While the rest of the nation starts to hunker down for winter hibernation, Arizonans are lacing up their trail boots and dusting off jackets hidden in their closets.
Autumn in Arizona offers moderate weather, mountain views and fall foliage. This is where to escape this season.
Flagstaff
City slickers and trail blazers alike can enjoy refreshing, leaf-crunching strolls in this college town. Nestled at 7,000 feet, the air is thinner and crisper.
The Aspen Corner and Nature Loop are a fall foliage haven, with thick rows of aspen trees dressed in yellow. Bring the whole family, leashed fur babies included, for holiday photos and Insta spotlights, but please don’t damage the trees!
Alternatively, the Kachina Trail is a moderate 12 miles roundtrip, but many venture just far enough to enjoy the colors before heading back. Bears are still active here, so take precautions.
Skip a hike for a bird’s-eye view with Arizona Snowbowl's scenic gondola rides to the 12,000-foot mountain summit.
Follow the leaf-o-meter scale to plan a trip according to peak leaf color!
Want to spend the night? Cozy up in a Village Camp cabin rental before heading home.
Sedona
Few places in the world are as remarkable as Sedona on an average day, much less Sedona in fall.
Trailheads like Oak Creek Canyon, Baldwin and Huckaby are especially popular and can get crowded, so show up early for a parking spot. Be ready to cross ankle-deep streams and bring a camera for the breathtaking views. Aspens and oaks flourish along the water, releasing multicolored foliage.
Stay at Wilde Resort Sedona, where luxurious relaxation meets locale convenience. Between the meditation labyrinth, yoga sessions, guided stargazing and happy hour at Rascals, there’s something for everyone on the calendar.
Prescott
A drive up Mingus Mountain or a hike on its north loop offers an array of leaf plumage from aspens, maples and oaks.
Walk the courthouse under slow-changing elms and sycamores before dining for lunch and tea at the beloved Bear & Dragon, a literary-themed pub.
Extend the day trip with an overnight stay in the historic, boutique Hassayampa Inn.
Strawberry-Pine
Potato Lake is a perfect getaway for a day trip or weekend excursion, lined with glorious golden aspens intermingled among fir trees.
Stroll around the water’s edge or paddle out in kayaks for the full experience. You can also meander along one of the easy AZT Pine Trailhead loops to see turning leaves.
Afterward, grab a sweet or savory bite to eat at the PIEbar, sip a cozy beverage from Windmill Coffee, then devour a woodfired pizza at the Old County Inn.
Snuggle in a cute cabin or Airstream overnight at the highly rated, pet-friendly Strawberry Inn before continuing the fall foliage adventure.
Payson
From Strawberry, take a scenic drive northeast to nearby Payson, and invite some fresh pine air into the car. Although its right at 5,000 feet, snow during shoulder seasons isn’t unusual.
The Tonto Natural Bridge and Water Wheel Falls are must-sees anytime.
Near Kohl's Ranch, the Horton Creek trail is heavily wooded, following the water for 6 miles until it reaches a waterfall. The remaining 2 miles are steep, leading to the rim road to view the valley below. While evergreen trees are in majority, maples, oaks and aspens show off their foliage, too.
The See Canyon Trail #184 is a difficult 7-mile out-and-back hike that requires a high-clearance vehicle to get to, but fiery red maple trees dazzle against the deep green pines.
White Mountains
Stretching eastbound, highways 260, 261 and 273 form a triangle to Arizona’s most abundant, picturesque landscape in all seasons.
Although the drive alone is distant and scenic, fall foliage is lush and astounding in the Mt. Baldy Wilderness. Check out the easy Butler Canyon, Pole Knoll and the Thompson Trail hikes to stretch legs after the car ride.
For a delicious, fall-themed caffeine fix, swing into Cyclelogical Coffee in Pinetop before starting this long road trip.
Then, enjoy life off-grid in rustic and quaint accommodations in any of the towns, like the Greer Lodge or Edelweiss resort.
Keep in mind, heavy snowfall typically closes this loop from the end of December to late spring.
Tucson – Wilcox – Sierra Vista
Visitors heading south can spot changing leaves, too. The Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson reach over 9,000 feet.
Nature enthusiasts can peep fall colors aplenty on the 4-mile Aspen and Marshall Gulch Loops. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in case of overflow from late monsoons.
Spend a night or two at Mt. Lemmon Lodge for easy access to colorful trails and a fresh start on the day’s activities.
Just outside of town, Aravaipa Canyon hosts a treasure trove of autumn shades along the river. Some areas require permits or high-clearance vehicles, so come prepared.
Further east, Cave Creek Canyon near Chiracahua National Monument boasts a full display of yellow, orange and red leaves that doesn’t take a hike to enjoy.
Past Sierra Vista is Ramsey Canyon, where the nature preserve trail welcomes visitors not only to fall foliage, but many natural species, too.
Reminders
Whether hiking deep into the forest or out in the open desert, please pack out whatever you pack in. This includes food debris like apple cores and banana peels. Take only pictures, memories and good vibes.
No matter the season, stay hydrated. The Arizona sun is intense even on the coldest days!
Happy autumn leaf searching, Arizonans!
While the rest of the nation hunkers down for winter hibernation, Arizonans lace up their trail boots and dust off their jackets to explore our state's fall foliage.
Cozy up at the Strawberry Inn, a boutique mountain getaway in Arizona's rim country. It's an ideal escape for fall foliage and crisp autumn air.