Flagstaff in the Fall: Mind-Blowing Views
Flagstaff in the fall is a magical place to be. I have lived in Arizona for over a decade, and have experienced fall colors in Flagstaff for many of those. I want as many people as possible to experience this area of the state while it is at its peak, so I put together this detailed post, for you! Let’s get started.
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Weather in Flagstaff in Fall
Flagstaff, Arizona is SOOO MUCH cooler (in temperature, haha) than Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix gets up to 115 degrees. Even in fall, it can still be in the 90s. The temperature in Flagstaff in Fall is on average 20-30 degrees cooler- WOW. When you’re exploring during the day in Fall, it can feel hot and sometimes I’ll be in a t-shirt. But, mornings and evenings are COLD, so you need clothing for all ranges of temperature.
The Big Question: When Do Fall Colors Peak?
That is a great question. We generally predict fall colors by each week in October (Week 1-4). Flagstaff is typically the first area in the state to peak due to high elevation- within the first two weeks. Typically, October 15 and on is past peak. That doesn’t mean that if you visit on the 16th there will be nothing, but a lot of leaves may be on the ground by then. Generally, within the first 3 weeks of October you should be able to see SOME color, it just varies in how much. Flagstaff has a leaf-o-meter that is updated every few days with recent fall color photos and locations, which is very helpful.
Where to See Fall Colors in Flagstaff
1. Lockett Meadow
Dare I say that Lockett Meadow is the best place to see fall colors in Flagstaff, Arizona. It is a stunning region, and trail, through an Aspen Forest at the base of Humphrey’s Peak If you don’t already know, Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest point in all of Arizona. You climb up through switchbacks which will take your breath away (literally and metaphorically), and then you walk down this stunning forest road with towering aspens glowing of yellow, leaves falling down constantly, and the ground covered in yellow. Yellow all around. It’s the most stunning area.
HIKE STATS
Please note. There was a fire in the area (The Pipeline Fire of Summer 2022), that resulted in the closure of the 3 mile forest road that takes you to the trailhead. It’s a big bummer. The trail is still open, but the road up to it isn’t. The only way you can hike it right now is to add the 3 miles to your hike (6 miles total, 800 ft elevation gain). So in total, it would be about 9.5 miles and 1,600 ft gain. It’s so pretty, that won’t stop me.
2. Humphrey’s Peak
We mentioned Humphrey’s Peak when talking about Lockett Meadow, so I thought we’d talk about that next. As I mentioned, it is the highest point in Arizona and the hardest hike in Flagstaff. I hiked it in October 2023 and loved it as a fall hike. You can continue past Lockett Meadow to the top, but the main trail is on the other side of the mountain near Arizona Snowbowl, the ski resort. This is a hard, 8-hour hike, so keep that in mind. Don’t try to take dogs to the top. You could choose to just do the first few miles where fall colors are popping, and turn around. From the summit, you get to see a 360 of fall color which is beautiful. Flagstaff in the fall is stunning.
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3. Aspen Loop/ Aspen Corner
Aspen Nature Loop and Aspen Corner are other amazing spots to see fall in Flagstaff. Aspen Nature Loop is a short trail that starts from Arizona Snowbowl, and Aspen Corner is right off of Snowbowl Road. They are very close to each other. I’ll include a photo reference of both below as well as a Google Map of all of these spots at the bottom of this post. If you want to do a short hike, I suggest Aspen Nature Loop. It’s 1.8 mi and easy, with views of the mountains. There is also a cool nature swing around the trail, too. If you want to just relax or take photos, do Aspen Loop. We parked here and just set up our hammock to relax and take photos, and it was stunning.
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4. Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop
This is another stunner on the North side of the Humphrey’s Peak area. From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. 180 to mile marker 235 and turn right on Forest Road 151 (Hart Prairie Road’s north access). Go 1.6 miles on FR 151 and connect to FR 418. Drive 3.1 miles on FR418 to FR 9123J (sign will be there for Abineau-Bear Jaw), turn right and go 0.6 mile to the trailhead. Dirt/cinder roads are present, but most cars are OK.
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Google Map of All Locations
Best Camping Near Flagstaff
Flagstaff KOA (Tent, RV, Cabins, Full Amenities)
Woody Mountain Campground (RV, Tent, B&B, Shop, Coffee and Wine Lounge)
Village Camp Flagstaff (RVs, tiny cabins, full resort amenities)
Fort Tuthill County Campground (101 sites, RV and tent, limited amenities, in the forest, 10 minutes from town)
Wing Mountain Dispersed Camping (Near Mt. Humphrey’s, Dispersed)
Lockett Meadow Campground (Developed Campground, Stunning Views, Requires a steep dirt road drive, beautiful views with hikes nearby)
“Edge of the World” Campground (Dispersed, on top of a canyon overlooking Sedona, pictured in photos above)
Even Better- I’ve Created a Guide for YOU!
I’ve created a guide with photos, details, and specific locations including coordinates for numerous campsites within Flagstaff, Sedona, Payson, The Grand Canyon, and other areas of Northern Arizona. I promise you, it’s worth the few dollars!
5. Kachina Trail
As shown in the photo below, The Kachina Trail also starts by Snowbowl Resort, and wraps around the mountain towards the south, with elevation going up and down most of the time. Personally, I wouldn’t feel the need to go the whole way because it doesn’t have a “special” ending on a summit, but the hike would be beautiful and popping with fall colors too!
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6. Buffalo Park
This photo was taken in summer, but Buffalo Park is another awesome place to experience Flagstaff in the Fall. Buffalo Park is an awesome, large public park in Flagstaff. Whether the flowers are present or the trees are changing colors, it’s stunning. Buffalo Park has a wonderful wide, well-maintained dirt path that’s great for walking, trail running (cross country stars train here), or biking.
High Country Motor Lodge & Nordic Spa
High Country Motor Lodge is a beautiful hotel in Flagstaff. It is the first Nordic Spa in Arizona. I stayed here in July of 2024 and LOVED IT. A “Nordic Spa” is one that focuses alternating between cold and heat exposure- cold plunge and sauna, typically. There are many potential health benefits of doing this, like decreased inflammation, lower blood pressure, improved skin health, and many more! Highly recommend trying it out and staying! Can you think of anything better than leaf peeping, and then hopping in the sauna?
Americana Motor Hotel
The Americana Motor Hotel is really fun. It’s a beautifully renovated motel to match the old retro theme. Flagstaff has a lot of retro vibes, as it was a Route 66 town. This is a great hotel option for 2 people. It is dog-friendly, too!
Putting it Together: Flagstaff Itinerary
Flagstaff in the fall is a great place to be, for hiking, biking, camping, sight seeing, relaxing, eating, and shopping. What more could you ask for? If you want to save this information for another time, I created FREE downloadable itineraries for you to reference in the future!
I hope you enjoy leaf peeping in Flagstaff this fall!!!
