Idaho Fall Foliage 2026
Idaho's fall season splits into two distinct windows. Aspen groves in the Sawtooth Range and central mountains turn mid to late September, peaking around the third week. Western larch in the Panhandle follows in late October, offering a second opportunity. Elevation range from 4,000 to 8,500 feet extends the season across sixteen days from high ridges to valley floors.
When Idaho peaks
Sep 14 – Sep 22
Centered on Sep 18. Sawtooth aspen peaks late September; Panhandle larch in late October.
low confidence. Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Where peak usually lands. Drought or an early freeze moves it by a few days. Method
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- western larch
- cottonwood
Yellows show up every year. Reds need sunny days and cool, frost-free nights. A bad year takes those first.
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 18Typical color progression for Idaho. No change from Aug 11 to Aug 28. First color from Aug 28 to Sep 6. Approaching peak from Sep 6 to Sep 14. Peak from Sep 14 to Sep 22. Past peak from Sep 22 to Oct 2. Bare from Oct 2 to Oct 16.
Color starts around Aug 28.
Peak by elevation
16 days between the ridges and the valleys. County maps average this away, which is how you miss peak at the right place.
| Elevation band | Approx. elevation | Typical peak | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| High ridges & passes | 8,500 ft | Sep 9 | No change |
| Mid elevation | 6,000 ft | Sep 18 | No change |
| Valleys & lowlands | 4,000 ft | Sep 25 | No change |
Foliage stages
- No change 0–10%
- First color 10–25%
- Approaching peak 25–60%
- Peak 60–90%
- Past peak 40–70%, dropping
- Bare <20%
Light at peak
Idaho on September 18, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:53 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 87° | 7:22 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 8:00 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:34 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 7:07 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 7:45 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:14 PM |
Times in America/Boise · day length 12h 23m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Where to shoot in Idaho
2 researched locations, earliest peak first.
- Redfish Lake No change
Sawtooth National Recreation Area · 6,547 ft · peaks Sep 17
Grand Mogul and Mount Heyburn close the southwest end of the lake, and aspen stands near the lodge and along Redfish Lake Creek supply the yellow. Shoot from the boat-launch beach at first light while the water is still flat.
- Stanley Lake No change
Sawtooth National Recreation Area · 6,513 ft · peaks Sep 17
McGown Peak stands off the west end of the lake and reflects the whole way across on a calm morning. Aspen and cottonwood along the inlet and the Stanley Lake Creek bottom lay a yellow band at the base of the peak.
Recent reports from Idaho
Report what you sawCommon questions
- When do the leaves change in Idaho?
- Idaho typically peaks Sep 14 – Sep 22, centered on Sep 18. Sawtooth aspen peaks late September; Panhandle larch in late October. These are typical dates from a latitude and elevation model, not a live reading of this year's canopy.
- Does elevation change when fall color peaks in Idaho?
- Yes, by about 16 days. High ground around 8,500 ft peaks near Sep 9, while valleys near 4,000 ft wait until Sep 25. Peak moves roughly 3.5 days earlier for every 1,000 feet you climb, so if you miss it low you can often drive up and find it.
- Where are the best places to see fall color in Idaho?
- We track 2 verified locations in Idaho, including Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake. Redfish Lake turns first, around Sep 17, and Stanley Lake is last, around Sep 17. Each has real coordinates, elevation and sunrise light times.
- What trees turn color in Idaho?
- Mainly quaking aspen, western larch, cottonwood. Yellows and oranges come from carotenoids that are already in the leaf, so they show up every year. Reds are made fresh each autumn and need warm sunny days with cool, frost-free nights, which is why a dry summer or a warm September produces a duller year.