A Relaxing, Colorful Fall Stroll Along the Aspen Nature Loop
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Since moving to the Northern Arizona region, I have been absolutely amazed with the fall foliage I have seen. I am a big fan of autumn in general and love to do some leaf peeping this time of year. Before researching moving to this area, I had no idea that autumn here basically rivals New England. Honestly, I am surprised that it gets so little press. The color is even more spectacular than what I saw while living in Massachusetts, which is a hard feat. Almost all of the high altitude trails in the mountains really shine brighten golden yellow this time of year.
The Aspen Nature Loop is one of 3 hiking trails, all varying in intensity and scenery, located at Snowbowl, a popular winter skiing and summertime hiking destination. I’ve hiked this trail so many time since moving here and it never gets boring. I love the fresh mountain scenery and the absence of any sense of commerlizication.
I am almost always by myself on this trail and I love it. Each year, around mid to late October, the aspens turn the most brilliant gold color. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Living in Kachina Village (an easy 20 min drive), I was able to get over here a few times a week to time my hike just perfectly.
The most colorful of the Snowbowl trails
This is my favorite of the Snowbowl trails because it is lined with groves of aspens. This trail is shorter (approximately 1.8 miles round-trip) and easier in intensity than the other options. You will find just one tiny steep section and the rest is completely flat. Kachina is 10 miles and Humphrey’s climbs to the tallest peak, so these are not good options for new visitors looking for something relatively easy.
On a side note, even though the trail is easier it is located pretty high up (8000+ feet). Hiking at high elevation if you are not used to it can be difficult. It took me a while after moving here to build up my stamina and endurance. Here’s some useful tips from the Flagstaff Visitor Center to avoid altitude sickness. I now keep these in mind anytime I exercise at high altitude.
Experiencing the dramatic change in color as the trees transform from bright green to a beautiful golden hue is a wonderful experience. I was so fortunate to be able to enjoy this trail throughout the changing seasons.
The beginning and end of the trail features the best scenery thanks to the presence of beautiful aspen groves. I also find the mountain and meadow scenery quite mesmerizing. The vibrant trees surrounding the mountains makes for some really great photos too – so be sure to bring your camera!
We were lucky enough to have this trail to ourselves pretty much anytime we hiked. This could be because we typically try to get out here during the week, but oftentimes we lucked out on the weekends as well. I think a lot of the tourists head to Humphrey’s Peak or to the chairlift rides (a great alternative for those unable to hike).
This area does not see much rain in October (summer monsoons are more common). That being said, we almost got caught in a storm several times. To be honest, I love gloomy weather and it is one of the things I miss the most about living on the East coast. This area is a bit too sunny for my liking, but otherwise I love it. I also love how the trees take on a more orangish tone in contrast with the grey skies.
Hiking through the largest ponderosa pine forest
After moving here, I quickly learned that the city is located within the largest ponderosa pine forest. While this hike features more aspens than pines, you still get to enjoy a bit of both. This is actually perfect because I love that the pines look great all winter season. Pines are always fabulous after a storm, and I love using this trail for snowshoeing (it’s one of my favorite trails for winter sports).
Ponderosa pines grow at elevations of 6000-8000 feet, making Flagstaff the ideal setting for these pretty trees. The Coconino County National Forest, which surrounds Flagstaff and Sedona, is home to so many wonderful trails. I urge you to explore more while you are here. Really, there is so much to see. You will find more pines at the lower altitude trails around town: Fort Tuthill and the Griffith Springs trails are 2 of my favorite picks. You can read more about the ecosystem on the Coconino website if you are interested.
What are aspen trees?
For anyone not from the area, you may not be familiar with these types of trees. Most notably, they feature characteristic white bark and their leaves turn a beautiful golden hue each autumn. I love the soft fluttering “quaking” sound that they make in the wind. You can find these beautiful trees throughout the country, although in the West they typically reside in high altitude areas ranging from 5000-10,000 feet. You can read more if interested via this article by the National Forest Association
Fall in Flagstaff
This time of the year, you can expect cooler temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. This is my favorite time of year in the city. Summer is usually the most crowded with Phoenix residents fleeing the desert heat. I see them arrive in droves each weekend to enjoy the color, cool temps, and autumn ambiance. Winter is also crowded as Phoenix locals also come up to play in the snow. Autumn is actually a pretty chill time of the year with the one exception probably being the Inner Basin trail (another wonderful fall color hike that draws big crowds).
The temperature is usually at least 10 degrees cooler at Snowbowl than in town, due to the high elevation. Be sure to dress in layers as it can feel cold at the start especially if you head out in the morning. I find that I usually start with a jacket (and sometimes hat and gloves) and end up warming up once I start moving.
On a side note, the drive up Snowbowl Road to get to the trail is quite scenic in and of itself. You will enjoy a lovely mix of both pines and aspens: the contrast between the green and yellow colors is quite dramatic. It’s a slow drive uphill, but the picturesque views make the drive almost as exciting as the hike itself. In fact, I often grab a coffee to go and just enjoy the drive without even hiking. Yes, it’s that scenic. What do I recommend? Definitely Late for the Train – it’s the city’s best roaster.
Best time to hike
Generally, I’ve not seen too many crowds on this trail (like I said nothing like Inner Basin). You will see a good number of people here on fall weekends due to the beautiful foliage (a real rarity in Arizona), however, it is never too crowded that you miss out on a peaceful hiking experience.
Even better, if you visit on a weekday, you will feel as if you have the entire trail to yourself. For a truly peaceful nature experience, I recommend hiking on a weekend morning.
For those unable to hike, I recommend a scenic ride at Snowbowl. They offer gondola rides which take you up the mountain to “the highest point in Arizona.” You’ll see mostly pines rather than aspens, but it’s a nice alternative for non hikers this time of year. I love that there is a way for everyone to enjoy the views!
Directions and general information
The loop is located north of Flagstaff on US 180 seven miles and seven miles up Snowbowl Road. There is a large parking lot with no fee to park. Portable toilets are available. Picnic tables are also on site. Dog friendly (leased).
- Best time for leaf peeping: Typically mid-late October. Check the Flagstaff Leaf O Meter for seasonal updates. I found it to be pretty accurate and it definitely saves a bit of hassle of getting somewhere and being disappointed.
- Where to get coffee pre-hike: I recommend Late for the Train downtown (amazing Americanos & mochas).
- Where to grab lunch: Delhi Palace is an amazing local Indian restaurant. I love their Saag Paneer. To date, it’s the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted. And yes, I would totally go out of my way to dine here.
