memorable experience.

As Zion is worthy of a multi-day adventure, I suggest spending a few nights at The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion in the charming town of Springdale. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and other amenities, and is only one mile to the national park's entrance. I was lucky enough to stay here, and I can't wait to go back!

6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park is one of the country's most remote and, therefore, least visited national parks. But it's one that's worth visiting for its dark skies (it's a designated International Dark Sky Park), hiking trails, and fall foliage. That's right — this national park near the Nevada/Utah border offers a stunning show of colors this time of year. While hiking is obviously the best way to experience it, another option is the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive through the golden aspens — a spectacular scene!

If you need a place to stay for the night, make a reservation at the highly-rated Hidden Canyon Retreat in nearby Baker, only 5 miles from the park's entrance.

7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

The least visited park in Texas should be on your radar for fall foliage this year. Located in West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a varied landscape of mountains (including the state's four highest peaks), desert, canyons, and forests, some of which are filled with oaks and bigtooth maples that create fiery hues among the park's otherwise muted tones during fall. Add this national park to your leaf-peeping bucket list this year!

While New England gets most of the glory when it comes to fall foliage, you can find autumn colors in some incredibly unexpected places across the U.S. What are your favorite leaf-peeping spots? Please let us know and send us your picks via our nomination page.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall foliage trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.