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.

  1. Inner Basin Trail (Flagstaff)

Alltrails/Daniel L. Our pick for the best fall foliage hike in Arizona, it’s no secret why Inner Basin is one of the most heavily trafficked trails from mid-October through the month of November. The strikingly yellow aspens are simply breathtaking, and the entire 3.4-mile trail is lined with them. Inner Basin Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

  1. West Fork Trail (Sedona)

Alltrails/Petra Vallone Located in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff, this seven-mile trail will remind you of fall in New England. A wider variety of trees means a plethora of colors beyond the yellows that aspens produce, and leaves crunch underneath your feet with every step. Visit between late September and mid-October for the most spectacular scenery. West Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

  1. Aspen Nature Loop (Sedona)

Alltrails/Laurie Jones Variety might be the spice of life, but aspens will always have a special place in our hearts. This 1.5-mile hike takes you through ponderosa and aspen groves and is best visited during November. Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

  1. Snowbowl (Coconino)

Flickr/michael-seljos It’s hard to believe these roads will be covered in snow before we know it! Until then, it’s time to get hiking out of our system and marvel at the area’s breathtaking golden aspens. Stroll through one of Snowbowl’s three nature trails or take a scenic drive while sipping a PSL. Snowbowl Drive, Snowbowl Dr, Arizona 86004, USA

  1. Weatherford Trail (Flagstaff)

Flickr/jmatthies Spanning a whopping 20 miles (but separated into sections), Weatherford Trail is perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The foliage begins almost immediately, so no worries about getting sold short by tapping out early. Trees here usually reach their prime in early October, so start planning a visit ASAP! Weatherford Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

  1. Aspen Corner (Flagstaff)

Google/Artec Durham Up a mere five or so miles from Aspen Nature Loop is Aspen Corner, one of the most photographed spots in Arizona during fall. Hiking the Arizona Trail will reward you with views of brilliant yellow aspens contrasting against the towering mountains behind. Early to mid-October is the best time to experience the foliage in all its glory. Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

  1. Bear Jaw Loop Trail (Flagstaff)

Alltrails/Jonathan Salmon Despite what its name might suggest, you won’t encounter any bears on this trail. The seven-mile hike is strenuous, with elevation ranging from 8,500 - 10,000 feet, so you’ll certainly get a workout! However difficult, the views are worth the effort ten times over. An enchanting forest of yellow aspens awaits at the trail’s end, and their colors are most dazzling in early October. Abineau & Bear Jaw Loop Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

  1. Mogollon Rim (Payson)

Flickr/pagedooley Mogollon Rim spans much of Arizona, but the area near Payson is where you’ll encounter the most breathtaking fall foliage. Maple trees erupt in an explosion of autumn hues between late October and mid-November. It’s an incredible sight to behold! Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA

  1. Santa Catalina Mountains (Tucson)

Flickr/jkbashkin Southeastern Arizona is beautiful year-round, but there’s just something spellbinding about fall in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Captivating scenes like the one above can be found just east of Tuscon in mid-to-late October. Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona 85619, USASanta Catalina Mountains

  1. Bill Williams Mountain Trail (Williams)

Flickr/kaibabnationalforest Clocking in at 7.65 miles round-trip, this hike isn’t short by any stretch of the imagination, but we guarantee you’ll wish it were even longer after catching a glimpse of this breathtaking foliage firsthand. One of our all-time favorite trails in Arizona, you’ll hike from Williams Ranger Station to the mountaintop, spotting brilliant aspens as well as panoramic views of the town below along the way. Early to mid-October is typically the height of leaf-peeping season here. Bill Williams Mountain Road, Bill Williams Mountain Rd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA

  1. Marshall Gulch Loop Trail (Mount Lemmon)

Alltrails/Mc Crocker Just an hour’s drive from Tucson, this 1.3-mile trail features plenty of deciduous trees - a nice change from our beloved, yet admittedly repetitive, aspens. With the season peaking throughout November, this little adventure really shows how beautiful Southern Arizona can be, and is the perfect distance for a short-and-sweet morning hike. Marshall Gulch Picnic Area, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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!

Alltrails/Daniel L.

Our pick for the best fall foliage hike in Arizona, it’s no secret why Inner Basin is one of the most heavily trafficked trails from mid-October through the month of November. The strikingly yellow aspens are simply breathtaking, and the entire 3.4-mile trail is lined with them.

Inner Basin Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

Alltrails/Petra Vallone

Located in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff, this seven-mile trail will remind you of fall in New England. A wider variety of trees means a plethora of colors beyond the yellows that aspens produce, and leaves crunch underneath your feet with every step. Visit between late September and mid-October for the most spectacular scenery.

West Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Alltrails/Laurie Jones

Variety might be the spice of life, but aspens will always have a special place in our hearts. This 1.5-mile hike takes you through ponderosa and aspen groves and is best visited during November.

Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

Flickr/michael-seljos

It’s hard to believe these roads will be covered in snow before we know it! Until then, it’s time to get hiking out of our system and marvel at the area’s breathtaking golden aspens. Stroll through one of Snowbowl’s three nature trails or take a scenic drive while sipping a PSL.

Snowbowl Drive, Snowbowl Dr, Arizona 86004, USA

Flickr/jmatthies

Spanning a whopping 20 miles (but separated into sections), Weatherford Trail is perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The foliage begins almost immediately, so no worries about getting sold short by tapping out early. Trees here usually reach their prime in early October, so start planning a visit ASAP!

Weatherford Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

Google/Artec Durham

Up a mere five or so miles from Aspen Nature Loop is Aspen Corner, one of the most photographed spots in Arizona during fall. Hiking the Arizona Trail will reward you with views of brilliant yellow aspens contrasting against the towering mountains behind. Early to mid-October is the best time to experience the foliage in all its glory.

Alltrails/Jonathan Salmon

Despite what its name might suggest, you won’t encounter any bears on this trail. The seven-mile hike is strenuous, with elevation ranging from 8,500 - 10,000 feet, so you’ll certainly get a workout! However difficult, the views are worth the effort ten times over. An enchanting forest of yellow aspens awaits at the trail’s end, and their colors are most dazzling in early October.

Abineau & Bear Jaw Loop Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

Flickr/pagedooley

Mogollon Rim spans much of Arizona, but the area near Payson is where you’ll encounter the most breathtaking fall foliage. Maple trees erupt in an explosion of autumn hues between late October and mid-November. It’s an incredible sight to behold!

Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA

Flickr/jkbashkin

Southeastern Arizona is beautiful year-round, but there’s just something spellbinding about fall in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Captivating scenes like the one above can be found just east of Tuscon in mid-to-late October.

Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona 85619, USASanta Catalina Mountains

Flickr/kaibabnationalforest

Clocking in at 7.65 miles round-trip, this hike isn’t short by any stretch of the imagination, but we guarantee you’ll wish it were even longer after catching a glimpse of this breathtaking foliage firsthand. One of our all-time favorite trails in Arizona, you’ll hike from Williams Ranger Station to the mountaintop, spotting brilliant aspens as well as panoramic views of the town below along the way. Early to mid-October is typically the height of leaf-peeping season here.

Bill Williams Mountain Road, Bill Williams Mountain Rd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA

Alltrails/Mc Crocker

Just an hour’s drive from Tucson, this 1.3-mile trail features plenty of deciduous trees - a nice change from our beloved, yet admittedly repetitive, aspens. With the season peaking throughout November, this little adventure really shows how beautiful Southern Arizona can be, and is the perfect distance for a short-and-sweet morning hike.

Marshall Gulch Picnic Area, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Arizona fall foliage August 18, 2022 Sarah M. 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!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Arizona fall foliage

August 18, 2022

Sarah M.

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!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

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!