Here Are the Best Times and Places to View Arizona’s Fall Foliage in 2025

If you live in Arizona and are over the summer heat like I am, fall is the most wonderful season of all! In fact, it's the best time of the year! As the intense heat dissipates, we can spend as much time outdoors as we want and, best of all, the leaves begin to change from bright green to shades of crimson, orange, and gold hues in many parts of the state. So, when do leaves change color, and where are the best places to discover fall foliage in Arizona? Let's find out!

Each year for over a decade, SmokyMountains.com has created a super helpful predictive map of when the leaves are likely to change color in your part of the state. Certain weather-related factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and elevation, can affect when and where we can experience fall foliage here in Arizona.

This year, our first glimpses of fall will occur in higher elevation areas like Yavapai and Graham Counties around mid-September and will hit their peak roughly a month later. Pictured below are Aspens in Prescott at the start of fall, so it may be a good idea to plan a day trip here at that time.

Another town in Yavapai County to visit in the fall is Sedona. Just imagine viewing fall foliage against the red rocks of one of the most beautiful places in Arizona. Well, you can if you time your visit just right. Make sure you're here sometime around mid-to-late October for peak foliage and the best views.

Also, during mid-to-late October, you should plan to hike the Aspen Trail Loop in Flagstaff. With the Aspens all in their golden glow, it will be like walking into a dream. This is one of my favorite fall hikes in Arizona, and while it's busy with hundreds of other leaf-peepers, it's worth it. Remember your camera for this trail — it's a fantastic scenic spot this time of year. You'll also be able to see the summit of Humphrey's Peak here.

By this time, Mohave and Coconino counties will start to see the leaves change. This will just be the beginning, so don't expect a full palette of fall colors in these areas quite yet. As time marches on, the fall colors spread. By early October, Apache and Navajo counties will be at near peak, and peak fall foliage will occur by the third week of the month.

Be sure to plan lots of fun during this time. By late October into November, the rest of the state should reach peak fall foliage, while the counties that started the season weeks earlier will be past their peak. Then, we can start getting excited about the upcoming holiday season!

We hope this helps answer the question of when the leaves will change in Arizona, along with some of the best places for leaf-peeping. What are your plans this fall in Arizona? How about a road trip around the state? Before you hit the open road to go leaf-peeping this season, be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall trip through Arizona using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

Feature Image: Jeana Mercer, courtesy of AllTrails