These 10 Beautiful Trails Showcase The Best Fall Colors In Arizona

Unless you’re stuck in desert cities like Phoenix, you’ve probably noticed that autumn has definitely arrived. The temperatures are dropping and leaves are transforming into warm hues of yellow, orange, and red. Now is the perfect time to get out of the house to enjoy nature’s beauty, especially before many areas of the state close for winter.

If you want to see how the fall foliage makes Arizona’s beautiful landscapes appear even more stunning, you’ll want to check out these 10 hiking trails.

Coconino National Forest/Flickr

We’re starting this list with an easy trail that just about anyone in your family can do. The short trail is a pretty hike throughout the year but once fall arrives, the leaves here begin changing into lovely warm hues. Expect to spend an hour or so on this trail.

Trail length: 1.5 mile loop
Trail information: U.S. Forest Service

Margie Savage/Flickr

Sedona is a beautiful place that only becomes more alluring as the weather drops in fall. Baldwin Trail is one easy hike that can get busy but offers some gorgeous views. Enjoy passing Oak Creek and seeing great views of the surrounding buttes and mountains.

Trail length: 3 miles round trip
Trail information: Hike Arizona

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Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

One of the longer trails on this list, Bill Williams Mountain takes you from the Williams Ranger Station to the top of the mountain. Along the way, you’ll spot some gorgeous fall foliage and a chance to view the town and forest below.

Trail length: 7.65 miles round trip
Trail information: Hike Arizona

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Johnida Dockens/Flickr

Now that October is here, you’ll probably want to start getting into the Halloween spirit. While we can’t confirm the canyon featured on this trail is haunted, you will pass an abandoned cabin that certainly looks spooky in this otherwise secluded area. You’ll also spot some lovely fall foliage! Since this hike is long, make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks to refuel.

Trail length: 9 miles one way
Trail information: Hike Arizona

Steven Ebright/Flickr

This is one pretty trail that give an introduction to the fall colors you’ll spot around the Mogollon Rim. Follow the creek and enjoy the fairly easy trail!

Trail length: 7.1 miles round trip
Trail information: Hike Arizona

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Alan Levine/Flickr

The reality is that any trail on the San Francisco Peaks will produce some spectacular fall views, but this is one of the more popular ones. Wrapped around the southern portion of the mountain, this trail showcases a beautiful golden hue during a day hike.

Trail length: 5 miles one way
Trail information: U.S. Forest Service

Holiday Villegas/AllTrails

When it comes to fall views, many people forget that trails in southern Arizona offer some pretty scenes. This trail near Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is one of those! The trail is a good distance for a morning hike, especially since it’s just an hour’s drive from Tucson.

Trail length: 1.3 miles
Trail information: U.S. Forest Service

Keshav Rao/AllTrails

Another trail on the Mogollon Rim, this one sits near Kohls Ranch and looks picturesque at the height of fall. You’ll pass Christopher Creek and plenty of trees with bright, warm colors!

Trail length: 6.9 miles round trip
Trail information: Hike Arizona

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Coconino National Forest/Flickr

This hiking trail sits on the east side of the San Francisco Peaks and, while long, it is absolutely beautiful. The views are worth the trek but if you want to avoid the long hike back, consider having a friend park at Lockett Meadow or Reese Tank.

Trail length: 14 miles one way
Trail information: U.S. Forest Service

Coconino National Forest/Flickr

Would a list of the best fall hikes in Arizona be complete without this popular trail? Running through some of the pretty landscapes you’ll ever set your eyes on, West Fork of Oak Creek offers lovely warm hues all around with the red rock canyon and plenty of fall foliage. This is one you won’t want to miss.

Trail length: 3.2 miles one way
Trail information: U.S. Forest Service

How many of these trails have you hiked before? Are there any additional trails would you add? We would love to hear your suggestions!

If you want to read about more fun things to do in the fall season, be sure to read 10 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Arizona. We bet you’ll love them!