In the fall, the flora of the San Bernardino Mountains displays a striking mix of colors and textures as native deciduous trees, including black oaks, bigleaf maples, and California sycamores, turn shades of gold, orange, and russet before shedding their leaves. These vibrant hardwoods contrast with the year-round green of Jeffrey pines, ponderosa pines, incense cedars, and white firs that dominate higher elevations. Lower slopes are filled with chaparral species such as manzanita, mountain mahogany, and California lilac, many of which develop reddish tones that add warmth to the landscape. Native grasses dry to a golden hue, while shrubs and understory plants prepare for winter dormancy, creating a mosaic of evergreen and seasonal vegetation that reflects the region’s diverse elevations, Mediterranean climate, and rich ecological variety.