Best Fall Leaf Colors in Flagstaff

1. 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 switchback trail up and through the rustling aspens make 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. To ensure a more enjoyable experience, make your way up the mountain in the early morning. Park rangers begin monitoring mountain traffic between 8 AM and 4 PM during peak season. Only 100 cars will be able to access the parking lot at a time. So for the weekend warriors, the early bird gets the worm! If you have the ability to visit Lockett Meadow mid-week, you’ll have a much less crowded experience.

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2. Aspen Corner on Snowbowl Road

Aspen Corner is a beautiful sight you don’t want to pass up! 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. Keep the peace and embrace your golden state of mind.

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.

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3. 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. Crank up the tunes and enjoy Flagstaff’s favorite fall leaf commute.

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4. 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 backs 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.

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