Best five places to see Flagstaff’s fall colors

Flagstaff is a leaf peeper’s paradise often hailed as Arizona’s capital of autumn with warming autumn colors descending from the San Francisco Peaks to the streets of Flagstaff. Frequently, there is a vague perception of when the leaves will reach their peak, the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer is a great resource for those hoping to observe the transitioning colors. This online resource is available at www.flagstaffarizona.org/leafometer and provides an idea in real-time of what stage of color alteration to expect leaves in when traveling to varying areas of the city. 

Flagstaff offers many opportunities to explore and witness the alluring golden, brown, red and orange autumn colors. 

Best five places to see Flagstaff’s fall colors:

1. Arizona Snowbowl is well known as a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. However, every summer and autumn nature lovers can take to the skies on the Scenic Gondola. As you soar over the mountains you enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp ambers, with a spectacular view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below including a view of the Grand Canyon. 
2. The Arboretum at Flagstaff is an oasis of high-altitude native plants and as autumn draws near the trees transform into golden pieces of art. The Arboretum is the perfect place for a picnic and family get away. 
3. Historic downtown Flagstaff offers dining, shopping, and nightlife and just off historic Route 66, the Downtown area is the perfect stop on anyone’s autumn road trip.  The vibrant fall colours of green, red and yellow leaves sprinkle the tree lined streets of downtown transforming it into the autumn season. Also, enjoy the Northern Arizona University campus for cool colors and a fun football game or other university activity. 
4. Perfect for hiking, the inner basin trail on the majestic San Francisco Peaks, is a crisp cool adventure. Golden hues invade the basin during the fall as large stands of aspen trees transform and steal the show with their quaking leaves glowing like liquid sunshine. 
5. As part of the beautiful Coconino National forest, Oak Creek Canyon is a nature lover’s paradise. With a multitude of plants that change color during the autumn season, Oak Creek Canyon transforms into the perfect fall picture. Full of radiant oranges, glowing yellows and alluring reds, the Oak Creek Canyon is impeccable for hiking with the family or that romantic autumn drive. Located along Hwy 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Use the LEAF-ometer to catch Flagstaff’s fall colors with a leaf-viewing visit and experience cool temperatures, amazing scenery and outdoor adventure! discoverflagstaff.com.  

Don't miss out on all the German-style fun at Flagstaff Oktoberfest! The annual event takes place in early October in Wheeler Park.