Fall Foliage in Grand Canyon 2025

Even though the Grand Canyon is mainly visited during the summer months, it also has some things to offer during the cold season. The area has several amazing spots to visit for a memorable fall foliage adventure.

Best Time to See Fall Foliage in The Grand Canyon

The golden season in the Grand Canyon is quite short, lasting only two to four weeks. It normally begins in late September, just when leaves start turning brown, and ends in early October, shortly before the rainy season.

Best Places for Fall Colors in The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is mostly known as a greenery area, and if you don't know where to go, it can be hard to find orange and yellow zones. However, this fact doesn't mean you can't find gorgeous fall foliage spots there.

North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a tranquil and secluded area, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoying a calm, relaxing weekend. A long, leisurely road trip along this route reveals countless marvels, such as aspen groves, oaks, and other stunning trees, with the red rocks surrounding the forests adding a fairytale vibe to your fall adventure. North Rim lodging, restaurants, and campgrounds are open from May 15 through October 15.

Activities

In addition to hiking through the North Rim's picturesque landscapes and observing mule deer and turkeys grazing in mountain meadows, there are many other activities to enjoy. You can drive to Point Imperial and Cape Royal via winding scenic routes that offer stunning views. These roads are open during the fall day-use period, and exploring both points, including short walks and stops at scenic pullouts, can take 4 to 5 hours. The North Rim also offers mule rides from May 15 through October 15, where visitors can embark on a one-hour journey through the forest along the canyon's rim.

Kaibab National Forest

Kaibab National Forest, located in the North Kaibab District and bordering the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, spans approximately 1.6 million acres. Within this expanse are four designated wilderness areas totaling about 114,845 acres, offering a haven for those seeking challenge and solitude. Kaibab National Forest's breathtaking area features a vibrant array of bright yellow, dark red, and golden-orange trees. After a long trip along the North Rim route, visiting Kaibab National Forest is a perfect final destination.

Activities

Kaibab National Forest offers ample recreation opportunities, with developed facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and viewpoints. Visitors can expect some serious climbing as the forest's elevation ranges from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet. There are dozens of trailheads for hiking and mountain biking, or you can embark on a longer trek and backpack along a segment of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Many of the northern segments of this trail pass through Kaibab National Forest, traversing pine forests, crossing rim to rim through the Grand Canyon, and reaching the plateaus north of the canyon.

Discover more stunning locations with breathtaking fall foliage in Arizona.