The Copper State is an autumn lover’s dream, and today, we’re taking you on a road trip to the very best fall foliage in Arizona. From the gilded aspens of Flagstaff to the deep reds, rich ambers, and silky smooth oranges of Sedona’s Oak Creek, this five-hour trip has it all. You’ll even catch a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad and spend the night in a treehouse surrounded by dazzling fall leaves at Forest Houses Resort. Doesn’t that sound incredible?

Check out the official Google Maps directions and feel free to add or take away destinations to better suit your needs! Let’s gooooo!

Google Maps
1. San Francisco Peaks
San Francisco Peaks, Arizona 86001, USA
JeffGoulden/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Just northwest of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks are a leaf-peeper's paradise. For as far as the eye can see, gilded aspen groves line the mountainsides and make for a truly magical view. Take a scenic drive on Hart Prairie Road or Schultz Pass, both of which feature numerous hiking trails along the way. You'll find more info about these scenic autumn drives in Arizona on the Forest Service website.

Take a look at this video of the San Francisco Peaks and Arizona Snowbowl by @mcroadscapes7107:
2. Lockett Meadow (Flagstaff)
Lockett Meadow Campground, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Thomas Roche / Moment Collection / Getty Images
As you're meandering along on Schultz Pass, make sure to stop at Lockett Meadow for one of the most breathtaking autumn scenes you'll ever behold. There's a reason this place is one of the most iconic destinations during the fall in Arizona! It's about a three-mile hike from the road to the meadow, but it's so worth it, as each step takes you deeper into a golden wonderland.
3. Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail (Flagstaff)
Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey's Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Banu R/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Nearby, the Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail is a moderate, 2.7-mile trek through the Coconino National Forest that sees most of its visitors in the fall. Those bright yellow aspens are at it again, spoiling us with their gorgeous leaves. This is one of the best hiking trails to see fall colors in Arizona.

Take a look at this video of the Aspen Trail and see how it looks without fall foliage. This video is by @rghiking:

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4. Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff)
9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Thomas Roche / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Thanks to its world-class ski slopes, the Arizona Snowbowl is most popular in the winter - but we personally believe that fall is the superior time to visit. Nothing quite compares to seeing the aspens from 10,000 feet in the air, the ground peppered with leaves that glimmer in the sunlight.
5. Bill Williams Mountain Trail (Williams)
Bill Williams Mountain, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Flickr/Kaibab National Forest, Arizona
Strenuous, yet rewarding, the 7.5-mile Bill Williams Mountain Trail is an out-and-back hike that begins at the Williams Ranger Station and ascends just under 2,400 feet to the mountaintop. It features both aspen and conifer forests, and the contrasting green and yellow hues during autumn are nothing short of jaw-dropping. You'll find more information.
6. West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 (Sedona)
West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
mdesigner125/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Our Flagstaff-area adventures have come to an end, but don't be sad - equally enchanting wonders are on the way! Sedona residents and visitors alike can't get enough of West Fork Trail #108 in the fall, and it's easy to understand why. Instead of the monochromatic aspens seen in the higher elevations (which are beautiful in their own right), this seven-mile trail boasts fall foliage of all different colors and it's one of the best places to explore in Arizona in the fall.

Take a look at this video by @davidjin9171:
7. Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
Next up, we're headed to Clarkdale to take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. This scenic train ride takes you on a magical journey into a remote wilderness landscape, where cottonwood and willow trees erupt in a dazzling spectacle of autumn hues. The train features open-air cars, so not even a windshield will stand between you and the marvelous surroundings. It's one of the best activities for fall in Arizona. Check out the Verde Canyon Railroad website for all the most up-to-date details.
8. Forest Houses Resort (Sedona)
Forest Houses Resort, 9275 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Facebook/Forest Houses Resort
Our final stop, Forest Houses Resort, is extra special because you can spend the night surrounded by eye-popping amber, crimson, and gold leaves. This particular cottage sleeps up to five guests, and there are plenty of other lodging options for larger and smaller groups alike. Check out the Forest Houses Resort website for more information.

Would you embark on this fall foliage road trip in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, and then check out why you should spend the night at Forest Houses Resort in the fall.

Plan on taking a road trip to see the foliage this fall? Check out our road trip essentials packing list before you hit the road.

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More to Explore

Fall Foliage In Arizona

Tori Jane | August 20, 2022

Where should I go for a fall road trip in Arizona?  

Here are a few fall road trips in Arizona to take:

  • Humphrey Peaks, where you can check out the Arizona Snowbowl and see some of the best of the best of colors on some of the best hiking trails in Arizona, like Kachina Trail and Humphrey’s Peak Trail. Come October, you’ll discover a wonderland of golds, oranges, and reds.  
  • Drive along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon along State Route 67.
  • Take Mount Lemmon Highway in Tucson for some spectacular fall colors.

 

Where can I see the best fall color in Arizona?  

Some of the best places to see fall color in Arizona are the following:

  • Mount Lemmon in Tucson is an amazing drive during which you’ll pass through no less than four different types of biome on the way up. 
  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior has thousands of species of trees (both native species and non-native) that turn truly brilliant in autumn.
  • Another splendidly scenic fall color drive in Arizona is the 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff, which is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States.

 

Is there an Arizona fall foliage map available for 2023 yet?  

Though it’s impossible to truly “forecast” fall color, you’ll find plenty of resources online for leaf-peeping in Arizona. There’s the City of Flagstaff’s “Leafometer”, which park rangers update multiple times throughout the entire season, using a system that shows where the leaves are at in the color-changing process in various spots all over northern Arizona – it's quite helpful when trying to plan a quick jaunt up north to see the color! Another website, SmokyMountains.com, provides maps and interactive charts for its own fall color forecasts. Both resources are very helpful.  

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