Grab your cozy sweater—it’s time for a leaf-spotting adventure!
Even though Arizona is famous for sunshine and cactus, our state also has amazing places where the leaves turn red, orange, and gold every fall. You don’t have to travel far to find trees that look straight out of a storybook! Here are some of the best spots to see colorful leaves this season.
Flagstaff
When it comes to fall color, Flagstaff is the superstar of Arizona! Bigleaf maples, aspens, and oaks paint the mountains in bright yellow and orange.
Where to go: Try the Aspen Nature Loop, Lockett Meadow, or Arizona Snowbowl’s Scenic Chairlift Ride for the best views.
Fun Fact: Aspen trees grow in huge “families” that are all connected by their roots—so an entire grove might actually be one big tree!
Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona)
Just north of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon looks like a giant rainbow of red rocks and golden leaves. Families can hike, picnic, or splash by the creek while surrounded by colorful sycamore and maple trees.
Where to go: Stop at Slide Rock State Park or West Fork Trail for amazing fall photos.
Pro Tip: Bring snacks and a camera—this is one of the most photographed places in Arizona!
Prescott
Prescott’s pine forests and lakes make the perfect fall backdrop. The air is cool, the trails are pretty, and the leaves turn yellow and orange by mid-October.
Where to go: Check out Watson Lake, Lynx Lake, or Goldwater Lake for great views and easy hikes.
Fun Fact: Prescott is known as “Everybody’s Hometown” and even hosts a FallFest in the Park each year!
Payson & the Mogollon Rim
Want a quick mountain trip? Payson is just a couple of hours from the Valley and packed with color in the fall. The tall maples and oaks along the Mogollon Rim put on a bright red and gold show!
Where to go: Try Tonto Natural Bridge State Park or Woods Canyon Lake for leaf spotting and picnicking.
Pro Tip: Mornings and evenings have the best lighting for photos—plus, fewer crowds!
Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior)
You don’t have to head north for fall fun! This garden near Superior is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. In October and November, the cottonwoods and sycamores glow gold, and the desert trails are perfect for a day trip.
Bonus: There’s even a children’s garden and easy paths for younger explorers.
Before You Go
Check the weather before you head out, pack layers (it gets chilly up north!), and bring water, snacks, and a bag for collecting fallen leaves. You can press them in a book at home or make a “leaf art” collage after your trip!
