Within the Valley, the changing seasons are so subtle they can slip by almost unnoticed. Without the typical cues, it can feel like an endless summer.
However, while the Valley’s desert landscape maintains relatively sunny and dry days year round, just a couple hour drive away in Flagstaff you’ll find a beautiful array of autumn foliage.
Fall in Flagstaff brings a quiet beauty that feels like a breath of fresh air. Trees transform into brilliant reds, oranges and yellows, creating a landscape that’s both vibrant and calming. The air turns crisp, carrying scents of wood smoke and leaves. Fall invites us to pause, take in the changing scenery, and embrace the gentle arrival of colder days.
Although every season is different, the changing leaves can typically be seen from the end of September through November.
In November, fall colors linger in Arizona’s lower elevations, especially in scenic spots like Oak Creek Canyon. While higher elevations in Flagstaff usually reach their peak in October, these southern areas hold onto vibrant autumn hues, offering a final glimpse of the season’s beauty later in the year.
Before heading up to Flagstaff, check Discover Flagstaff’s “Leaf-o-Meter” for real-time fall color updates and read AllTrails comments on specific hikes to get a sense of what to expect on the trails.
Here are some hikes to check out:
Aspen Nature Loop
1.8 mile loop.
Ranked: Moderate.
Located in Coconino National Forest this hike will fully immerse you in the golden yellows of the aspens leaves, creating a beautiful contrast to their white bark.
Inner Basin Trail
3.3 miles out and back.
Ranked: Moderate.
This beautiful hiking trail begins at the Lockett Meadow Campground and winds along Inner Basin Creek until it reaches the junction with the Waterline Trail.
Kachina Trail
10.4 miles out and back.
Ranked: Moderate.
Don’t let the 10 miles scare you away from this one. As an out and back trail you can make this hike as long or as short as you’d like and still see the beautiful fall colors. Off of the Kachina Trail we did a shorter 1.6 mile loop around the wetlands.
Fatman’s Loop Trail
2.5 mile loop
Ranked: Moderate.
Fatman’s Loop takes you on a picturesque journey through Flagstaff’s autumn landscape where golden aspens and maples dot the mountainside. With rocky switchbacks and over 600 feet of elevation gain, the trail leads to open viewpoints with sweeping vistas of Flagstaff and surrounding peaks.
Lockett Meadow Trail
3.5 mile loop
Ranked: Moderate.
Located within Coconino National Forest, this hike leads through the Inner Basin nestled between the San Francisco Peaks. The aspens lining the path create a golden frame among panoramic mountain views.
