The air is crisper and the days are getting shorter. One of the most visible and beautiful signs of this seasonal shift is when the leaves change colors. With its Tree City USA designation, Reno is a prime place to watch this transition—and Tahoe doesn't disappoint either. Here are our favorite places to watch the colors change:

Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden

With more than 13 acres of native and adaptive plants and trees, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park offers a wide array of fall foliage.

University of Nevada, Reno

Did you know that the University of Nevada, Reno literally has a fall foliage quad? Located near the heart of campus, the Hilliard Fall Foliage Quad is surrounded by the Ansari Business, Mack Social Science, Reynolds Journalism, and Chemistry buildings. Check it out during the fall to see it turn bright with yellow and red colors. Then, wander over to the Historic Quadrangle to see how the 24 elm trees change with the seasons.

Mt. Rose Highway

There’s a grove of aspen trees on the drive up to Lake Tahoe on Mt. Rose Highway that’s worth the trip. Keep an eye out on the south side of the road near the Slide Mountain entrance to Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe on Mount Rose Highway.

Hope Valley

Make a day trip of it and drive to Hope Valley, located less than an hour south of South Lake Tahoe. Look for the intersection of highway 88 and 89 meet, and you’ll see one of the best places to see fall foliage.