Come Rough It in the Woods on the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway

Camping at Mosquito Lakes (CA) [1]

Take the kids to California's Sierra Nevada mountains for a weekend camping trip amidst the fall foliage on the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway. The byway, State Route 4, runs through the Stanislaus National Forest, whose maple, aspen, and dogwood turn from summer green to gorgeous red, bright yellow, or dazzling orange each fall, providing a pleasing contrast with the dark green spires of pine or fir. Black oaks, dogwoods and big leaf maples show off their vibrant colors along the byway from Arnold to above Dorrington. Keep a lookout for aspen in the higher elevations of the forest, especially near the Basaltic Columns or just east of Ebbetts Pass near Kinney Reservoir. The foliage change usually peaks between late September and early November in various regions. Check with the forest rangers or local townsfolk for the best places to view the changing colors.

Enjoy the fall colors even longer by taking the family camping at one of the forest's many serviced campgrounds near the byway. Try the campgrounds near Mosquito Lakes, the Stanislaus River, Lake Alpine, or eleven other developed campsites. Or do you want to really rough it? Find a deserted place in Stanislaus National Forest and enjoy the solitude and peace of an entirely undeveloped part of the woods. Known as “dispersed camping”, this type of outdoor adventure gives you ample opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature---the crunch of a fallen leaf underfoot, the brightness of the Milky Way, and the fresh smell of fir and pine.

Dispersed camping requires special preparation. Contact the Stanislaus National Forest for rules and regulations on this and other types of camping, as well as updates on the fall foliage. Be aware that much of State Route 4 closes in winter, as do many of the forest campgrounds. Before winter closes in, come drive the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway and experience the beauty of fall in California's Sierra Nevadas.