Posted in Arizona Nature September 05, 2017 by

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In Arizona

It may be September but most of the state still feels like summer. While we wait for those triple-digits days to dwindle into something significantly cooler, we can start making plans for fall weather activities. This includes checking out the changing leaves throughout the state and it looks like those activities may commence much sooner than you think!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
I’m ready to see those golden fall leaves so let’s see how to tell when the leaves will change.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
The Smoky Mountains website has released an interactive tool that predicts when and where to find fall foliage throughout the country between August and October.
Photo courtesy Smoky Mountains
Simply move the controller below the map forward to see predictions for what the colors are expected to look like and when. For example, by the beginning of October, the entire state is expected to see some level of color transition.
Photo courtesy Smoky Mountains
And just two weeks later in mid-October, northern and central Arizona’s leaves will be reaching their peak colors.
Photo courtesy Smoky Mountains
This is a pretty cool tool to help you enjoy the very best of the fall season but keep in mind that nature can be finicky, so the predictor isn’t 100% accurate.
CEBImagery/Flickr
However, you can start making plans to enjoy the great outdoors, such as hiking some incredible trails in Flagstaff, on the Rim, or even in southern Arizona.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Or you can enjoy a leisurely drive through some of Arizona’s best back roads and highways that will show off nature’s amazing color palette.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr

The Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage predictor map can be found on their website, smokymountains.com. You can also read about the science behind the color change and why the leaves eventually fall from the trees.

What are you looking forward to seeing or doing once the fall season arrives here in Arizona? If you’re looking forward to checking out the pretty leaves, you’ll want to read Take This Gorgeous All Foliage Road Trip To See Arizona Like Never Before. We know you’ll be truly impressed if you’ve never seen Arizona’s beautiful fall season.