Arizona

Here Are The 10 Best Places To See Leaves Changing Colors in Arizona This Fall

Published

2 years ago

September 18, 2024

Sarosh

Two young children playing in the fall leaves and trees

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You Literally Fall in Love in Fall

When it comes to fall, I’m all in. I just love the golden bronze hue everywhere with its peculiar warm scent. And if you think Arizona is just all cactus and desert when fall rolls around, you’re in for a surprise.

The Grand Canyon State knows how to put on a fall show. If you’re ready for an epic day of leaf-peeping, check out these 10 spots where the fall colors are seriously worth the trip.

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Oak Creek Canyon

Listen, Oak Creek Canyon is like the GOAT for fall colors. You get a rainbow of reds, yellows, and oranges that will blow your mind.

Imagine driving through a narrow canyon, where the trees seem to be throwing a fall festival just for you. Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona, is the spot. You can even stop at Slide Rock State Park along the way for a picnic or maybe dip your toes in, if you’re feeling brave.

Aspen Nature Loop Trail with fall shades and trees

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Aspen Nature Loop, Flagstaff

If you haven’t heard, Flagstaff is basically Arizona’s fall capital. The Aspen Nature Loop on the San Francisco Peaks is covered in golden aspen trees that turn the entire place into a golden forest.

Just soak in the golden aspens for days, crisp air, and mountain views that make you forget you’re even in Arizona. And it’s an easy trail, so pack some snacks and go live your cozy fall fantasy.

Mount Lemmon fall colors with reds, oranges and goldens

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Mount Lemmon, Tucson

Tucson and fall colors? Yep, you read that right. Head up Mount Lemmon and leave the cacti behind. The drive alone will make you think you’ve somehow teleported to Colorado. The drive itself is Instagram worthy.

And then, by the time you reach the top, you’ll be surrounded by pines, maples, and oaks showing off their best shades of yellow and orange.

Scenic Sedona west fork trail/Oak Creek Canyon during autumn/fall. Hiking trail.

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West Fork Trail, Sedona

Fall in Sedona hits different. You see, Sedona’s red rocks are iconic, but when you pair them with bright yellow and orange leaves along West Fork Trail, it’s like nature threw a paint party. You’ll feel like you stepped into a postcard, no joke.

Also, this trail follows a creek through a canyon with towering cliffs and fallen leaves crunching underfoot. It’s a bit of a longer hike which is 6.5 miles round trip, but nothing too crazy, and totally worth it for that mix of colors and views.

Lockett Meadow fall colors and landscape

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Lockett Meadow, Flagstaff

If you haven’t been to Lockett Meadow yet, you’re missing out. For those in search of peak aspen season, Lockett Meadow is the jackpot. The views from the Inner Basin Trail which is right next to Lockett are insane—miles of golden aspens stretching out under the peaks.

The road up can be a bit rough, so be ready for an adventure, but once you’re there, it’s like you’ve wandered into a forest straight out of a fantasy novel. The fall shades here, crisp air and serene vibes, wow!

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Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff

I know, I know, Flagstaff again, but stay with me. The drive up Snowbowl Road in the fall is something else. You see, if hiking isn’t your thing, the drive up Snowbowl Road will do just fine.

You don’t even have to get out of the car to enjoy the golden aspens lining the road as you climb toward Arizona Snowbowl. It’s a winding, scenic route that feels more like a leaf-peeping tour than a drive.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum with leaves turning into fall colors

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Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior

Okay now if you’re not about that long drive life, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is an underrated spot just an hour east of Phoenix to enjoy fall. Since this place has trees from all over the world, so you get a mix of fall colors in one spot.

From reds to orange to browns to even golden, you’ll see the true fall palette here. Plus, there’s a desert garden, so you can get your fall colors desert style and your cactus fix, if you’re craving one.

Scenic view of Mingus Mountain in Prescott Valley

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Mingus Mountain, Prescott Valley

Skip the Prescott crowds and head up Mingus Mountain for a quieter fall experience. With a mix of ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks, and maples, the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges pop against the evergreen backdrop, making it cozy charming landscape.

You can also, check out the Mingus Rim Trail for easy access to scenic overlooks, or stop by the Mingus Lake picnic area. Perfect for a relaxed day of leaf-watching or maybe a little picnic with a thermos of hot chocolate. Just sayin’.

Aspen trees at Hart Prairie with clear blue skies

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Hart Prairie, Flagstaff

I just had to include this one the list. Trust me! Flagstaff’s Hart Prairie is off the beaten path but absolutely worth the detour. Just picture yourself wandering through meadows of golden aspens under a bright blue sky, with views of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance.

Doesn’t it sound like an effortless fall getaway? Plus, this spot isn’t as crowded as some others, so you can take your time and just soak in the fall magic. Wow!

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Coconino National Forest

The last one the list is huge. The Coconino National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres. The Coconino National Forest covers a huge area, and pretty much anywhere you go, you’ll find some fall colors.

Whether you’re near Flagstaff, Sedona, or way off the grid, the mix of pines, aspens, and oaks make it the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure for leaf lovers. Bring a map, and let the forest surprise you. But the most popular spot is for a show of golden aspens is the Inner Basin Trail near Flagstaff.

A young woman laughing and enjoying the falling leaves in fall with red hat

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So, Wasn’t This Awesome?

Arizona may be famous for its deserts, but come fall, the state goes all out with fall vibes. Whether you’re after a scenic drive or a full-on hike, these spots will get you in the fall spirit, guaranteed.

So grab your hiking boots (or your comfiest sneakers), wear your flannels, load up your Spotify playlist, and hit the road for some leaf-chasing!