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Where you can catch changing fall foliage in San Diego County

Posted at 3:51 PM, Sep 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-19 18:51:02-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — While fall foliage is one of the best aspects about the changing of the season for many around the country, it can be a bit harder to come by in San Diego.

Unless you know where to look.

Believe it or not, you can enjoy the transformation of leaves between summer and fall in San Diego County. And you don't have to head far into East County just to catch it happen.

RELATED: Fall pumpkin fun: Where to visit a pumpkin patch in San Diego County

You can catch a lot of it right along some of our regions' streets: Interstate 8, Black Oaks in Mt. Laguna, or along Sweetwater River Historic Bridge in El Cajon. Just keep your eyes open!

For some truly captivating scenes in San Diego, be sure to take a trip. According to San Diego's tourism website, you can't miss the view at:

  • Thunder Ridge and Chimney Flat Loop (Palomar Mountain State Park)
  • Sunset Trail (Laguna Mountain Recreation Area)
  • Volcan Mountain (Julian)
  • Lake Cuyamaca (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
  • Observatory Trail (Cleveland National Forest)

For the best times to view fall foliage, the website suggests catching the show's peak in early and mid-November. Elevations from 5,500 to 6,500 feet generally peak first, followed by lower elevations from 4,000 to 5,500 feet.