Autumn Colors in California
Lassen National Forest
Lassen Road 17 – a north-south dirt route that connects Mineral @ Hwy 36E to Viola @ Hwy 44, via 21 miles (high clearance recommended and 4×4 may be needed in winter snow)
Aspen hikes around alpine lakes, in the Eastern Sierra US 395 – high above Bishop, CA. Fall colors can be short lived at upper elevations and usually peak in early October. Early snowfall means dead brown leaves within days, if temps drop drastically.
CALIFORNIA WINERIES
Total Escape Outside in California
Yes indeed, gasoline really was $1.57 a gallon when DanaMite began this website nearly 30 years ago. Can you believe it?
gasolina 
Gone are the days of cheap gas and endless cruising. Darting around, all over the state, for days of driving and sightseeing pleasure. A cafe here, a remote campground there, more beer and ice 25 miles round trip, moving camp every day.
RVer and van-lifers may actually find themselves staying put for a change with the fuel prices being so high. Plan a week-long trip outdoors, instead of 4 short weekends of frantic driving. STAY LONGER, RELAX MORE, get to know your local canyon and the wildlife – up close and personal.
DIG DEEPER!
California Google Maps
Benchmark Baja Atlas
National Forest Atlas
Regional Maps
RURAL, SMALL TOWNS
California places listed by elevation
Rural counties inside California
Our ever-expanding California Town List has updated populations, since some cities / towns have doubled (or even quadrupled) in size. Also fresh local links, updated weather link, and museums. On each town page are more books and maps – specific to the local area, plus a few new photos.
Listing local farms, orchards and wineries, coffee shops, cafes, small markets and restaurants, independent grocery stores, garden centers, services, farmers markets – and anything organic!
Total Escape features ONLY local travel in California. Much of it is free or inexpensive, primarily on the back roads – with abundant nature and outdoor activities.
We list only the mom-n-pop, independent lodges – without the chain hotels and giant resorts. We list all cabins, RV parks, yurts, campgrounds and tent cabins.
Hot springs, petroglyphs, old mining camps and ghost towns. Off roading areas, massive sand dunes, and all the desert parks. Hiking, biking, kayaking and so much more. We have traditional, local events for each community; bike rental shops, organic cafes, local coffee shops and every wilderness area in the Golden State.
Explore this site: All of it, just on California.
