It’s an intense moment in time. And finding ways to take breaks — and to get safely outdoors — is more important than ever for our collective health, both mental and physical.
With an ongoing pandemic and the ever-present threat of wildfires, it can be easy to forget about the changing of the seasons. But if you can find time to get into nature right now, there’s a wealth of gorgeous fall colors out there in the Bay Area to see and explore, without having to drive all the way to the Eastern Sierra.
We asked local experts who work to make the outdoors accessible and inclusive for all for their favorite spots around the Bay Area and beyond — places to enjoy fall foliage, bask in some autumnal vibes and generally find some much-needed solace in nature right now. Read on for their tips.
And remember: As needed as outdoor air and exercise is for us all, there’s still a pandemic raging. Bring your mask and wear it whenever you’re indoors around other nature lovers even if you’re fully vaccinated, carry sanitizer if using public bathrooms and share the trails safely by making space for passers-by — to maintain social distancing. And if it’s a popular place, consider planning your visit to ensure you won’t run any risk of encountering a crowd.
With most of Northern California still in extreme wildfire danger, it’s advisable to check our map of where wildfires are burning across the state before heading out on a longer trip.
Elm Tunnel outside St. Helena, Napa County
Rue Mapp is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, an Oakland-born organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature nationally. She says Elm Tunnel is “one of my favorite places” to see fall foliage in the Bay Area.
Driving through this North Bay spot “always helped me know what season we were in while headed to the family ranch,” Mapp says.
How to get there: Travel north just out of St. Helena on Highway 29.
Hayward Regional Shoreline, Alameda County
