The leaves start to change and fall colors are at their peak at higher elevations in early October; however, leaves are changing all over Northern Arizona all season long. Follow Coconino National Forest on Twitter for updates on the fall colors and share your own photos with them too!
Some tips for having a fun and safe outing:
- Watch the weather--weather changes quickly in the mountains.
- Dress in layers--especially those little kiddos!
- Slow down--watch out for mud, low visibility and oncoming traffic if you get caught in rain while driving on these trails.
- Stay on marked trails. Not only will it keep you safe, it will also help preserve our beautiful wildlife!
- Be patient--some locations have a limit to the number of people who can be in that spot at once.
- Always bring water and snacks in case you're out longer than anticipated.
- Bring your camera! You'll have lots of fun photo ops!
- Pack your trash out!
Great Spots to check out:
San Francisco Peaks
Around the Peaks Loop Scenic Drive -- my kids wouldn't sit still for a 2 hour car ride that isn't to grandma's house in Phoenix, so we haven't done this one yet. It is on my to-do list though, even if we only do part of the drive.
Aspen Loop Trail #73 -- this is one of my favorite places to hike. The trail is relatively flat and easy for my toddlers to walk. Watch out for mountain bikers while hiking! Even though it is a popular spot, it usually isn't very crowded. You'll know when you're there because there are lots of cars pulled off to the side.
Bismark Lake Trail and Aspen Loop are connected by 2 miles of Arizona Trails through Hart Prairie. This is always a favorite spot to check out!
Lockett Meadow -- during the fall colors season, this area is limited to 50 cars at a time. Plan to wait a bit to get in. In the past we haven't waited, but I'm hoping to get in this year! Bring a picnic!
Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift -- Rides are open 7 days a week through mid-October. Be sure to check out their website for exact dates. Prepare for inclement weather -- at the top of the mountain, weather can go from sunny to rainy and cold very quickly.
Mt Elden
Elden Lookout Road -- drive to the top for spectacular fall color views! Take a short hike from Sunset Trail from the lookout tower to the junction with Heart Trail.
Elden Lookout Trail is a strenous trail, but offers great fall colors.
Sandy Seep Trail is an easy trail that takes you to the base of the eastern face of Mt. Elden. It not only shows you fall colors on Mt. Elden, but you'll have an excellent view of colors up the slopes.
Other Areas
Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail -- easy hike with a quarter mile wheelchair accessible trail.
Kendrick Mountain Wilderness trails -- these trails are all 9+ miles long and are considered strenuous. They offer amazing views from the Grand Canyon to Oak Creek Canyon.
Oak Creek Canyon is a fun place to visit, but can be very congested. It has winding 2 lane highways that are nestled between the canyon and a cliff. I'd suggest choosing one of the other amazing places to visit; however, the Red Rock area (including Oak Creek) offers fall colors later in the year.
Arboretum at Flagstaff -- I love visiting the Arboretum. The season ends October 31st, so plan accordingly.
City of Flagstaff & NAU -- the colors in this town are just spectacular without going anywhere. Plan a walk downtown or through campus to see some beautiful fall colors. On a clear day, you can look up and see the fall colors on the peaks from town.
Find more information, visit the Forest Service site for Fall Colors in the Coconino. Scroll down for some fun trivia like "what makes the leaves turn colors?" and "what do autumn leaves and bananas have in common?".
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