Many people believe Arizona experiences an endless summer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth (for some regions of the state, at least). Flagstaff, one of the most historic Arizona mountain towns, is located about 7,000 feet above sea level, and it transforms into an autumn wonderland each year, with bright yellow aspen trees that draw tourists from all over the world. There’s so much to see and do in Arizona in the fall; in fact, we think it might just be the best time of year to visit! Here’s why:
There’s just something about mountain towns in the fall, wouldn’t you agree?
Chris Boswell / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images Flagstaff is about as charming as it gets, surrounded by natural beauty and experiencing all four seasons in a way few other regions of Arizona do.
Pull a scarf around your neck, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and meander along the streets of downtown.
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon Just off historic Route 66, downtown Flagstaff is the heart of the city, brimming with quaint shops and restaurants. The roadways are flanked by aspen trees that erupt in a jaw-dropping display of color in the fall, their bright yellow hues paving the way for all sorts of seasonal activities.
If you’re looking to hit the trail, the Inner Basin Loop is easily the most iconic hike in Flagstaff for leaf-peeping.
Ryan Lusher (www.roadtripphoto.com) / Moment Collection / Getty Images About 3.5 miles in length and moderately difficult, the trail leads into Lockett Meadow, where you’ll find a sea of gilded aspens that draws photographers from all over the world.
You can also take a scenic drive around the San Francisco Peaks to view the fall foliage from the comfort of your vehicle.
Thomas Roche / Moment Collection / Getty Images There are several different routes in the area to choose from, but the closest is Hart Prairie Road, located about nine miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180. The drive really showcases the aspens in all their autumn glory!
Other great destinations to spot the changing leaves include The Arboretum at Flagstaff and Oak Creek, located along Highway 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona.
Jacob Rushing / Image Source Collection / Getty Images No matter where you go to enjoy the views, rest assured you won’t be disappointed.
We’d be remiss not to mention the Arizona Snowbowl, a world-class ski resort that sees over 250 inches of snow annually.
Thomas Roche / Moment Collection / Getty Images While most people visit the Snowbowl in the winter, we actually prefer it during fall. Why, you may ask? A ride on the chairlift takes you over 10,000 feet above sea level, showcasing the autumn hues from a whole new perspective.
Visit the official Flagstaff website or Facebook page for more information, such as a list of fall festivals and other activities taking place this season!
Chris Boswell / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
Flagstaff is about as charming as it gets, surrounded by natural beauty and experiencing all four seasons in a way few other regions of Arizona do.
Flickr/Darryl Kenyon
Just off historic Route 66, downtown Flagstaff is the heart of the city, brimming with quaint shops and restaurants. The roadways are flanked by aspen trees that erupt in a jaw-dropping display of color in the fall, their bright yellow hues paving the way for all sorts of seasonal activities.
Ryan Lusher (www.roadtripphoto.com) / Moment Collection / Getty Images
About 3.5 miles in length and moderately difficult, the trail leads into Lockett Meadow, where you’ll find a sea of gilded aspens that draws photographers from all over the world.
Thomas Roche / Moment Collection / Getty Images
There are several different routes in the area to choose from, but the closest is Hart Prairie Road, located about nine miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180. The drive really showcases the aspens in all their autumn glory!
Jacob Rushing / Image Source Collection / Getty Images
No matter where you go to enjoy the views, rest assured you won’t be disappointed.
While most people visit the Snowbowl in the winter, we actually prefer it during fall. Why, you may ask? A ride on the chairlift takes you over 10,000 feet above sea level, showcasing the autumn hues from a whole new perspective.
Have you ever visited Flagstaff in the fall? If so, what were some of the highlights of your trip? Tell us in the comments section below, then check out some of the most beautiful places to visit in Arizona in the fall.
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Address: Flagstaff, AZ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona Mountain Towns August 25, 2022 Tori Jane What is there to do in the Flagstaff mountains? The Flagstaff mountains in northern Arizona are truly a magical place. First of all, did you know it’s a dormant/extinct volcanic field? Yep – turns out, northern Arizona is all kinds of lava-based. You can visit one of the most fascinating examples of our geological past by checking out the Flagstaff Lava Tube, which is in the woods nine miles north of Flag on a forest road off the 180 (FR 245). You can go leaf-peeping in the fall on several amazing forest roads, and this area is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona, too! Flagstaff – and its surrounding area – is a truly wonderful place, and we think you just might want to call it home. What is fall in Arizona like? This is an interesting question because fall in Arizona varies on which part of Arizona you are referencing. In central Arizona, where the summers are hot and extreme, fall is a welcome respite – though it does tend to seem to arrive later than in most places. Sometimes trees and foliage don’t even begin to change until November or December thanks to the high temperatures and seldom nights that freeze at all. In the northern parts of the state, though, it’s a different story – color begins to blossom across the peaks in September and October, and the golds and oranges are brilliant and very picturesque. Temperatures will drop from the 90s and 100s to the 70s and 80s, during the day, and autumn is drier than summer more often than not. So in just one word: perfect. What are some fun things to do in Flagstaff Arizona? We do not even know where to begin. Flagstaff is probably our favorite part of Arizona, and for good reason: it’s more than just a pretty place. Wander around downtown Flag and peruse the shops, like the delightful Blackhound Gallerie (while you’re there, check out Bigfoot BBQ in the basement) and In Cahoots (an eclectic costume and secondhand shop you’re sure to love). Get a fresh-baked cookie (or twelve) at Mozzelle’s, or have the best Mexican food of your life at MartAnne’s Burrito Palace. Go on a hike, explore Route 66… seriously, there isn’t anything you can’t do (except maybe have a bad time).
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona Mountain Towns
August 25, 2022
Tori Jane
What is there to do in the Flagstaff mountains? The Flagstaff mountains in northern Arizona are truly a magical place. First of all, did you know it’s a dormant/extinct volcanic field? Yep – turns out, northern Arizona is all kinds of lava-based. You can visit one of the most fascinating examples of our geological past by checking out the Flagstaff Lava Tube, which is in the woods nine miles north of Flag on a forest road off the 180 (FR 245). You can go leaf-peeping in the fall on several amazing forest roads, and this area is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona, too! Flagstaff – and its surrounding area – is a truly wonderful place, and we think you just might want to call it home. What is fall in Arizona like? This is an interesting question because fall in Arizona varies on which part of Arizona you are referencing. In central Arizona, where the summers are hot and extreme, fall is a welcome respite – though it does tend to seem to arrive later than in most places. Sometimes trees and foliage don’t even begin to change until November or December thanks to the high temperatures and seldom nights that freeze at all. In the northern parts of the state, though, it’s a different story – color begins to blossom across the peaks in September and October, and the golds and oranges are brilliant and very picturesque. Temperatures will drop from the 90s and 100s to the 70s and 80s, during the day, and autumn is drier than summer more often than not. So in just one word: perfect. What are some fun things to do in Flagstaff Arizona? We do not even know where to begin. Flagstaff is probably our favorite part of Arizona, and for good reason: it’s more than just a pretty place. Wander around downtown Flag and peruse the shops, like the delightful Blackhound Gallerie (while you’re there, check out Bigfoot BBQ in the basement) and In Cahoots (an eclectic costume and secondhand shop you’re sure to love). Get a fresh-baked cookie (or twelve) at Mozzelle’s, or have the best Mexican food of your life at MartAnne’s Burrito Palace. Go on a hike, explore Route 66… seriously, there isn’t anything you can’t do (except maybe have a bad time).
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Flagstaff mountains in northern Arizona are truly a magical place. First of all, did you know it’s a dormant/extinct volcanic field? Yep – turns out, northern Arizona is all kinds of lava-based. You can visit one of the most fascinating examples of our geological past by checking out the Flagstaff Lava Tube, which is in the woods nine miles north of Flag on a forest road off the 180 (FR 245). You can go leaf-peeping in the fall on several amazing forest roads, and this area is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona, too! Flagstaff – and its surrounding area – is a truly wonderful place, and we think you just might want to call it home.
What is fall in Arizona like?
This is an interesting question because fall in Arizona varies on which part of Arizona you are referencing. In central Arizona, where the summers are hot and extreme, fall is a welcome respite – though it does tend to seem to arrive later than in most places. Sometimes trees and foliage don’t even begin to change until November or December thanks to the high temperatures and seldom nights that freeze at all. In the northern parts of the state, though, it’s a different story – color begins to blossom across the peaks in September and October, and the golds and oranges are brilliant and very picturesque. Temperatures will drop from the 90s and 100s to the 70s and 80s, during the day, and autumn is drier than summer more often than not. So in just one word: perfect.
What are some fun things to do in Flagstaff Arizona?
We do not even know where to begin. Flagstaff is probably our favorite part of Arizona, and for good reason: it’s more than just a pretty place. Wander around downtown Flag and peruse the shops, like the delightful Blackhound Gallerie (while you’re there, check out Bigfoot BBQ in the basement) and In Cahoots (an eclectic costume and secondhand shop you’re sure to love). Get a fresh-baked cookie (or twelve) at Mozzelle’s, or have the best Mexican food of your life at MartAnne’s Burrito Palace. Go on a hike, explore Route 66… seriously, there isn’t anything you can’t do (except maybe have a bad time).
