by Jim Schwartz

CHASING AUTUMN IN ARIZONA

Where to See Arizona’s Fall Colors in All Their Glory

If you have lived in Phoenix for any length of time, you know that autumn can be hard to find.

Our desert trees do not put on the same show as the forests of New England. But that does not mean Arizona misses out on fall. In fact, our state has some wonderful places to see trees turn gold, yellow, orange and red.

The secret is elevation.

As summer fades and temperatures drop, the leaves begin to change in Arizona’s highest mountain forests. The color then works its way down the mountains and into the canyons. That means you can spend several weeks chasing fall color across the state.

And the best part? You can reach many of these places with a scenic drive from the Valley.

FLAGSTAFF: START WITH THE ASPENS

If you want to see fall colors on a grand scale, start with Flagstaff.

The forests around the San Francisco Peaks are filled with quaking aspens. In autumn, their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold. When the wind moves through the trees, the leaves seem to sparkle in the sunlight.

The high country is usually among the first places in Arizona to change. Color can begin appearing in late September, with many areas reaching their best color during October. The exact timing changes from year to year, depending on temperatures, rain and wind. (Discover Flagstaff)

One of the most popular areas is Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin, where large stands of aspen surround the mountain landscape. Snowbowl Road and Aspen Corner also offer excellent places to see the trees without spending the entire day on a hiking trail.

Flagstaff even has a LEAF-ometer, an online guide that tracks the progress of fall colors in different parts of the area. It is a great tool for planning your trip. (Discover Flagstaff)

Best time: Late September through October

OAK CREEK CANYON: FALL MEETS RED ROCK

Few places in Arizona can match the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon in autumn.

Take State Route 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona, and you will travel through one of the most beautiful drives in the Southwest. Tall canyon walls rise above Oak Creek, while maples, oaks, sycamores and cottonwoods fill the canyon floor.

Then the leaves begin to change.

The result is a wonderful mix of bright fall colors against the deep red rocks of Sedona. Gold, yellow, orange and red leaves can appear along the creek, creating views that look almost too perfect to be real. (Visit Phoenix)

For an easy way to enjoy the scenery, simply drive 89A and stop at the overlooks along the way. For those who want to get closer to the trees, the West Fork area is one of the best-known fall hikes in the canyon.

Just remember that fall weekends can be busy. An early start can make the experience much more enjoyable.

Best time: Mid-October through early November

THE WHITE MOUNTAINS: A SEA OF GOLD

Farther east, the White Mountains offer another spectacular fall show.

The communities of Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Greer and Alpine sit among forests filled with pine, fir, oak and aspen. The higher elevations mean that fall arrives early here, often beginning in late September and reaching strong color in October.

The aspens are the stars of the show. Their bright yellow leaves stand out against the dark green of the evergreen trees.

For a real fall road trip, head toward Greer and explore the mountain roads around the area. The drive itself can be just as memorable as the destination.

This is also a good choice if you want to turn your leaf-peeping trip into a weekend getaway. Cabins, small mountain communities, lakes and cool temperatures make the White Mountains feel a world away from Phoenix.

Best time: Late September through October

THE MOGOLLON RIM: A FALL ROAD TRIP

You do not always have to travel far north to find autumn.

The Mogollon Rim, just north of Payson, climbs thousands of feet above the Valley. That dramatic change in elevation brings cooler weather and forests filled with trees that change color.

A drive along the Rim can be a wonderful fall adventure. You will find wide views across the forest, mountain roads, tall pines and pockets of colorful leaves.

For those who enjoy exploring by car, the Rim is especially appealing. You can make a day of it, stopping at overlooks, enjoying lunch in Payson and taking the long way home.

Fall color here generally arrives after the highest elevations, making the Mogollon Rim a good choice when the first wave of color in Flagstaff has already passed. (Visit Phoenix)

Best time: October

PRESCOTT: SMALL-TOWN CHARM AND FALL COLOR

Prescott is another great place to enjoy autumn without making a long trip into northern Arizona.

The forests around Prescott offer a mix of oak, maple and other trees that create colorful patches throughout the mountains. The historic downtown also makes a fun stop before or after a drive through the surrounding forest.

One of the best things about Prescott is that you do not have to choose between scenery and a comfortable town getaway. You can spend the morning looking for fall colors, have lunch downtown and still be home in the Valley by evening.

Or stay overnight and slow the trip down.

Best time: October into early November

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FALL AT THE NORTH RIM

For a bigger adventure, consider the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The high elevation of the Kaibab Plateau creates a very different landscape from what most visitors imagine when they think about the Grand Canyon. Forests of pine and aspen surround the canyon, and fall color can add another layer of beauty to the enormous views.

The North Rim is open for the 2026 season, but this year is different because the area is still recovering from the Dragon Bravo Fire. Services are limited, some trails remain closed, and conditions can change. The National Park Service recommends checking current conditions before making the trip. (National Park Service)

For fall travelers, that makes the North Rim a destination worth planning carefully rather than simply showing up.

Best time: Late September through October, subject to conditions

FOLLOW THE COLOR

The wonderful thing about fall in Arizona is that you do not have to see it all in one weekend.

Start high.

When the aspens around Flagstaff begin to turn, head north. A week or two later, explore the White Mountains or Mogollon Rim. As the season moves along, make your way toward Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.

In other words, follow the color.

Before leaving home, check weather reports, road conditions and local foliage updates. Fall color can change quickly, and a strong wind can strip a tree of its leaves almost overnight.

• Bring a camera. Bring a jacket. Fill the gas tank.
• Then head into the mountains and see a side of Arizona that many Valley residents never get to experience.
• Because autumn is here.
• You just have to go find it