Where to See Arizona’s Fall Colors If you’re itching to see fall colors, you might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to traverse the country to get your fall foliage fix. Arizona has fall colors that rival even the most beautiful New England landscapes. And the bonus: the Grand Canyon! Arizona is a spectacular state in its own right, brimming with brilliant red rock formations and breathtaking desert landscapes. Ascend into the mountainous areas and higher elevations, and you’ll find additional beauty in the form of fall foliage from aspens, maples, oaks, and sycamores. Why Leaves Change Color Before we get into where to see Arizona’s fall foliage, a brief lesson on why leaves change color. In fact, they don’t. Rather, as the seasons change, the leaves of deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves seasonally) reveal the colors that are already there. Here’s how it works: much like a banana reveals its yellow color as it ripens, when leaves are deprived of water and light autumn season, the green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves, revealing the other colors already present. Voila—beautiful fall foliage! Finding Fall Foliage in Arizona Here are several spots to see fall colors in this beautiful desert state: White Mountains: Located approximately 5 miles north of Highway 260 off of Forest Road (FR) 117, Greens Peak offers an excellent vantage point to see stands of trees in their fall colors. Additionally, the drive from SR 260 to Big Lake offers the promise of beautiful fall foliage. To get there, head south on SR 273. You’ll pass Sunrise Lake along and should see colorful stands of trees on the way to Big Lake. Sedona Area: For a fully immersive experience, why not skip the “drive by” viewing and hit the trail? The West Fork Trail of Oak Creek, north of Sedona, is one of the most popular spots for admiring red maples and oaks in their full fall colors. The area is still recovering from a fire, but the trees are still open for business. The trail will take you along a beautiful creek and splendid rock formations. Depending on how far you decide to walk, plan for a 5-7+ mile hike. North Rim, Grand Canyon: The North Rim offers excellent views into the Grand Canyon, and fall colors, to boot. The Kaibab Plateau is a great vantage point to see both in the same day. From Jacob Lake, head south on SR 67, then west on FR 212, then south on FR 462. On the Kaibab Plateau you may also spot elk, deer, and even a buffalo from a transplanted herd. Be aware that the highways may be closed in the winter and/or may not be plowed. San Francisco Peaks: The Kachina Trail in the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff offers views of thick aspen stands and beautiful meadows. To get there, park at the Arizona Snowbowl, 14 miles north of Flagstaff off the U.S. 180, and find the trailhead.
Other Activities in Arizona There are so many things to do in Arizona, we can’t list them all here. A visit to the Grand Canyon is a must, however. Arizona is an outdoor-lover’s paradise—from hiking to river rafting to biking, the possibilities are endless. For the ultimate adventure, a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is an exhilarating and unforgettable way to see the canyon. Be sure to take advantage of all this beautiful state has to offer during your visit to see Arizona’s fall foliage. Summary You don’t need to head to New England to see incredible fall foliage. Arizona offers spectacular fall colors, in addition to one of the most visited geological marvels on the planet—the Grand Canyon. Learn where to spot fall foliage in Arizona this autumn. Company Bio Since 1965, Papillon has been the world’s oldest and largest sightseeing company, flying an estimated 600,000 passengers a year on its daily Grand Canyon tours. With over forty unique excursions featuring spectacular sights of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Monument Valley, Page/Lake Powell, and unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon, Papillon is proud to offer guests an unparalleled perspective of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Visit www.papillon.com for tour information, or call (888) 635-7272.