Best Fall Leaf Colors in Flagstaff

Flagstaff is one of the best places in Arizona to experience brilliant fall leaf colors. The cool, crisp, mountain air, sunny skies, forested meadows and aspen groves make fall leaf-peeping a favorite seasonal activity for visitors and locals alike. Because there are fewer places in Arizona for people to experience this magical time of the year than many other parts of the country, many of the best places to see fall leaves in Flagstaff can get quite busy. We’re going to provide as many up to date resources here so you can keep track of when then leaves change color so you can make the most out of your fall leaf experience and your day.

When to Start Looking

Flagstaff typically starts seeing leaves change color at the end of September and throughout October. The peak leaf peeping time varies depending on elevation, temperature and moisture received throughout the year. You’ll still be able to catch fall leaves in November the more south you travel, such as in Oak Creek Canyon on the way to Sedona from Flagstaff.

Where to Find Fall Leaves

Lockett Meadow

Lockett Meadow may be the busiest and most popular place to experience fall leaves changing color, and for good reason. Lockett Meadow is a beautiful aspen grove located at the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. Cozy campsites, well maintained roads, and a gradual switch back trail up and through the rustling aspens makes this place nothing short of magical. The downside is that during the fall, the road up to Lockett Meadow becomes a bumper to bumper traffic jam and parking becomes nearly impossible to come by. If you have the ability to visit Lockett Meadow mid-week, you’ll have a much better experience. Directions »

Aspen Corner on Snowbowl Road

On the way up Snowbowl Rd, you’ll reach an unmistakable stretch on the road that is draped by golden aspens on both sides of the road. Many people like to just find a safe parking spot off the road and start wandering around from there, but there are many beautiful trails off Aspen Corner that are well worth your time. Make sure to park completely off the road, be considerate of through traffic, and watch for cars as you cross. Many people get distracted by all the colorful leaves and forget common courtesy.

Recommended hiking trail from Aspen Corner: Arizona Trail Passage 34

From the Aspen Corner parking area, follow the trail 4 miles to Bismarck Lake for a whirlwind of aspens on a breezy, winding trail. Elevation range is 8,780 to 9,000 feet. Directions »

Hwy 89 Between Flagstaff and Sedona

Driving from Flagstaff to Sedona on 89A is arguably one of the most stunning scenic drives in the Southwest. 89A takes you through Oak Creek Canyon, a sandstone and basalt canyon with a seemingly enclosed canopy of brilliant gold, orange, yellow and red leaves lining the road. Beyond the leaves, you’ll find streams flowing over boulders and into colorful pools of cool, clear water. Along 89A are also shaded campsites and a couple of small markets and coffee shops making this one of the most convenient yet rewarding places to experience the colors of fall. Directions »

Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop

This 7.2-mile loop on the north face of the San Francisco Peaks might be your best bet for avoiding the crowds. It is a rigorous hike that takes you up to a scenic saddle through the moss-draped, spruce-fir woodlands of Abineau Canyon and back down the aspen-cluttered gorge of Bear Jaw Canyon via a 2-mile connecting walk along Waterline Road. Elevation range is 8,530 to 10,320 feet.

Directions: From Flagstaff, go north on U.S. 180 to mile marker 235 and turn right on Forest Road 151 (Hart Prairie Road's north access). Go 1.6 miles on FR 151 and connect to FR 418. Drive 3.1 miles on FR418 to FR 9123J (signed for Abineau-Bear Jaw), turn right and go 0.6 mile to the trailhead. Dirt/cinder roads are rutted but passable by carefully driven sedans. Map »

Flagstaff Arboretum

The Arboretum is an accessible, convenient way to experience fall leaf peeping for the whole family. Open 6 days a week and featuring a collection of northern Arizona’s most colorful, high-elevation fall-changing flora, the Arboretum is sure to deliver the fall colors you seek. Have a picnic, enjoy the conveniences and resources of the Arboretum, and experience the relaxing atmosphere of fall in town, just off historic Route 66, four miles south on Woody Mountain Road. Directions »