Fall Colors on the Coconino

Changing leaves herald the coming of autumn to the Coconino National Forest as early as mid-September. That's when forest roads and trails begin to hum with the crowds of nature lovers who come to enjoy the display. The Coconino encompasses such a broad range of habitats that it's possible to stretch this most colorful of seasons into more than a month of celebration within its boundaries. The gold rush begins on the higher slopes of the Forest's volcanic highlands as the aspen leaves change to amber while summer is still in the air. From there the transformation gradually migrates to the crimson sumacs and fuchsia maples of the desert canyons as brisk nights confirm the full onset of autumn. The climax of this parade of color generally occurs around the second week of October, but remnants of reds, oranges and golds linger in the canyons as late as mid-November.

Early in the season, scenic drives and trails on the San Francisco Peaks provide the best displays. The Wupatki/Sunset Crater volcanoes and Ruins Scenic Loop Drive is good too. Later in the season look for color in Oak Creek Canyon, along the scenic drive there or on any of the canyon's hiking trails.

Location: On mountains, meadows and canyons all over the Coconino National Forest.

Access: Visit the Recreation pages... especially the Scenic Drives, Trails, and Wilderness sections. Best bets for drives are the Around the Peaks Loop, SnowBowl Drive, Schultz Pass Drive, Rim Road/General Crook Trail Drive and the volcanoes and Ruins Loop early in the season. (Don't forget the Snowbowl Sky Ride.) And on the Mogollon Rim take FR95 from the Blue Ridge Office to the rim. Later in the season, try Oak Creek Canyon and the Red Rock/ Sycamore Canyon Scenic Drive.

Attractions: Golden aspens, amber oaks and scarlet maples, cool temperatures, bugling elk (on the San Francisco Peaks), great photos

Notes: Forest Roads can become crowded during this time of year. Drive carefully and keep an eye out for those who don't.

Watch the weather, it can have a great impact on the time and the speed at which the fall colors change occurs.

For information about fall colors across US, visit the National Forest Service Fall Colors Page. For fall colors in Arizona and New Mexico, visit our Regional Website Fall Color Page.

Read article by Sandra Klotz on Fall Colors in the Northland with suggested viewing areas. Click Here

These photo presentations will give you an idea of what you missed in the high country last year!

• Lockett Meadow on October 6, 2007
• Dick Hart Ridge on October 6, 2007
• South of Blue Ridge Office on 10/13/2007

The upper photo at left was taken September 27, 2008 by Brian Deck in Lockett Meadow.

The lower photo at left was taken from the Weatherford Trail looking down into the inner basin on Sunday, September 21st.