5 Best Places to Catch Fall Foliage: You Don’t Even Need to Leave Arizona

Since Autumn comes late to Arizona, this is the perfect time to start planning your fall adventures.

We're all over the summer heat. If you're ready for cooler weather, and the spectacular sights of fall, get ready. Even in Arizona, we can watch the leaves fall and the colors change. And no, you don't have to book a flight to Vermont to do it!

The Best Places in Arizona to See the Leaves Change

Here are five of the best places to celebrate fall in Arizona and see the leaves change:

1. Flagstaff: Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail

Flagstaff is at a higher elevation than most of Arizona. This makes it one of the best places to experience all four seasons. The Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail is an easy, short trail.

The climate and scenery make it one of the most iconic fall destinations in Arizona. Changing leaves and cooler temperatures will make you feel like you're in a whole different part of the country.

Find the Aspen Nature Lollipop Train on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, not far from the Snowbowl.

2. Willcox: Apple Annie's Orchard

The leaves on the fruit trees will begin to change, giving you that fall foliage experience.

But that's just the beginning. Grab the full fall experience with a trip to Apple Annie's Orchard, in Willcox. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick fruit right from the trees, get lost in the corn maze, and then enjoy a lunch in the cool air.

Don't forget to grab some fresh cider and a homemade pie on your way home.

3. Clarkdale: Verde Canyon Railroad

Imagine seeing the beautiful fall colors from the comfort of the historic Verde Canyon Railroad. Each fall, they roll out their very popular Fall Colors Tour. 

You'll see the beautiful changing foliage set against the canyon's red rocks. The Verde Canyon Railroad even hosts a Halloween tour. The Haunted Halloween Express holds a costume contest. Fun for all ages. Book your adventure on their website.

4. Superior: Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Transport yourself out of the Arizona desert, by visiting Boyce Thompson Arboretum. You'll have a hard time believing you're still in our start.

The Arboretum has such intense autumn foliage, that you'll be tempted to check Google Maps just to verify you're still in our state.

5. Sedona: West Fork Trail

If you want to experience the most striking fall colors west of the Mississippi, plan to visit West Fork Trail 11 miles north of Sedona.

Begin at the Call of the Canyon trailhead. The 7-mile adventure will take you on a journey past some of the most breathtaking colors in the entire state.