Arizona Fall Color Report 2026: Where to See Peak Foliage
what's happening right now and updated throughout the seasonCurrent Fall Colors in Arizona
(Last updated: October 1, 2026)
As of October 1, 2026- Flagstaff is getting close to peak, within the next week. The White Mountains are just starting, and everywhere else is still pending!
2026 Predictions: Arizona entered 2026 with significant drought stress following a warm and dry winter, which could affect the intensity and duration of fall foliage in some areas. However, a wetter monsoon pattern across parts of the state—particularly northern Arizona—may help improve soil moisture heading into fall.
🟢 Not Started | 🟡 Starting | 🟠 Near Peak | 🔴 Peak | 🟤 Past Peak
Flagstaff & San Francisco Peaks
Status: 🟠 Near Peak at higher elevations
Flagstaff’s higher-elevation aspens are approaching peak color! Conditions vary by location, with trees around town generally changing later.
White Mountains (Pinetop-Lakeside & Greer)
Estimated status: 🟡 Starting
Higher-elevation areas typically change first, while Pinetop-Lakeside follows later. Awaiting a fresh local report.
Payson & the Mogollon Rim
Estimated status: 🟢–🟡 Not Started to Starting
Early color is possible at higher elevations, with the main display generally arriving later in October.
Prescott
Estimated status: 🟢 Mostly Not Started
The main fall-color display is generally still ahead.
Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon
Estimated status: 🟢–🟡 Not Started to Starting
Higher portions of Oak Creek Canyon typically change before lower-elevation Sedona.
Tucson & Southern Arizona (Mount Lemmon & Madera Canyon)
Estimated status: 🟡 Starting on upper Mount Lemmon; 🟢 Not Started in Madera Canyon
These areas change at different times, so check conditions for your specific destination.
Phoenix & Central Arizona
Estimated status: 🟢 Not Started
Lower-elevation fall colors generally arrive much later in the season.
Fall 2026 Current Posts
September 25-26, 2026 in Flagstaff
September 29, 2026 in Flagstaff
When Will Fall Colors Peak in Arizona?
Fall colors in Arizona typically begin at the highest elevations in late September before gradually moving to lower elevations throughout October and November. Exact peak dates vary each year depending on temperatures, rainfall, elevation, and weather conditions.
Flagstaff & San Francisco Peaks: Late September–mid October
White Mountains (Pinetop-Lakeside & Greer): Late September–mid October
Payson & the Mogollon Rim: Mid–late October
Prescott: Mid October–early November
Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon: Late October–early November
Tucson & Southern Arizona (Mount Lemmon & Madera Canyon): Late October–mid November
Phoenix & Central Arizona: Late November–early December
Arizona Fall Colors Posts:
Sedona in the Fall: Best Things to Do + Fall Colors
Sedona in the fall is one of the best times to experience Arizona’s red rock country. As temperatures begin to cool, hiking becomes much more enjoyable, crowds start to shift from the busy summer...
See Spring Trail Arizona: Easy Fall Hike Near Payson
See Spring Trail is one of my favorite easy hikes near Payson, Arizona, especially if you’re looking for fall colors on the Mogollon Rim. This short forested trail follows Christopher Creek through...
How to Find the Aspen Corner Swing in Flagstaff
Hidden among the aspens outside Flagstaff is one of the cutest little tree swings in Arizona. The Aspen Corner swing is located near Arizona Snowbowl and only requires a short walk to reach, but it...
West Fork Trail Sedona: Complete Hiking Guide + Fall Colors
Ahhh, the lure of Sedona and its beautiful red rocks. Sedona, Arizona sees over 300,000 visitors per year (source-visit sedona). What attracts people to Sedona? I'd say the famous "vortexes" where...
See Canyon Trail Arizona: Fall Hiking Guide Near Payson
See Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes near Payson, Arizona for experiencing the forests, creeks and changing seasons of the Mogollon Rim. The trail winds through a lush canyon beneath towering...
Flagstaff in the Fall: Best Things to Do + Fall Colors
Flagstaff is one of my favorite places to visit in Arizona in the fall. While much of the state is still experiencing warm desert temperatures, Flagstaff brings cooler weather, golden aspens, scenic...
10 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Arizona
Arizona might be known for its desert landscapes and towering saguaros, but fall brings some surprisingly beautiful color to the state. From golden aspens around Flagstaff to colorful forests in the...
Arizona 2025 Fall Colors Timeline:
Wondering when Arizona’s leaves might change this year? Below are photos and videos I took around Arizona during the 2025 fall season. While peak foliage varies from year to year, these can give you an idea of what different areas looked like on specific dates last fall.
October 12 & 13, 2025- Downtown Flagstaff & Aspen Corner
October 17, 2025- Arizona Snowbowl Flagstaff
October 23, 2025- Prescott
October 28, 2025- See Spring/ Mogollon Rim
November 1, 2025- Sedona/ Oak Creek Canyon