If you are wondering where to go to see fall color in Arizona, head to the Flagstaff area.  The Golden Aspens, also known as Quaking Aspens, put on a spectacular show each fall, in Northern Arizona. This is the first post written by Kevin, the other half of Exploring The Prime!

Leaf Peeping: Golden Aspens in Flagstaff, Arizona

I had the good fortune to spend time among these majestic trees with bright yellow (in autumn) leaves, papery white bark, and a quaking sound as they make music in the wind. Visiting the Aspens around Flagstaff, Arizona, is something I’ve long wanted to do. Many past years, I could not get myself to Flagstaff at just the right time for peak color. The best time to see the aspens in their glory is typically the first two weeks in October.

This year, I spent October 16th and 17th, in Flagstaff. Success! Some of the trees might have been fuller a week earlier, but then I might not have enjoyed those vibrant, yellow leaves on the trees, decorating my path, and falling like snow before my eyes.

Flagstaff is a 2 ½ hour drive north of the Phoenix area. The trailheads I began from both days were 30-50 minute drives north of downtown Flagstaff. The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino National Forest, as well as Snowbowl Ski Resort, all make available, on-line and on signs in the area, up to date information where you can find fall color to be enjoyed either hiking or driving. Check out the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer website. 

Inner Basin Trail and Lockett Meadow

On day one, before checking into my hotel, I made my way to the Inner Basin Trail. From Flagstaff and the famous Route 66, most of the trip is north on US 89, but the final 3 miles are a winding dirt road that does not require four-wheel drive, but high clearance is highly recommended. The road is very dusty, well-graded with some potholes and very tight, blind curves that travel cliffside. When safe to look, there are some pretty views of Spruce and Pine Trees but no Aspens yet. The Inner Basin Trail begins near Lockett Meadow Campground within the Coconino National Forest. Parking for hiking is free (don’t park in the campground sites). Lockett Meadow itself is a beautiful, peaceful spot loaded with stands of Golden Aspens.

The Inner Basin Trail was 2 miles each way for a total of 4 miles hiking. Along the trail, the Aspen Trees towered above me, often tightly lining the well-maintained hiking trail. The Inner Basin Trail is a very popular hike during the height of leaf color, and on the weekends, vehicle traffic is monitored and entry limited.

Snowbowl and Aspen Nature Loop

Day two, I headed to Snowbowl. Snowbowl was only about 7 miles north of Flagstaff on US 180, then 7 miles up the hill along Snowbowl Road. After the first couple of miles, Snowbowl Road was often lined with pops of the bright yellow leaves of Aspen Trees. It was a beautiful drive and all paved. Anyone not looking to hike would still enjoy this drive, and there are two trailheads along the way to stop for safe photo shoots.

Once at the top of the hill, I parked in the first lot for the ski area. The trailhead for the Aspen Nature Loop is here just under the chair lifts. The Aspen Nature Loop an easy 1.6-mile hike.

It was where the Aspen leaves were the brightest yellow. The contrast of the bright yellow leaves against the brilliant blue Arizona Sky made for stunning photos.

Here, on this loop, I heard the music of the quaking leaves and witnessed the “snowfall” of bright yellow leaves.

Arizona Trail

I traveled the Arizona Trail for a couple of miles too. The Arizona Trail was lined with evergreen trees but still afforded some long views of the Aspens running up the side of the San Francisco Peaks.

Neither hike had more than 900’ elevation gain, all of these trails were well-maintained, and well-marked (also on hiking GPS apps, such as All Trails), and no special equipment or even hiking boots would be necessary. The high elevation of the areas and Arizona sunshine make for changing temperatures, and I wore a short-sleeve shirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a light down jacket at different times in my two days on the trails. As always, bring plenty of water and sun protection. Have fun!

Have you heard quaking aspens?  Where is your favorite spot to see the fall colors of changing leaves?

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