Sunday, August 7, 2016

Planning your Fall Foliage Trip in Arizona


Yellow aspen leaves glowing against black and white bark trunks. Shimmering red leaves falling into a creek. These are the images we have in our memories that mean autumn. But this is not the northeast US. This is Arizona!

Across Arizona you’ll find fall colors at different times of the season, mostly due to elevation changes.  There are websites that will announce the fall color.

Where to Go to See Arizona Fall Colors
You can enjoy the aspens in the high country outside of Flagstaff. The season for the changing of the leaves runs from late September through December. Watch the websites to catch the leaves at their best. When you are in the right place at the right time, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. Be sure and bring your camera!

Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon
One of my favorite places for fall foliage is the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. Look for fall foliage in Oak Creek Canyon any time between October and December. The Visitors Center is a good resource. Plan a “leaf-peeping” trip to Sedona that revolves around a scenic drive though Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A.  More on driving beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.

Flagstaff
Take a drive to Flagstaff. All around the mountains and surrounding areas you’ll find a variety of fall colors from late September to early October.  You might even enjoy an off-road trip in search of Aspen groves and deep canyons. Here is a great site describing where to find the fall color in Flagstaff.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is known for their Fall Foliage Finale on Thanksgiving weekend. This is an easily accessible place from the Phoenix area. No off-roading needed here! If nature cooperates, the best time for colorful foliage will be at the Arboretum in November, with peak color typically during Thanksgiving weekend. More on the Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s Fall Foliage.


Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

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