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 most wonderful 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 their bright green to hues of crimson, orange, and gold. Each year, our friends at Smoky Mountains create a super helpful predictive map of when the leaves are likely to change color in your part of the state.

So, when do leaves change color in Arizona? Take a look at the following Arizona fall foliage map 2024 and you'll see!

Our first glimpses of fall will occur in some of the higher elevation areas like Yavapai and Pima Counties around mid-September and will hit their peak roughly a month later.

Pictured here are Aspens in Prescott at the start of fall.

Imagine viewing fall foliage against the red rocks of Sedona (Yavapai County). Well, you can if you time your visit just right. Make sure you're here sometime around mid-to-late October.

Also during mid-to-late October, you should plan on hiking the Aspen Trail Loop in Flagstaff. With the Aspens all in their golden glow, it will be like walking into a dream.

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, both Apache and Navajo counties will begin to see the leaves change. Peak fall foliage will occur by Halloween.

Be sure to plan lots of fun during this time - by 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!

So, we hope this helps answer when do leaves change in Arizona. Make sure to visit the Smoky Mountains website for more.

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.