Fall foliage covering the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, Arizona

Beautiful fall colors are lining the streets, parks, and trails. Delicious Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at all the coffee shops. And cool, crisp temperatures fill the air. For most areas of the country, this usually signals the arrival of the beautiful, festive fall season. It’s time to put away the flip flops and t-shirts in exchange for cozy sweaters and boots. Almost anywhere in the country, you can find at least a hint of fall – even in Arizona!

Gorgeous golden aspens covering the mountains in Flagstaff. The Inner Basin trail is one of your best bets for amazing foliage.
Gorgeous golden aspens covering the mountains in Flagstaff. The Inner Basin trail is one of your best bets for amazing leaf peeping.

Although many think of Arizona as solely a hot summer destination or a warm winter escape from cold Midwest/Northeast cities, this is not entirely the case. While Phoenix often still sees temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s during the month of October, Flagstaff, one of the highest located cities in the US at an elevation of 7000+ feet, sees temps in the 50’s and 60’s and an abundance of fall foliage. In fact, Northern Arizona’s fall season is pretty spectacular. Flagstaff may be one of the top fall destinations in the Southwest. Even those from fall hotspots (like New England, the Midwest, and the Mid Atlantic) often plan getaways to the area to take in the immense beauty of the golden aspens.

Amazing fall foliage at Aspen Corner in Flagstaff, Arizona
Fall foliage in Flagstaff, Arizona
Gorgeous golden aspens along the Inner Basin trail in Flagstaff, Arizona
Amazing golden aspens line the Inner Basin trail during the peak of fall.

Fall in Flagstaff: So Much to Do & See!

A variety of fall festivals, attractive cooler temperatures than the rest of the state, and bright yellow foliage are just some of the things you can look forward to come fall in Flagstaff. The pleasant combination of cool weather and bright foliage means that it can get pretty crowded, both on the trails and around the downtown area (as everyone heads to a restaurant after their intense high altitude hike). In addition, many Phoenix residents make an escape up north each weekend to experience a bit of the traditional fall season.

Although Halloween in Northern Arizona is nowhere as festive and fun as what I have experienced in the New England and Midwest, you will still find a few events and fall treats this time of year. In terms of traditional fall fun, weather, and activities combined, Flagstaff is about as good as it gets in Arizona.

The Aspen Nature Loop is another amazing fall color hike in the area.
The Aspen Nature Loop is another amazing fall color hike in the area.

Below I have listed 12 ways to take advantage of the cool & colorful fall season in Flagstaff. You will find that Flagstaff is very different this time of year from Southern Arizona and most of the Southwest in general, offering a great 4 season climate not traditionally found in this part of the country.

1. Enjoy a fall foliage hike

Beautiful fall aspens line the Inner Basin hiking trail.
Beautiful fall aspens line the Inner Basin hiking trail.

It would be a mistake to take a trip to Flagstaff and never experience any of the trails, most of which are even more spectacular during the fall season. These trails really shine during the fall season due to the abundance of color changing aspens found intermixed with the ponderosa pines. A few of the must-hike leaf peeping hotspots include the Inner Basin trail, Bear Jaw, the Aspen Nature Loop, the Kachina Trail, and the Veit Springs trail. Be prepared for hefty weekend crowds, especially on the very popular Inner Basin (entry is limited the first 2 weekends of October, so get there very early to avoid a long wait!).

Golden foliage along the Bear Jaw hiking trail in Flagstaff, Arizona
Standing amongst towering golden aspens near the end of the Bear Jaw trail.
Fall foliage along the Kachina Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona
Green pines and gold aspens mix on the Kachina Trail for some pretty spectacular fall scenery.
Aspens at peak along the picturesque Aspen Loop hiking trail at Flagstaff's Snowbowl.
Aspens at peak along the picturesque Aspen Loop hiking trail at Flagstaff’s Snowbowl.
Gorgeous aspens and pines along the Inner Basin hiking trail.
Gorgeous aspens and pines along the Inner Basin hiking trail.

For southern Arizona locals tired of the heat & desert, I highly recommend a trip to Flagstaff as the colors are as good as it gets in this area of the country. Oak Creek Canyon is another hot spot for fall color (do check out the West Fork trail). Sedona’s colors often arrive a bit later than Flagstaff. However, if you can make it out here at the right time, you will get to enjoy a wider variety of colors and more of an East coast fall feeling. Check Flagstaff’s handy Leaf O Meter to plan your visit during at peak.

I also recommend a quality camera like the Nikon D5100 to capture amazing pictures of Flagstaff’s majestic fall season.