Take a Hike, No Really
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for beautiful scenery, fall is one of the best times to explore Fresno County’s hiking trails. Enjoy the crisp fall breeze while surrounded by the colorful transformation to a new season. A short drive from Fresno and Clovis, you can experience three of California’s beautiful national parks—Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Fall is a slower season inside the parks, but there is still plenty of beauty to encounter with fewer crowds. Explore Mount Watkins Trail (6.2 mi.) in Yosemite, which offers a different perspective of the legendary Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and Cloud’s Rest. In Sequoia National Park, Eagle View Trail (1.5 mi.) is a short but scenic hike that offers a colorful view of the whole valley and a glimpse of Moro Rock. Right off the Generals Highway in Kings Canyon National Park, see the park’s high country from the Buena Vista viewpoint (2 mi.). Hikers are rewarded with incredible outlooks of Redwood Canyon and the Sierra Crest summits, and you’ll see why the park is truly a hidden gem.
Closer to Fresno and Clovis, you can also witness spectacular views along local hiking trails. Wander the Pincushion Mountain Trail (2.8 mi.), a favorite among locals, this overlooks Millerton Lake and ends with a steep climb up Pincushion Peak for a view of the foothills and Fresno in the distance. See the tallest waterfall in Fresno County when you hike to Stevenson Falls (7 mi.). Located in the Sierra National Forest, this paved trail takes you along the hillside to the rushing falls. In Fresno and Clovis, there are many walking trails perfect for walkers and bicyclists to see parts of the cities. The Old Town Clovis Trail is lined with trees and leads to charming shops and restaurants in Old Town Clovis.
Seasonal Showcase
There’s no hibernating in Fresno County. Sunny skies last all year long, and fall and winter are just as lively as the spring and summer with several special events. Try tacos from the best food trucks in Central California during the annual Taco Truck Throwdown inside Fresno’s Chukchansi Park this October. Each truck goes taco to taco to be crowed the champion and there’s live entertainment all night long. During November, the Two Cities Marathon runs through Fresno and Clovis with runners challenging themselves in this Boston qualifying marathon. Get a kick-start on holiday shopping during One Enchanted Evening in Old Town Clovis, where local businesses set up their shops for the Christmas season. Visit local pumpkin patches, and as December rolls around, take part in more local holiday traditions. Head out to Hillcrest Tree Farm to see beautiful Christmas trees. Join in on the trek to the General Grant Nation’s Christmas Tree inside Kings Canyon National Park. Close out the year with the Hmong Cultural New Year Celebration at the Fresno Fairgrounds—the largest event of its kind in the United States. You’ll celebrate Hmong culture, heritage and enjoy Hmong foods.
Best Brews & Bites
All that hiking and celebrating is sure to leave you thirsty! Fresno County’s brewery scene is the best in Central California. Get a taste of the seasonal spin local brew masters are putting on their craft beers. Fall in Fresno County is perfect for spending time outside in our various beer gardens, listening to local musicians. Stop by the Brewery District in Downtown Fresno where all kinds of drinks are on tap. Try Half Dome at Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company or Pie of the Tiger at Full Circle Brewing Company. If you’re not into craft beer, the Modernist bar is always serving up new cocktails each season. In Clovis, get a growler inside Crow and Wolf Brewing Company’s industrial-style brewery. It’s been voted the best of Central California.
Fresno County isn’t just any farm-to-fork destination, it’s THE farm-to-fork destination. As a top producing agricultural county, most chefs are using ingredients grown by local farmers to craft unique dishes. It’s also where locals share their love of food and their heritage in the plates they serve. From Japanese mochi and El Salvadorian pupusas to street tacos and baba ghanoush, you’ll get a taste of cuisines from all over the world in one spot. •
Find more information on vistifresnocounty.org.