9 Places to See Fall Color in Arizona
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6. The Weatherford Trail
Although the colors are not as striking as some of the other trails mentioned above, the Weatherford is a great add on for anyone who is planning a longer trip and/or has already completed the top trails and is looking for something new. Both novice and advanced hikers will like this trail as you can complete either a short section or the entire 20 miles. It’s definitely the best choice if you are seeking something a bit lengthier. If you are up for a monster challenge, this trail is a less steep alternative trek to Humphrey’s Peak, the highest point in the state.
Beginning hikers can simply complete the first mile and a half or so and still enjoy plenty of leaf peeping, while advanced hikers may want to continue on for more dramatic mountain scenery and a more intense workout. Fall offers the perfect weather (cool and dry) for venturing out on a long intense hike. Overall, The Weatherford is a peaceful trail with little tourist traffic, providing both wonderful views and the chance to get in a nice little overall body workout.
7. Veit Springs trail
Veit Springs is another one of my favorite hikes. This one is not located at Snowbowl, but rather about 1/2 way up the road, and thus tends to get less congested making it a great option for anyone seeking a bit more solitude. As a local, I really loved escaping the crowds on this one. This trail features a dense forest, comprised of mostly ponderosa pines with occasional aspen trees intermixed, which in turn creates a striking contrast of opposing colors during the fall season.
I love this hike because of the woody setting – it sorts reminds me more of a New England trail, a definite bonus. While I love this area, I also miss the quiet, non touristy appeal of hiking in Massachusetts. Another cool aspect of this trail is a few hidden pictographs located on a side trail. Overall, I highly recommend Veit for anyone seeking a quiet nature refuge.
8. Aspen Corner
Aspen Corner, located about 5/6 miles up Snowbowl Road, is one of the most popular photography hotspots in the fall. Named as so for the abundance of aspens, it’s one of the go to spots for both tourists and locals during the spectacular fall season. Here, you will find a high density of towering aspens trees, which all turn a sparking gold as soon as the leaves begins to change. This is another alternative for those unable to hike. You will see lots of families and couples setting up photo shoots here.
It really is a mesmerizing experience to stand amongst the sea of towering golden trees. From here, you can take an easy little nature stroll, or connect to a section of the Arizona Trail, which will take you through even more golden aspen forests. If you decide to continue on, you will be treated to more spectacular views of the mountains and open meadows. As someone who is more activite, I love that many tourists choose to skip this beautiful trail and take pics instead. It means less crowds on the hike and a more peaceful nature adventure.
9. Bear Jaw/Abineau Loop
Bear Jaw is by far the most strenuous trail on this list, however, it is much less crowded than the Inner Basin trail and offers similar splendid views. The entire loop is about 7 miles, starting at an elevation of 8500 feet and ending at over 10,000 feet! This is a really tough trek, so I recommend just completing the 2 mile out-and-back Bear Jaw trail vs the full Bear Abineau loop. Bear Jaw alone is a major workout in and of itself. It’s one of the harder hikes I’ve completed thus far in this reigon.
The trail begins through a ponderosa forest with a few aspens here and there, until you finally end in a dazzling forest of nothing but yellow aspens. Near the end, you will be treated to the most striking views of the golden trees covering the mountains. It’s a peaceful trek without half the crowds of Inner Basin, although the scenery is just as enchanting.
FR 418, the road you will take to get to the trail, is very rocky with tons of potholes and uneven ground, therefore, a high clearance vehicle is highly recommended. My Prius made it, although it was not a pleasant experience!
Tips for hiking in the fall
Check the Flagstaff Leaf O’Meter for updates on color changes. This is so convenient for planning your hike at exact peak. Plus, I love how you can sort the level of color by region i.e. Oak Creek, Snowbowl, etc.
Get used to the high altitude for a few days before attempting a hike.
Drink plenty of water and eat enough before/after your hike. This helps prevent altitude sickness.
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