This Charming Arizona Town Is Picture Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip
By Monica Spencer|Published October 11, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
October is nearly half over and, aside from slightly cooler temperatures and increasingly shorter days, it doesn’t quite feel like fall in some parts of the state. I live in Phoenix and with all the green leaves still fluttering on trees, it can be difficult to remember what season it is.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other parts of the state that see distinct seasons throughout the year and many of them are just a short drive away. Today, we’re going to take a look at one city that seems to have it all when it comes to seasons but especially autumn.
Recognize this view? If you're an Arizona native, I sure hope so!
Even from a distance, before you ever see a hint of Flagstaff's city limits, you can spot the fall season making its impression on the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden.
The city is teeming with fall: aspen, maple, and other deciduous trees line the streets, people start donning sweaters and other cool weather wear, and, of course, there's pumpkin and apple flavored everything.
There are also festivals, outdoor concerts, pumpkin patches, and other fun events that help you get in the mood for fall.
But perhaps the best part about fall in Flag are the mountains just a stone's throw away. The Peaks and Mount Elden, with their collection of ponderosa pines and aspens, give a beautiful dappled effect from near and far.
A walk along trails like Abineau, Kachina, or Waterline show off the golden aspens and, if you visit on a breezy day, you get the joy of hearing the leaves rustle above you.
Other spots like Lockett Meadow, Hart Prairie, or the Snowbowl show off the fall colors as welll and offer even more hiking and recreation opportunities.
