Where to See the Subtle Signs of Autumn in Arizona

The First Signs of Fall are Touching Arizona

Arizona is dramatic when it comes to a lot of things. Arachnids, heat, haboobs. Just some of the ways Arizona is a little extra.

Fall in front of Town Square Media Studios in Sierra Vista. // Val Davidson/TSM

But when it comes to the changing seasons, Arizona tip-toes in so quietly, if you're not paying attention, you'll miss the soft whispers. Here are some of the ways fall gently creeps into our state:

The monsoons step back
The air changes
The wind returns
The leaves begin to change. Really.

Arizona's Forests are...Different

Arizona isn't known for its vast forests. Arizona's six national forests only cover around 27% of the state. Most of the forested areas are found in higher elevations, like the Tonto National Forest, located from the Sonoran Desert to the Mogollon Rim.

Tonto National Forest // Canva

While the Joshua Tree Forest off Highway 95 near the Nevada border doesn't quite compare to the giant maples in Vermont, it's still possible to find places that display what we consider classic signs of fall.

Joshua Tree National Forest, Arizona // Canva

Locations to See Leaves Change in Arizona

Seek Out Higher Elevations and Canyons
Watch the Mountains Change Color
Flagstaff and Northern Arizona

Believe it or not, both of these photos were taken in Arizona. Left: Taken on Fort Huachuca. Right: Taken in Sierra Vista. // Val Davidson/TSM

Times of Change

Summer in Arizona is long. As for fall: blink and you could miss it. You have to pay careful attention every day if you want to catch fall ~~in all it's glory~~ at all in Arizona!

The subtle signs of fall beginning to touch the top of the Huachuca Mountains. It's subtle, but it's beginning. // Val Davidson / TSM

Why We Love Fall in Arizona

Enjoy the softer, cooler days Arizona Autumns bring to our lives.

The leaves changing on the tree in front of Townsquare Media in Sierra Vista. // Val Davidson / TSM

Plant a fall garden or visit your favorite pumpkin patch. Attend a Harvest Festival, winery, or art festival. When the weather cools down, Arizona comes to life.

After the brutal summer heat, we've earned the gentleness of fall in Arizona.

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