Leaf-peeping in Arizona: The state’s most scenic spots

Discover the best times and places for leaf-peeping in Arizona, from golden aspens in the mountains to vibrant oaks in the red rocks.

Just like April showers bring May flowers, the end of summer brings autumn wonder. As the temperatures cool and the colors change, we say goodbye to the freedom of summer and welcome the coziness of the upcoming season. Fall brings crisp mornings, earlier sunsets, a plentiful harvest, pumpkin spice, and apple cider.

Perhaps the most beautiful part of the fall season is the changing colors, the trees glowing like sunsets and the crunch of the ground beneath our feet. While these changes happen everywhere, there are certain times and places where autumn’s beauty is most prominent and breathtaking.

In Arizona, we’re lucky to enjoy a long fall season, starting in the mountains by mid-September and stretching into early December in the high desert. Here are the best places (and times) across the state to see the colors at their peak.

Flagstaff

Unsurprisingly, beautiful Flagstaff is one of the best places to see the breathtaking fall foliage. Whether you’re searching for a golden-hued hike, bike ride, scenic drive, or a chairlift ride through colors, there’s an autumn adventure for everyone. The leaves start changing in early October and peak by mid-October.

Aspen Loop Trail 

The Aspen Loop Trail is stunning any time of year, but in the fall, it becomes truly extraordinary. The aspen trees shimmer in their golden hues, lighting up the landscape. The hike (or bike ride) is relatively easy, with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, and takes you through ponderosa forest with mountain views all around. The trail is popular, for good reason, so expect to share the scenery with others.

San Francisco Peaks Loop

If you’re looking for something a little more private, consider a scenic drive. The San Francisco Peaks Loop takes you on a 44-mile journey around Arizona’s tallest mountain. The drive itself takes about two hours, but with plenty of spots to stop for a short hike or picnic, it’s worth planning for extra time.

Sunset Crater Volcano & Wupatki National Monuments

If one road trip isn’t enough, you’re in luck. Arizona has no shortage of scenic drives. The Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments 34-mile route winds through landscapes where golden aspens paint color among ponderosa pines and juniper grasslands, creating a truly unique sightseeing experience.

Scenic Gondola Rides

If hiking isn’t your thing, biking isn’t your thing, and long drives most certainly aren’t your thing, fear not. You might enjoy a scenic gondola (or chairlift) ride instead. From summer through October, you can soar over the San Francisco Peaks and take in the autumn colors from above. On select weekends in September (5–7 and 12–14), you can experience an even more immersive sightseeing tour by chairlift. This open-air ride feels like flying over a sea of color.

Pinetop – Lakeside 

In the towns of Pinetop and Lakeside, fall foliage peaks in early October. Driving along State Highway 260 through the White Mountains, you’ll encounter bursts of fall colors, small lakes perfect for a picnic break, and of course, the northern Arizona ponderosa pines. While any stop along the highway offers something beautiful, a few destinations stand out.

One of the best is Green Peak. You can hike to the top or, with a high-clearance vehicle, drive up. From there, the view stretches across rolling hills dotted with golden aspens, fiery orange oaks, and brilliant red maples.

Sedona 

Sedona’s red rocks transform into a symphony of color in the fall, making it an unforgettable place to visit. The peak season begins in October and extends into early November, giving you plenty of time to plan your fall getaway.

Templeton Trail 

If you’re looking for a beautiful autumn hike, Templeton Trail is a great choice. This 7.5-mile out-and-back hike can easily be shortened by turning around earlier, while still offering plenty of stunning views. The trail has incredible scenery, especially as you descend into Oak Creek, where walnut, cottonwood, and sycamore trees glow in their autumn colors.

Red Rock State Park 

If you’re looking for shorter hikes but don’t want to miss out on Oak Creek views, head to Red Rock State Park. The park features five miles of groomed trails winding through vibrant fall foliage, river crossings, and family-friendly picnic spots. And if you’re after the perfect photo backdrop, Red Rock State Park is hard to beat.

Aravaipa Canyon 

After you’ve had your fill of Northern Arizona, head southeast to explore Aravaipa Canyon. With its towering cliffs, flowing water, and diverse plant life, it’s already a stunning destination. In the fall, the canyon bursts with color as yellows and oranges splatter the landscape.

The leaves typically peak in November and December, though the changes begin in late October. A permit is required to hike here, as entry is limited to 50 people per day. Thanks to this rule, you can expect a more peaceful experience without large crowds. Be sure to pack waterproof shoes and an extra pair of socks, since Aravaipa Creek is the trail, meaning you’ll be hiking along the natural contours of the creek and encounter several water crossings.

Mt. Lemmon

Experience autumn weather from the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Standing at 9,157 feet, Mt. Lemmon comes alive in fall as its mixed conifer forest transforms into a tie-dye of yellow aspens and walnut trees, orange oaks, and red maples. Colors usually peak in mid to late October, and the mountainside offers plenty to explore.

If you’re searching for a great fall hike, head to the Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Loop Trail. This 3.6-mile loop winds through golden aspens and a picturesque meadow, with about 850 feet of elevation gain, just enough to make you sweat, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Not much of a hiker? A favorite spot to catch the colors is along Bear Wallow Road, at mile marker 22.1 on the Mt. Lemmon Highway. Turn onto the road and continue just under a quarter mile, where you can pull off, wander among the trees, and take in the autumn atmosphere.

And if being on the tallest mountain in the Santa Catalinas isn’t quite enough, you can take things higher with Mt. Lemmon’s Sky Ride. This 30-minute chairlift carries you above the forest canopy for views of the autumn scenery. At the top, you can hop off to explore or simply soak in the vistas before heading back down.

Golden aspen trees glimmer in the sun on Mt. Lemmon, Az. (Katie Moore, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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