SAN FRANCISCO and LOS ANGELES
Highway 395, Eastern Sierra CA Begin: South Lake Tahoe, CA (3.5hrs from San Fran Depot, 7.5 hrs LA depot) End: Los Angeles, CA (6 hrs from San Fran Depot | 0hr LA depot) Distance: 450 miles Commit to the entire route or simply explore a portion. The full trip will offer an incredibly diverse array of landscapes, including lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and canyons. While Highway 395 is a bucket-list road trip for many, it is particularly spectacular in the fall – especially if you dedicate some time to exploring color along the side roads. Where to Stop: Bishop Creek Canyon is one of the top fall foliage destinations in the country and will not disappoint. Where to Camp: At one of the campgrounds in the Alabama Hills (Tuttle Creek, Lone Pine, and Portuguese Joe Campground) or, for more amenities (but still great views) the Boulder Creek RV Resort.DENVER
San Juan Skyway Begin and End: Ouray, CO (5.5 hrs from Denver Depot) Distance: 235 miles The San Juan Mountains themselves offer an amazing array of colors, only accented by the brightly changing leaves. Those afraid of heights mind find themselves white-knuckling it a bit on some of the steep, winding roads, but the views might just be worth it. Where to Stop: Take a break from the highway and take a scenic ride on a steam location on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Where to Camp: South Mineral Campground or Cayton Campground, both in the San Juan National Forest.Trail Ridge Road
Begin: Estes Park, CO (1.5 hrs from Denver depot) End: Grand Lake, CO (3 hrs from Denver depot) Distance: 48 miles An option closer to Denver is Trail Ridge Road, located in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Some people may find the winding alpine roads a bit nerve-wracking, but ample opportunities to pull off and admire the colors blanketing the mountainsides and valleys will help calm the nerves. Where to Stop: At the Summit, elevation 12,183 feet, after which the trail begins to descend on the opposite side of the Continental Divide. Where to Camp: Moraine Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park. Listen at night for the bugling of the elk, who are in their breeding season in the fall. Things to Note: The Trail Ridge Road closes seasonally in mid-October, and will frequently experience some snow even before that, due to its high elevation.CHICAGO
Great River Road (Wisconsin Section) Begin: Potosi, WI (3.5 hrs from Chicago depot) End: Prescott, WI (6 hrs from Chicago depot) Distance: 250 miles The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles, through 20 states. It’s worth any campervanner’s consideration as a full, epic road trip – but if you’re looking for fall color, the northernmost section in Wisconsin should be your pick. A highlight will be the autumn leaves against the bluffs at Grandad Bluff Park in La Crosse, WI. Where to Stop: people in Wisconsin really, really love their cheese. Stop at one (or more) of the creameries or retail locations along the route to sample some and find out why. Where to Camp: Grant River Corps of Engineering Park, where you can hop over to the Potosi Brewing Company (founded in 1852!) for a Pilsner and supper. Or, try Wyalusing State Park in Bagley, WI, for a site perched on a bluff about the river.NEW YORK
Maine Coastal Route 1 Start: Kittery, ME (5 hrs from New York Depot) End: Ellsworth, ME (9 hrs from New York Depot) Distance: 200 miles Fall foliage in Maine will showcase nearly every color imaginable, ranging from red to yellow, orange and even purple. Pair that with a view out over the bold, rocky coastline, and it’s a postcard-worthy scene. US Route 1 runs from Kittery all the way up to Houlton, ME, on the Canadian border – and if you have more time, it’s definitely worth continuing. From Kittery to Ellsworth, however, you will get a charming mix of charming coastal towns, inland forests, and the rocky, more rural Midcoastal area, along with the option to explore Acadia National Park. Where to Stop: One of the state’s famous roadside antique stores or clam shacks or visit one of the many iconic lighthouses for a picture-perfect view. Where to Camp: Hermit Island Campground is a popular option for both visitors and Mainers alike that offers coastal camping and several beaches. (No dogs are allowed.) Another beautiful coastal camping opportunity is Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Camping in Freeport, ME.Vermont Route 7
Start: Pownal, VT (3.5 hrs from New York depot) End: Highgate, VT (7 hrs from New York depot) Distance: 170 miles This rural route meanders through charming towns, scenic landscapes, and historic sites, all of which are made more picturesque against the background of fall color. Take your time and enjoy a beer at one of the many renowned breweries, walk through a covered bridge, or take a photo of one of the many quintessential New England homes or churches. Where to Stop: Fall is the peak of the harvest, so take advantage of one of the many roadside veggie stands or farmer’s markets. Where to Camp: Find a dispersed (free!) site along Kelly Camp Trail (FS Road 74) in the Green Mountain National Forest. For something with way more amenities, but with a great fall hillside backdrop, try the Green Mountain Family Campground in Bristol, VT.Book A Fall Foliage Campervan Roadtrip This Year!
No matter where you want to explore the fall foliage this year, Escape has a depot perfectly situated to get you up close and personal with some of the most stunning displays the United States and Canada have to offer. Fall foliage displays are fleeting, though – book NOW and plan your adventure today!
