Fall Is Here And These Are The 11 Best Places To See The Changing Leaves In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on August 18, 2022(Originally published August 13, 2022)
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all deserts and rock formations in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona fall foliage is spectacular, and easily rivals what’s found in the Northeast! In fact, in our humble opinion, fall is the best time of year in Arizona because it gives us a chance to prove the rest of the country wrong. Not only is it cool enough to actually enjoy all of our breathtaking scenery, but it’s a great opportunity to show everyone else that we have more to offer than red rocks and Saguaros (although we love those things to death!).
From short and sweet hikes to strenuous-yet-rewarding mountaintop treks, the following 11 places boast the most spectacular fall foliage in Arizona. Lace up your boots and be prepared to have your jaw drop at these absolutely spectacular fall foliage destinations in Arizona.
Have you ever hiked any of these trails during fall? Where in Arizona do you think has the best autumn foliage? Let us know your favorite spots and the best time to visit!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Arizona fall foliage
Sarah M. |August 18, 2022
What are the best hikes for viewing fall foliage in Arizona?
In addition to the above fall hikes in Arizona, the Escudilla Trail is another of our favorite autumn hikes in the Grand Canyon State. This 6.5-mile long trail takes you slowly up one of Arizona’s larger mountains and, this time of year, you’ll find some spectacular fall colors. It can be a bit of a challenge to hike up if you’re not used to elevation climb so take it slow and the trail should take you about four hours or so to complete. In terms of scenic overlooks, the View Point-North Mingus Loop is a must. This trail is a total of 4.25 miles, and you’ll find some pretty aspens and maples spotted along the trail, a sight most people don’t associate with the Verde Valley. (Seriously - the fall foliage in Arizona easily rivals anything you'd find in Vermont or Maine!) The trail swoops down for the first mile before slowly moving up in elevation again, with the most vibrant and spectacular foliage surrounding you as you hike!