Every fall, the aspens on the San Francisco Peaks turn gold. Color starts in late September, the high country peaks in early October, and Oak Creek Canyon keeps going into November.
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Where to see themAspen Corner, Snowbowl Road, early October · Photo: Coconino National Forest / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · Credits
The higher you go, the earlier the trees turn. The Peaks are at their best in the first half of October, and Oak Creek Canyon later in the month.
Snowbowl Road is the easiest drive, with Aspen Corner on the way up and the Aspen Nature Loop at the top. The Scenic Gondola at Snowbowl also runs in the fall season.
Snowbowl Road Scenic Drive
HowDriveGood to knowAspen Corner and the aspen stands on the way up to Arizona Snowbowl, about 14 miles from downtownAspen Nature Loop
HowEasy hikeGood to know1.8 miles, about an hour, from the lower Snowbowl lotAround the Peaks Scenic Drive Loop
HowDriveGood to knowA loop around the San Francisco PeaksSchultz Pass Scenic Drive
HowDriveGood to knowForest Road 420 between the Peaks and Mount Elden; closed in winterKendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail
HowEasy walkGood to knowOff US 180 north of townWeatherford Trail
HowLong hikeGood to know10.4 miles one way with 3,740 feet of climbingAbineau and Bear Jaw trails
HowHard loopGood to knowA loop with part of the Waterline Trail on the north side of the PeaksOak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
HowDriveGood to knowOn the way to Sedona; color lasts into NovemberHiking in Flagstaff Oktoberfest in Wheeler Park Oak Creek Canyon Snowbowl's gondola
The aspen meadow below the Inner Basin is a classic fall color spot, but its road is closed to everyone, on foot and by bike too. Snowbowl Road has the aspens without the closure.
Downtown and Milton Road hotels are about 14 miles from the top of Snowbowl Road.
Photo: ExpediaIndoor pool, downtown on footMilton Road and NAU 9.0/10 on Expedia
Parking $8 a nightPets: dogs only, up to 2, up to 50 lb eachBreakfast extra
About 14 miles from Snowbowl and the aspens on its road, with an indoor pool for the evening and downtown 17 minutes away on foot.
Hotel Monte VistaDowntown and Southside 8.0/10 on Expedia · 1,057 reviewsParking $50 a day in a nearby lot; limited spaces at the hotelNo petsBreakfast extraCheck prices
Bespoke Inn FlagstaffDowntown and Southside 9.8/10 on Expedia · 426 reviewsFree parkingPets: dogs only, up to 2Check prices
Drury Plaza Hotel FlagstaffMilton Road and NAU 9.6/10 on Expedia · 2,234 reviewsFree parkingPets: dogs and cats, up to 2, up to 40 lb eachBreakfast includedCheck pricesFall color usually starts in late September and peaks through October. The higher elevations around Flagstaff turn first and are often at their best in early October.
The aspens along Snowbowl Road, including Aspen Corner, the Aspen Nature Loop at Snowbowl, the Around the Peaks loop and Schultz Pass. Oak Creek Canyon keeps its color into November.
No. Lockett Meadow Road is closed to all traffic, including hikers and bikes.
The Scenic Gondola runs in summer and fall. Its 2026 season has ended, and it reopens after the snow melts.
Mostly the aspens on the San Francisco Peaks, which turn gold. Maples color the Mogollon Rim, and Oak Creek Canyon's trees turn later.
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