Quick Guide: Sedona in Fall

Fall is one of my favorite times to visit Sedona because you get comfortable hiking weather, beautiful red rock scenery and the chance to see fall colors all in one trip. For the best combination of foliage and cooler temperatures, I recommend visiting in the second half of October. Fall colors vary each year, though, so check my Arizona Fall Color Leaf Watch for current conditions before your trip.

🍂 Fall Season: September through November
🍁 Best Fall Colors: Mid-October through mid November
🌡️ Weather: Warm, sunny days with cooler mornings and evenings
🥾 Best For: Hiking, scenic drives, fall foliage & outdoor activities
📍 Best Fall Color Spot: West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon
🚗 Scenic Drive: Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon
🏨 Where to Stay: Read more in my post HERE.
☕ Fall Vibe: Cool mornings, coffee shops, red rocks & colorful foliage
👟 What to Pack: Hiking layers, comfortable shoes, sun protection & a light jacket
📆 My Favorite Time to Visit: Late October

Hi, I’m Danielle — an Arizona-based outdoor creator who has personally explored every destination I write about. I’ve been hiking and adventuring across the Southwest since 2020 and started this blog to share honest, firsthand guides so you can skip the guesswork!

I also just wanted to say thank you for supporting a real creator’s work over just an AI summary.

When Is Fall in Sedona? Weather + What to Expect

Fall in Sedona generally runs from September through November, but each month feels a little different. September can still feel quite warm during the day, while October brings cooler hiking temperatures and the beginning of fall colors. By November, mornings and evenings are chilly, but daytime temperatures can still be perfect for exploring the red rocks.

Because Sedona sits at a lower elevation than Flagstaff, fall arrives later here. This makes Sedona a great place to visit after the aspens around Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks have already reached peak color.

September in Sedona

September is still fairly warm in Sedona, especially during the first half of the month. Days are generally sunny and warm, while mornings and evenings become increasingly comfortable for hiking.

You typically won’t find much fall color around Sedona yet. If foliage is your main reason for visiting, I’d plan your trip later in the season.

October in Sedona

October is one of my favorite months to visit Sedona. Temperatures become much more comfortable for hiking and spending the entire day outside, and fall colors begin appearing around Oak Creek Canyon as the month progresses.

Late October is particularly beautiful around West Fork Trail and other areas along Oak Creek. Exact timing varies from year to year, so I recommend checking current conditions before planning a trip specifically around foliage.

November in Sedona

Early November can still be an incredible time for fall colors in Sedona, particularly at lower elevations and along Oak Creek. Depending on the year, some of the best foliage around West Fork Trail can linger into the beginning of the month.

Temperatures are noticeably cooler by November, especially in the mornings and evenings, but daytime conditions are often great for hiking. As the month progresses, fall colors begin to fade and Sedona starts transitioning toward winter.

When Do Fall Colors Peak in Sedona?

Fall colors in Sedona typically begin appearing in mid to late October and peak from late October into early November. Because Sedona sits at a lower elevation than nearby Flagstaff, its fall foliage generally peaks a few weeks later, making it a great place to continue leaf peeping after the aspens farther north have started to lose their leaves. Below is a video I took in Oak Creek Canyon on 11/1/25.

Some of the best fall colors are found throughout Oak Creek Canyon, where cottonwoods, maples and other deciduous trees turn shades of yellow, orange and red against Sedona’s red rocks. West Fork Trail is especially popular during this time and is one of my favorite places to experience fall in Sedona.

Peak timing can vary considerably from year to year depending on temperatures, rainfall and elevation. If you’re planning your trip specifically around the foliage, check my Arizona Fall Color Leaf Watch before you go. I update it throughout the season with current conditions and reports from Sedona, Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim and other fall color destinations around Arizona.

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Sedona

Sedona might be known for its red rocks, but there are some surprisingly beautiful places to see fall colors throughout Oak Creek Canyon and along Oak Creek. Cottonwoods, maples and other deciduous trees turn shades of yellow, orange and red, creating an incredible contrast against the surrounding red rock cliffs.

If you’re visiting specifically for fall foliage, these are some of my favorite places to see fall colors in Sedona.

1. West Fork Trail

West Fork Trail is my top pick for seeing fall colors in Sedona. The trail follows Oak Creek through a narrow canyon filled with trees that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red during the fall.

You’ll cross the creek several times throughout the hike, and the combination of colorful leaves, water and towering canyon walls makes this one of the most beautiful fall hikes in Arizona. You don’t have to hike the entire trail to enjoy the foliage, either—there are beautiful views almost immediately.

West Fork is extremely popular during peak fall color, so I recommend arriving early, especially on weekends. You can read my complete West Fork Trail hiking guide for parking information, trail details and more tips for visiting.

2. Highway 89A Through Oak Creek Canyon

For an easy way to experience fall in Sedona without hiking, drive Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. The road winds between Sedona and Flagstaff beneath towering canyon walls and through some of the most heavily forested scenery in the area.

During late October and early November, you’ll see pockets of yellow, orange and red foliage throughout the canyon. There are several overlooks, picnic areas and trailheads along the route where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.

3. Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is another beautiful place to experience fall colors in Sedona. The park sits along Oak Creek and has several easy trails that take you through cottonwood trees and riparian habitat, with Sedona’s red rocks rising in the background.

This is a great option if you want to combine fall foliage with a shorter, more relaxed hike rather than tackling one of Sedona’s more strenuous trails. I haven’t been in fall yet- it’s on my list! I included another creator’s video below of Red Rock State Park in the fall!

4. Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is famous as a summer swimming destination, but I think it’s especially beautiful during the fall. Oak Creek runs directly through the park, surrounded by trees that begin changing color as temperatures cool.

Without the focus on swimming, fall is also a great time to simply walk around the park, enjoy the creek and take in the contrast between the foliage and red rock canyon walls. My photo below was in March so you can see the trees by the waterline are bare BUT they would be popping in the fall.

5. Red Rock Crossing/ Crescent Moon Picnic Site

For one of the most iconic combinations of fall colors and Sedona red rocks, head to Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon Picnic Site. Cottonwoods line Oak Creek here, turning bright yellow during the fall with Cathedral Rock towering in the background.

This is also one of my favorite places for photography in Sedona, especially around sunset when Cathedral Rock begins to glow. I’ve been here multiple times throughout the year, but not fall yet! 

6. Bootlegger Picnic Area

Located along Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon, Bootlegger Picnic Area is an easy place to stop and enjoy fall colors along the creek. You’ll find shady trees, creek access and colorful foliage without having to commit to a long hike.

It’s an especially convenient stop if you’re already driving Oak Creek Canyon or visiting West Fork Trail and want to explore a few different foliage spots in the same day.

Things To Do in Sedona in the Fall

Beyond searching for fall colors, fall is one of the best seasons for simply enjoying Sedona. Cooler temperatures make hiking much more comfortable, while cozy coffee shops, wineries and beautiful places to stay make it easy to plan an entire fall weekend.

1. Go Hiking

Fall brings some of the best hiking weather of the year in Sedona. Once the heat of summer begins to fade, you can comfortably spend much more of the day exploring the trails.

For classic red rock scenery, consider hikes like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge or Soldier Pass. If fall foliage is your priority, West Fork Trail is my top choice. I recommend starting early regardless of which trail you choose, as Sedona’s most popular trailheads can still be busy during the fall.

2. Shop at Tlaquepaque

Spend a cooler fall afternoon wandering through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in the heart of Sedona. The Spanish-inspired courtyards are filled with shops, galleries, restaurants and plenty of beautiful little corners to explore.

It’s especially nice during fall when you can comfortably sit outside, grab lunch or coffee and spend some time exploring between your outdoor adventures. In my video below, all of the tall trees will change colors in the fall!

3. Visit a Verde Valley Winery

Fall is the perfect season to pair your Sedona trip with a visit to Arizona wine country. The Verde Valley has several wineries and tasting rooms within an easy drive of Sedona, particularly around Page Springs, Cornville and Cottonwood.

Spend an afternoon at a vineyard after a morning hike, or make a full day trip out of exploring the Verde Valley. The cooler temperatures make sitting outside with a glass of local wine particularly enjoyable this time of year.

4. Have a Cozy Coffee Morning

One of my favorite ways to start a fall morning in Sedona is with a good cup of coffee. Temperatures can be chilly early in the day, making fall the perfect time to slow down at one of Sedona’s local coffee shops before heading out on a hike.

There are several great coffee shops around Uptown, West Sedona and Oak Creek, and I’ve put together a complete guide to the best coffee shops in Sedona if you want to find my favorites.

5. Stay in a Cozy Cabin

Instead of making Sedona a quick day trip, spend a night or two and enjoy the cooler fall evenings. Sedona has everything from cabins tucked into the trees to boutique hotels and red-rock resorts, so there are plenty of options depending on the type of trip you’re planning.

Fall is a popular time to visit, particularly around peak foliage and on October weekends, so I recommend booking your accommodations in advance. Check out my complete Where to Stay in Sedona guide for my favorite areas, hotels and unique places to stay. Below is an adorable cabin I stayed at during the fall up in Oak Creek Canyon.

FAQs: Sedona in the Fall

Is fall a good time to visit Sedona?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to visit Sedona thanks to cooler temperatures, great hiking weather and fall colors along Oak Creek. October is particularly popular because daytime temperatures are much more comfortable than during the summer.

When is fall in Sedona?

Fall in Sedona generally runs from September through November. September can still be quite warm, October brings cooler temperatures and changing leaves, and November offers chilly mornings with comfortable daytime hiking weather.

When do fall colors peak in Sedona?

Fall colors in Sedona typically peak from late October into early November, although timing varies each year. Oak Creek Canyon and West Fork Trail are two of the best places to look for peak foliage.

Where are the best fall colors in Sedona?

Some of the best places to see Sedona fall colors include West Fork Trail, Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Red Rock Crossing, Bootlegger Picnic Area and Midgley Bridge.

Is October a good time to visit Sedona?

October is one of my favorite months in Sedona. Temperatures are generally much more comfortable for hiking, and fall colors begin appearing around Oak Creek Canyon later in the month. If foliage is your priority, I would aim for late October.

Is November a good time to visit Sedona?

Yes. Early November can be an especially beautiful time to visit Sedona because fall colors may still be near peak along Oak Creek, while temperatures are cooler and ideal for hiking. By later in November, foliage generally begins to fade and nighttime temperatures become much colder.

What should I wear in Sedona in the fall?

Layers are best for visiting Sedona during fall. Mornings and evenings can be chilly while afternoons may be warm and sunny. I recommend bringing hiking clothes, comfortable shoes, a light jacket or fleece, sun protection and warmer layers for early mornings and evenings.

Does Sedona get crowded in the fall?

Yes, Sedona can still be busy during the fall, particularly on October weekends and around peak fall foliage. Popular trails like West Fork can fill up early, so I recommend starting your day early and visiting the busiest locations on weekdays when possible.