Where To See Fall Leaves Change Color In Las Vegas
The sign that fall has arrived is undoubtedly bright green leaves transforming into red and golden colors covering trees. If you’re a Vegas transplant then you may miss this experience. However, there are many places to see fall leaves change color in Las Vegas.
Why Do Leaves Change Colors During Fall?
According to the Smithsonian, dropping temperatures and less direct sunlight during fall help break down chlorophyll in tree leaves. Less chlorophyll in the leaves “reveals” yellow and orange pigments in the leaves.
“Darker red leaves are the result of a chemical change: Sugars that can get trapped in the leaves produce new pigments (called anthocyanins) that weren’t part of the leaf in the growing season,” The Smithsonian states.
Stunning Places To See Fall Leaves Change Color In Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, we may not see the extent of fall foliage as in other cities. But there are a few places that are a drive away and make stunning day trips if you’re a Vegas local. Here are five places to see fall leaves change color in Las Vegas.
1.Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Located at Mt. Charleston, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a beautiful and mountainous landscape. Trees cover this area, and the landscape transforms into a field of bright golden and burnt orange-colored leaves. It’s about a 35-minute drive away from Las Vegas, and it’s truly a haven that transports you from the craziness of Las Vegas into a serene forest of beauty.
2. Peccole Ranch Trail
This is another hidden gem for the Vegas locals. The Peccole Ranch Walking Trail snakes in between a few neighborhoods in Summerlin. The reviews on Yelp constantly rave about the greenery and the plethora of outdoor activities and walking trails.
The address is 2000 S Hualapai Ave Las Vegas, NV 89135, and it’s located right in the heart of Summerlin. During fall, the green trees flip to become warm-colored, and it’s simply stunning to walk through this trail.
3. Lamoille Canyon
This natural wonder is located far from Las Vegas. It’s about a six-hour drive, but it’s completely worth it if you’re looking to see beautiful topography. Lamoille Canyon is located just outside of Elko, and it’s also known as the “Swiss Alps of Nevada.”
It’s great for those who like winter sports. But before it gets bitter cold, the canyon becomes a beautiful spectacle for autumn leaves. The Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive that then leads you into the Ruby Mountains wilderness. It’s ideal to visit this area in September and October — which makes it perfect to see fall leaves change color.
4. Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive
This is a great day trip for anyone who wants to drive, relax and see the fall leaves. The Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive is paved in Rainbow Canyon in Mt. Charleston. Cottonwood trees snake across this road, making the entire drive a beautiful experience in the fall.
This is another great spot to see fall leaves change color in Las Vegas because it’s close enough to make a one-day trip out of this activity.
5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
The Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem that’s located about an hour and 40 minutes from Las Vegas. According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a unique ecosystem because it’s truly a desert oasis. It’s one of the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave desert.
Along with the sheer unique characteristics of this ecosystem, there are many Ash Trees in this wetland. The wetland was named after the plethora of Ash Trees that surround the environment. The U.S.S Fish & Wildlife Service also states that the spring systems are fed by fossil water from the last ice age, and there are four endangered fish species and eight threatened or endangered plant species in this wetland. This is truly a jaw-dropping environment that’s located right in Las Vegas’ backyard.