2. Hike the Inner Basin Trail (in the fall)

Take a look at all those gorgeous golden aspens! In Arizona, out of all places!
Take a look at all those gorgeous golden aspens! In Arizona, out of all places!

Flagstaff sees a surprisingly awesome fall color season with many trails and parks around town glowing with bright yellow aspens. Most people are shocked when I tell them how beautiful fall is in Northern Arizona. Unfortuately, those unfamiliar with the state do not see Arizona as anything other than an ugly dry desert! Sure the colors here do not compare to New England, however, a few of the hikes come pretty darn close. One of these is the Inner Basin Trail: a stunning 4 mile round-trip trek through beautiful aspen forests.

Inner Basin is one of the most colorful fall hikes you will ever encounter.
Inner Basin is one of the most colorful fall hikes you will ever encounter.

So many people want to hike Inner Basin during the peak season, which unfortunately is an extremely limited 1-2 week period of time. And thus, a long line often forms the 1st 2 weeks or so of October. Only a limited number of cars are let up at a time due to the dangerous, narrow mountain road and limited number of parking spots.

In exchange for your lengthy wait, you will experience an invigorating hike in the fresh mountain air along one of the most gorgeous, colorful trails found anywhere. People from all over the country come to Flagstaff each fall to enjoy the spectacular color. If you plan your hike at peak (check the Flagstaff Leaf O’Meter for seasonal updates), bright yellow aspens will surround you in every direction.

A peak of the mountains covered with aspens - the Inner Basin Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona during the beautiful fall season
Nothing but blue skies and golden leaves along Flagstaff's Inner Basin Trail in fall

Colorful views are not the only highlight of this journey – your entire body is going to get a major workout on the 2 mile uphill climb (bad for some, a bonus for others!). As this hike is 4 miles round-trip with both uphill and downhill portions, not to mention located at a very high altitude (8600-10500 feet!), you will want to take your time and possibly get used to the elevation around town before attempting this hike or any others. Lots of people get seriously sick by not taking proper precautions (drinking extra water, eating salty snacks, taking it easy) each year.

3. Spend the day exploring scenic Oak Creek Canyon

Driving along the gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon Drive in Northern Arizona

This picturesque 14 mile journey, which starts just outside of Flagstaff and continues on until you reach Sedona, not only serves as a convenient means of transportation between the 2 towns, but also earns its’ reputation as a fantastic attraction in and of itself. Oak Creek Canyon frequently rates amongst the most picturesque roads in the country, and I have to agree!

As you being your drive on Hwy89a near Flagstaff, you will pass pretty pine forests (Flagstaff is located within the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world). As you slowly drop elevation (from about 7000 feet near Flagstaff to around 4000 when you arrive in Sedona), you will begin to notice the scenery changing from pines to deciduous trees to the gorgeous red rock formations that Sedona is so famous for. Surprisingly there are tons of leafy deciduous trees here (making it another fall hotspot), giving it that New England charm.

From gorgeous pine forests to stunning red rock formations all in the same drive…

Pretty forested pine views along Oak Creek Canyon Drive in Northern Arizona
Amazing views of Sedona's red rock formations from Oak Creek Canyon Drive

And if you happen to visit right after a major winter storm, you may just get to see some rare snow capping the red rocks!

Rare snow on Sedona's gorgeous red rocks

Oak Creek Canyon is not simply just a drive, but an adventure with numerous hiking trails, sightseeing spots, and attractions along the way.

The must-do here is the gorgeous West Fork trail, a long, yet rewarding hike with beautiful “rare for Arizona” leafy views and 13 fun (and slightly challenging) creek crossings. The hike is a great year-round destination, especially come fall!

Other things to do along the drive include stopping for a great breakfast and espresso drink at Indian Gardens, shopping for handcrafted Native American souvenirs (you’ll see many vendors along the way), visiting Slide Rock State Park (a popular summer hangout named as so for its’ natural water slide), and taking in the views from the various scenic overlooks and pullouts along the way.