Here’s When Fall Foliage Will Peak This Year In Arizona And The Best Places To See It

With fall having just begun, the main question on everyone's mind is when the leaves will start to change. The answer, at least for us here in Arizona, is very soon - in just a few weeks, to be exact. A hotter than usual end to summer will likely push peak season back just a tad, but we can still expect to start seeing those telltale amber, golden, and maroon shades around the middle of October.

Here's everything you need to know along with some of our state's most spellbinding displays:

According to Smoky Mountains, most of Arizona reaches peak foliage in mid-to-late October.

Northern parts of the state such as Flagstaff peak earlier, while southern areas boast their most stunning colors nearer to November. Here are six of the best places to go leaf-peeping:

1. Inner Basin Trail, Flagstaff

Few native Arizonans are shocked to learn that Inner Basin is one of the state’s most popular trails during fall. Spanning 3.4 miles, the relatively straightforward path is lined with aspens whose leaves glint such a striking yellow that you’ll be waiting to awake from dreamland. Visit from mid-October through the end of November for maximum splendor.

2. Mogollon Rim, Pinetop-Lakeside

This iconic natural wonder stretches across much of the state, but its most spectacular fall foliage can be found in the Pinetop-Lakeside area. Giant maples explode in a color palate guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Peak season occurs between late October and mid-November.

3. Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson

Just east of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains drive a hard bargain when it comes to leaf-peeping. There’s just something uniquely spellbinding about majestic, snow-capped peaks towering behind an expansive aspen grove. Head out in mid-to-late October to witness a scene like this one.

4. Bill Williams Mountain, Williams

Most people who visit this magical place tucked away in the Coconino National Forest embark on the Bill Williams Mountain Trail. Clocking in at right under eight miles, it’s by no means a short and sweet little trek - but that dissuades few after they catch a glimpse of the scenery. As you hike uphill towards the summit, a panoramic view of golden, amber, and maroon-tinged leaves extends endlessly into the distance. Early-to-mid October is typically peak season, but it might be pushed back a tad this year.

5. Arizona Snowbowl, Coconino

When we Arizonans think about the Snowbowl, a monochromatic scene usually comes to mind: icy, unforgiving, stone-cold beauty. Many are surprised to learn the region experiences fall in a way more eye-popping than almost anywhere else across the state. Meander along one of three nature trails, or simply take a winding scenic drive up and down the slopes. The colors should be nearing full-bloom any day now, so don't waste time planning a trip!

6. West Fork Trail, Sedona

Nestled almost directly between Sedona and Flagstaff, this seven-mile trail combines explosive fall foliage with our beloved red rocks for a paradoxically stunning picture. A wide variety of trees flourish here, so get ready to marvel at subtle hues encompassing every color of autumn and then some. The most spectacular scenery usually manifests in late-September, but again, it will probably be delayed by a couple of weeks.

Visit the Smoky Mountains website to see when your area of the state reaches its peak.

How many of these destinations have you visited during the fall? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know your thoughts and recommendations. Check out our previous article for more spectacular foliage: The Fall Foliage At These 6 State Parks In Arizona Is Stunningly Beautiful.