Arizona Snowbowl in the Fall: Shimmering Golden Aspens Everywhere
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Flagstaff is Northern Arizona’s most populated high altitude city. If you have ever vacationed here before, then you probably already know that the town offers a setting quite different than that of its’ southern counterpart. At 7000 feet, the scenery here is quite different than the rest of the state. Southern Arizona locals flock here each summer to enjoy cool hiking within the beautiful pine forests. While I love hiking amongst the exotic cacti in Phoenix, there is something special about hiking amongst aspens and pines in the Coconino National Forest. It’s such a beautiful place to escape for some peace and quiet and reflection in nature.
Featuring stunning mountain vistas, as well as temperatures at least 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix on average, it really is a gorgeous escape from the typical Arizona desert scenery. It’s no surprise that Phoenix residents plan weekend escapes here year-round, due to the easy drive (just 2 hours north). While living here, I saw the roads jam packed each weekend, especially in the summer to escape the heat and then again in the fall to leaf peep
Fall is when this town really shines as the high altitude forests come alive with the bright yellow hues of the season. Arizona Snowbowl is a particularly striking destination come autumn for leaf peepers. Since moving here, Mike and I have been taking advantage of hiking all these gorgeous trails. Living just 15 minutes from the high altitude forests gives us the unique opportunity to time our hikes right at peak.
Snowbowl, the state’s most popular ski resort, offers plenty of recreational activities year-round, including 3 gorgeous hiking trails which shine their best during fall. These trails offer wonderful leaf peeping at 8000+ feet and a secluded nature away from town.
Snowbowl Rd: The state’s best fall color drive
While summer in Flagstaff is great, nothing really beats a fall visit. If you love leaf peeping and cooler temps, I definitely recommend planning your visit this time of year. If you are stuck in Phoenix, hating the heat and wishing you could wear jeans and cozy boots while sipping a PSL, you will love it here this time of year.
While the trails around town do not offer much in the way of fall foliage, the higher up you go in altitude, the more the gorgeous aspens begin to pop up. All Snowbowl trails are a fall wonderland this time of year. There really is no better destination in the state for leaf peeping.
The scenery here rivals that of some of the top fall foliage destinations in the country including Massachusetts where I lived for several years. I am in awe each time I drive this incredible road and hike the aspen lined trails. There is nothing like it anywhere else.
The 7 mile drive up Snowbowl Road is simply spectacular in the fall, and hand’s down one of the best places in the state to enjoy leaf peeping. As you start your fall drive, you will take in the beautiful quiet scenery of the country’s largest ponderosa forest.
Mountain views pop up every now and then. And then, the real scenery starts when the colorful aspens starting popping up here and there, before eventually dominating the landscape. This is my favorite drive in the northern portion of the state. If you love everything about the fall season as I do, definitely add it your bucket list!
Amazing views from the drive up Snowbowl Road
Aspen Corner
Be sure to plan for a stop at Aspen Corner, an incredible leaf peeping destination located about 6 miles up Snowbowl Road. You will see a large parking area that will likely be packed the entire fall season. There is a trail here (the lengthy Arizona Trail) or you can simply admire and take family photos by these majestic trees. The aspens are dazzling, especially when shining against a bright blue sky. Check out the incredible foliage!
The Arizona Trail
From here, you can also take a walk along The Arizona Trail for more incredible leaf peeping. The entire trail stretches on for more than 800 miles, however, there is a 6 mile section here which I like. The section that starts at Aspen Corner is particularly scenic as it meanders through many aspen groves. It continues on until reaching FR 418 and would be considered moderate due to the length and high altitude.
The mountain vistas are tremendous as an added bonus. Go as little or as far as you like – just remember that the return route will be much hillier! Some of my favorite fall color views anywhere have been on this trail. And I just love the way the trees take on a beautiful orangeish tone on overcast days.
Amazing Leaf Peeping via The Arizona Trail
3 great hikes
There are 2 moderately easy hiking options at Snowbowl: The Aspen Nature Loop and the Kachina Trail. Both of these hikes are real winners during the fall due to the abundance of aspen trees. The third option, the Humphreys Peak trail, climbs to the tallest peak in Arizona (12,637 feet). This hike is suited only for the most advanced hikers.
If you are simply seeking a great leaf peeping destination and a nice relaxing hike, the other 2 hikes are casual hiker approved.
The Aspen Nature Loop: An easy trek with stunning mountain scenery & fall leaves
The Aspen Nature Loop is one of the easier trails in the region due to the short distance (just 1.5 miles) and the mostly flat terrain (only one minor hill near the end). However, due to the high altitude (9000+ feet), those not used to hiking at high elevation should take it easy and drink extra water/replenish electrolytes. Altitude sickness is very common and it’s quite dangerous.
This hike is great because you get to take in the ponderosa pines, golden aspens, and also some of the best mountain views in town. The fall foliage scattered amongst the trails and the golden leaves of the aspens shimmering in the sunlight really creates a wonderful fall atmosphere that is hard to top. The aspens here tend to get the brightest in town, creating the most vibrant fall setting. Check out my fall hiking post to see more pics of this beautiful trail during the peak of autumn.
The Kachina Trail
Kachina is another great trail at Snowbowl. This one is much longer (10 miles RT compared to 1.5) with a bigger elevation gain than Aspen. It is more suited for avid hikers who want a challenge. However, you can walk out to your comfort level and enjoy some brilliant scenery. I recommend hiking about 1-2 miles in and turning around which will give you a good glimpse of the brilliant autumn colors.
I consider this one a hidden gem which doesn’t get much love; an underused and underappreciated trail especially when it comes to fall beauty. While hiking this one you will enjoy incredible scenery in addition to a quiet nature experience – in fact, it’s the only trail I’ve ever seen any wildlife on. Like the Aspen Nature Loop, this trail also begins at over 9000+ feet, so take it easy and go no farther than your comfort level.
Veit Springs
Veit Springs (now Lamar Haines) is not technically part of Snowbowl, however, it is located along the scenic drive (around Milepoint 4.5). This hike is one of the easiest in town. A flat 1.5 mile loop stroll through a mixed ponderosa/aspen forest is scenic anytime of year, but especially so when the aspens begin to turn gold. I’ve hiked this trail countless times because it’s quite easy and I love the secluded nature. The forest is really dense here too so it reminds me of hiking in New England.
You will find a dense forest of aspens and pines here, and the contrast is strikingly beautiful in autumn. Lots of colorful leaves cover the ground, giving the trail a bit more of a traditional East coast feel. It’s shady and cool due to the dense tree coverage with lots of opportunity to crunch leaves beneath your feet for a true fall vibe.
I love hiking this trail anytime of the year. In the summer, the pines and high altitude of Veit Springs provide a cool escape. In the fall, the golden leaves on the aspens and fallen leaves on the ground create a picture-perfect fall setting. Wintertime, the flat terrain and snowy pines makes Veit a picturesque & relatively easy choice for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. This is definitely my 4 season pick in town.
Another bonus of hiking this trail is a little side route that takes you to some pretty cool ancient pictographs and an old abandoned log cabin.
Tips for a great fall hike
*Get used to the higher altitude around town for a few days if you are not from the area. Also drink plenty of water and eat extra carbohydrates to prevent altitude sickness.
*Always dress in layers. Expect cold temperatures in the morning. Keep in mind that a random October snowstorm is possible. It will be at least 15 degrees cooler at high altitude and also much shadier due to the dense tree coverage. Temps can change drastically from day to afternoon. Fall temps can range from 35 degrees in the morning and sunny to 60 degrees just a few hours later!
*I always recommend using a hiking stick and wearing a Camelbak for easy water access. The hiking stick comes in handy for extra traction and protection in case of a wildlife encounter. The camelbak ensures that you have an adequate water supply.
*To prevent multiple trips, keep track of fall color updates on Twitter. Arizona Snowbowl and the Coconino National Forest both regularly provide updated reports on current foliage. You can also check Fall Color on the Coconino on the National Forest website for weekly updates. Color typically peaks the 2nd-3rd week of October.
*Eat a full breakfast/lunch before heading out. It helps with the altitude adjustment to eat more prior to any strenuous exercise. Also be sure to bring a few snacks for along the way. It would be a shame to have to end your hike early due to a lack of preparation! Granola bars, fruit, and salty chips or crackers are good choices. Also here is a list of my favorite breakfast choices in Flagstaff.
*Apply sunscreen before your hike. Your skin burns faster at high altitude, even if it is cloudy. Chapstick is also a must in dry climates.
*Plan enough time to finish the hike before sunset. If heading out later in the day, remember that it gets dark earlier (usually around 6). You do not want to get stuck in the forest after dark!
*Wear proper workout clothes and hiking shoes. You’ll have better traction with the shoes and the workout clothes allow your body to breathe and move much smoother. I can’t tell you how many visitors I see wearing jeans!
*It’s rare in the fall, although the weather at high altitude can change drastically. It’s not as bad as summer monsoon season, but I’ve seen a lot of dark skies hiking and barely made it before the rain came thundering down. I recommend stuffing a light raincoat/windbreaker into your backpack.
*Watch out for wildlife. It’s rare, although bears and mountain lions have been spotted on occasion. Read up on safety advice on what to do in a possible bear or lion encounter.
How to get here?
Drive north on US 180 from Flagstaff for about 7 miles until you reach FR 516 (Snowbowl Road). Veit Springs trail is about 4.5 miles up this road. The Aspen Nature Loop and Kachina Trail are about 7 miles up the road. All trails are dog friendly (must be leashed). Bring water – no drinking fountains available.
