Good evening!

I can’t tell you how excited I am for fall this year. I am so ready to hike, go to festivals, and enjoy time on patios.

Every year, I miss the window to see peak autumn leaves up north, and this year, I refuse to let that happen again.

I’m happy to bring you this email tonight, laying out all the best spots and times to see fall leaves in our beautiful state, so you can plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss the splendor.

Where’s your favorite spot to see fall leaves? 🍂 Let me know at responses@coppercourier.com.

The sun shines through golden Arizona aspens. (Pritha_EasyArts/Shutterstock)

By Maura Derr

As the temperatures cool and the colors change, we say goodbye to summer and welcome the coziness of the upcoming season. 

Perhaps the most beautiful part of fall is the changing colors, the trees glowing like sunsets and the crunch of the ground beneath our feet. 

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.

Beautiful fall colors and aspen trees in Flagstaff. (Michael Wilson/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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, biking, or long drives 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.

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.

Fall leaves loom over water in Sedona. (John Webb/Pexels)

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.

Across the country, the future of local news is uncertain. But here at The Copper Courier, we’re staying focused—on you.

Our goal for our fall fundraising campaign is to raise $4,000 by Sept. 30 to keep this kind of coverage strong in Arizona.

If you’ve ever read one of our stories and thought, “I wouldn’t have known this otherwise,” we hope you’ll consider supporting our work today.

Autumn trees line Aravaipa Creek in Aravaipa Canyon. (Robert Shea/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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.

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

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.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Maura Derr. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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