Flagstaff Fall Colors 2025

Flagstaff is a paradise for any hiker or outdoor enthusiast. With gorgeous San Francisco Peaks towering over the city, Flagstaff is just minutes away from Humphreys, Arizona’s tallest mountain, and the famous Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. The mountains, covered by picturesque forests and aspen groves, look the best in the fall months, colored with different shades of yellow, red, and bronze. A great variety of trees can be seen in the city too, especially in the downtown area where maples and oaks line the historic streets with some buildings dating back to the 1890s.

Best Time to See Fall Colors in Flagstaff

Flagstaff fall foliage season usually starts in late September and lasts throughout October. In some years, you can still catch a glimpse of spectacular foliage in the first half of November, especially, south of the city, closer to Sedona. However, October will be your best bet to see the peak color-change in the area. Generally, in Arizona, fall foliage season can stretch through November and even into December.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Flagstaff

As a prime destination for year-round getaways and retreats, Flagstaff boasts a variety of natural wonders and scenic spots to witness leaves changing. Arizona Snowbowl, Aspen Corner, Lockett Meadow, and Hart Prairie Preserve offer some of the best views of Arizona's flora, while Flagstaff Arboretum invites you on an exciting trip through its grounds. The city itself holds several events during the cozy season, which are worth attending.

Fall Aspens at Arizona Snowbowl

Because of the stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks, covered with yellow aspens, Arizona Snowbowl is the top leaf-peeping destination in Flagstaff. Take the scenic Aspen Nature Loop near the base of Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, an easy 1.8-mile (2.8 km) hike. Bikers could enjoy a leisurely 7-mile (11 km) ride up Snowbowl Road, where yellow and green landscapes are created by aspens mixed with pines. At the end of Snowbowl Road, you can take the Scenic Gondola to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. Tickets to scenic rides cost $24-$29 in September and October, with Scenic Gondola operating until mid-October.

Aspen Corner

Aspen Corner, located about 6.5 miles (10 km) up Snowbowl Road, is one of the most photographed places in Flagstaff. The landmark is situated in the Coconino National Forest at an elevation of 9,000 ft (2743 m), so you might experience some altitude sickness if you're not used to such heights. Bright yellow aspens in their full glory are a must-see in October.

Hikes in San Francisco Peaks

San Francisco Peaks are majestic any time of the year, flaunting beautiful snowy peaks and diverse fir and deciduous forests. Here, you'll find southwestern white pines, white firs, silver spruce trees, and numerous quaking aspens. During fall, the aspens turn into a sea of gold, creating a stark contrast against the evergreens. One of the most popular attractions of San Francisco Peaks is the Lockett Meadow, which is a great spot to observe the scenic views of the mountains and fall foliage.

Lockett Meadow

The 3.4 miles (5.5 km) Inner Basin Trail is one of the most popular hikes near Flagstaff. Yellow aspens are very showy, with evergreens in the background. The main highlight of the trail is Lockett Meadow. This Aspen Grove features campsites and picture-perfect picnic spots. However, make sure you arrive at the trailhead early due to heavy traffic during fall foliage season. The campsite at Lockett Meadow can't currently be accessed by cars due to temporary road closure. To access the campground, you need to make a 6-mile (10 km) round trip. The cost to stay at the campsite is $24 per night, which includes up to 8 people. Picnic areas can be used from 10 am until 4 pm, with quiet hours spanning from 10 pm until 6 am.

Hart Prairie Preserve

Hart’s Prairie Preserve, located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, is another perfect fall biking destination, which can be reached by Hart Prairie Road. On your ride, you will pass beautiful aspens, radiant with fall colors. The area is also known for its high population of Bebb willow trees, which transform into a variety of yellow during fall, aspen groves, and about 80 mammal species, roaming the grounds. You can enter the Preserve by signing up for one of the guided walks, which take place from May until October. The walks are free but require prior registration.

Fall Leaves in Flagstaff Arboretum

Flagstaff Arboretum is a 200-acre (80 ha) botanical garden that is located at an elevation of 7,150 feet (2179 m). This vast park is home to over 2,500 species of mountainous flora. The trees transform the arboretum into a golden foliage oasis, which is perfect for a weekend family outing. The park features a pumpkin trail and many activities for kids.

Schedule & Tickets

The Arboretum is open from May through October, Wednesday through Sunday, with the closure on Monday and Tuesday. It operates from 9 am until 4 pm, with the last entry possible at 3:15 pm. Admission to the grounds costs $12 for adults and $6 for children between 5 and 17 years old. Children under five can enter for free, while dogs must be on a leash and checked in for a $2 fee. This year, the pumpkin walk is set to take place from 4 pm until 8 pm on October 26th, with the tickets costing $17 for non-members, $13 for members, and $7 for children between 5 and 17 years old.

Scenic Drive in Oak Creek Canyon

South of Flagstaff, Coconino National Forest is especially scenic in the fall due to lush foliage displays. In particular, Oak Creek Canyon is a perfect destination for a fall hike. Oak Creek Canyon shows off various shades of yellow, orange, and red—a leaf-peeping paradise perfect for fall-time photography. To appreciate the beauty of the area fully, you can take a scenic drive along Hwy 89A, connecting Flagstaff to Sedona.

Fall Foliage & Events in Flagstaff

Surrounded by beautiful nature, the city of Flagstaff is especially attractive throughout October. Vibrant colors transform the downtown Heritage Square, which is a perfect place to sit back and enjoy a warm fall day while getting ready for your next hiking adventure. While in the city, you can also attend the Festival of Science, which takes place from September 20 until September 29 and the Flagstaff Star Party on September 26-28 for some stargazing.