Fall color spots in California

When avid travelers think of fall glory and the accompanying seas of color, rural New England commonly springs to mind. But if we know where to look, we can behold that autumnal grandeur right in our own backyard.

And when we do, it behooves us to understand the scientific process behind what appears to be such a magical occurrence: As the days get shorter and colder, deciduous trees eventually stop producing chlorophyll. This allows other pigments, including anthocyanins (reds and purples) and carotenoids (yellows and oranges) the chance to display themselves, if only for a few fleeting days.

Here are several places in California where you can marvel at the multihued phenomenon in all its cornucopian splendor.

Lake Mary Road, Mammoth Lakes Basin, Eastern Sierra

Where: At the top of Lake Mary Road, which runs through the center of Mammoth Lakes and dead-ends at Lake Mary.

Stars of the show: Alder trees steal the spotlight with shades of pumpkin orange and cranberry red. Meanwhile, the aspens come into their yellows.

Color peak: Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.

More info: (800) 626-6684, www.visitmammoth.com or www.mammothmountain.com.

Squaw Valley USA, Olympic Valley

Where: Six miles from Lake Tahoe’s shore.

Stars of the show: Throughout the resort, aspen trees’ quivering leaves turn a shimmering gold. Black oaks also become yellow, vine maples get a yellow-tinged red, and dogwoods gleam scarlet.

Color peak: Sept. 28 to Oct. 10.

More info: (530) 583-6985, www.squaw.com.

Pohono Bridge, Yosemite National Park

Where: At Yosemite Valley’s far west entrance, this arched bridge crosses the Merced River. Arrive by way of California 140 or 120.

Stars of the show: The view encompasses dogwood trees flaunting pinks and crimsons, and maples and black oaks adorned in brilliant yellow.

Color peak: Oct. 12 to 19.

More info: (209) 372-0200, www.nps.gov/yose or www.yosemitepark.com.

The gold-rush town of Julian

Where: Cuyamaca Mountains, an hour east of San Diego (elevation: 4,235 feet).

Stars of the show: Oaks and cedars acquire bold shades of yellow, as do the apple trees in the local orchards; evergreen pines provide a vibrant backdrop.

Color peak: Oct. 12 to 25.

More info: (760) 765-1857, www.julianca.com.

A final tip: Serious leaf-peepers stay current about the most impressive color displays by calling the U.S. Forest Service’s national fall color hotline, (800) 354-4595.