Summers are glorious for dogs in the Eastern Sierra, while winters are devoted to snow sports. Still, the best time of year, especially if you’re into photography, is late September into mid-October. That’s prime time for what is perhaps California’s top fall foliage color show. Venture down a side road, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by granite peaks, rushing streams and brilliant aspens, willows, cottonwoods and other trees and shrubs in their fall dress.
Leaf-peepers should remember the eastern Sierra fall color guide here, and check in with Californiafallcolor.com for an up-to-the-minute low-down on what’s changing, when and where.
Where to start the journey? You need to get over the Sierra crest one way or another, and there are various ways to do so. To enjoy the entire 150 miles of the scenic byway, take Highway 50 over the state line to its intersection with 395 at Topaz, Nevada. Or, take Interstate 80 to Carson City and head south.
Once on 395, you’ll dip back into California and aim for Bridgeport. By now, you must be hungry, no? As you pass through Walker, keep an eye out and pause for lunch at the regionally famous Walker Burger or Mountain View BBQ (both with dog-friendly outdoor seating). Stop, too, at 3 Flags Trading Post, a Native American gift shop carrying Indian baskets, moccasins, rugs, pottery and such.
The drive itself is one of the best parts for your dog. Long stretches of open highway mean plenty of good smells blowing through a cracked window, and the frequent pullouts along 395 make it easy to stop for quick leg-stretching breaks. Keep a collapsible water bowl handy — the air is dry on the eastern side of the Sierra, and your pup will need regular drinks, especially at higher elevations.
Fall is also an ideal season for dog-friendly hikes in this region. The summer crowds have thinned out, temperatures are comfortable for active dogs, and the trails are in prime condition. Many of the Forest Service roads and trailheads along 395 between Walker and Bridgeport welcome leashed dogs, and you’ll often have the trail to yourselves. Just keep in mind that nights get cold fast at these elevations — if you’re camping, bring a warm layer for yourself and consider a dog jacket for short-coated breeds.
