A journey north to Julian on Hwy 79 sends travelers winding up mountain roads and through the forests and meadows of Rancho Cuyamaca State Park. I adore this drive. There is a point, right around park headquarters, where there is a distinct shift in climate and elevation, marked by the growth of sudden swaths of native deciduous trees among the landscape of pine and coastal live oak (which are evergreen).

Around the third week of October the leaves of these trees start to turn- slowly at first, almost imperceptibly- a hint of yellow here and there. The next week- the week of Halloween- orange starts to show up, blazing ribbons of copper through the dark green mountainsides. By the first week of November, fall is in its full glory in this little pocket of wilderness, and one could easily forget they’re in San Diego County.

It’s an ephemeral display that blows out overnight, sometime the following week, like a candle in the wind.

I witnessed this for the first time last year (on my way to see the cottage for the very first time!) and I was completely awestruck; firstly, because I had never seen fall color before (as a native San Diegan), and secondly, because NO ONE mentions it! It’s a thing! Here in our back yard! And it’s glorious.

So if you’re pining for a bit of autumn color (and a bit of windy chill), now’s the perfect time to take a scenic trip to Julian, via route 79.

Want to make it a get-away? Briar Patch Cottage is open for booking, a block from Main Street, Julian!