Discover When Leaves Change Color in Arizona (Plus 5 Towns with Beautiful Foliage)

It’s that time of year! It’s time to lace up your hiking boots, gas up your car, and head to the prime leaf-changing locations near you. Now, if you are new to the state or just haven’t made it out during the fall, you may be a little surprised that Arizona fall foliage viewing is available. We are here to tell you that it most certainly is available. And we know just where to look. Keep reading to discover when leaves change in Arizona and the top five towns with stunning fall colors. 

When Do Leaves Change in Arizona?

As with most states, the timing of fall leaf change varies depending on the elevation and region. In central Arizona, the leaves don’t start changing color until late October or early November. But it starts as soon as mid-September in the mountains. High-desert locations start their leaf switch in roughly early December, or in the case of the Sonoran Desert, mid-December.

What Leaves Change Color in Arizona?

Arizona has a surprising number of trees that will showcase their gorgeous colors every single fall. The trees that change include: 

• Cottonwood (Populous fremontii)
• Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
• Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulate)
• Willow (Salix gooddingii)
• Sycamore (Plantanus wrightii)
• Velvet Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
• Arizona Alder (Alnus oblongifolia)
• Emory Oak (Quercus emoryi)
• Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii)
• Box Elder (Acer negundo)
• White Oak (Quercus arizonica)
• Hackberry (Celtis reticulata)
• Sumac (Rhus trilobata and R. ovata).

Not all of these grow in the same region. So, you will want to find out where your favorites grow. That way, you can take the appropriate journey.

5 Places With Beautiful Arizona Fall Foliage

Now, without further adieu, here are the top five places with beautiful foliage. While you can’t go wrong with any of them, be aware that they may take you on a short journey outside of town. 

1. Sierra Vista

For those located further south, stop by locations near Sierra Vista for a real treat! The Huachuca Mountains are a close drive. You can find sycamore and maple along your journey. There are ample hiking trails if you want to experience fall up close. But if you aren’t sure where to start, consider signing up for one of their guided hikes. Since these are available through prime leaf-peeping season, you should get a great view!

2. Tucson

Find stunning colors on maples, oaks, and aspens on your way to the Catalina Mountains, which are situated just outside of Tucson. But you don’t have to drive the entire way if you aren’t keen on that. The area has countless fantastic hiking trails to get you an up-close and personal view of the changing leaves. You can view Arizona fall foliage here between September and late October, depending on where on the mountain you visit. 

3. Flagstaff

The city of Flagstaff is in northern Arizona and is a spectacular place to enjoy the fall foliage. There are several hiking trails located just a short drive outside of town. Consider visiting Lockett Meadow or the Aspen Loop Trail for a chance to get your fill of beautiful leaves. As the name suggests, Aspen Loop Trail takes you on a journey through an aspen grove. Another spot to hit up is Walnut Canyon National Monument, which offers a chance to enjoy cottonwood trees, aspen, and Arizona walnut while also soaking up some history. 

4. Sedona

A few short drives outside of town will take you on some incredible leaf-peeping journeys. Visit Red Rock State Park to view stunning fall foliage while relaxing next to the creek. Or take a relaxing hike on the Boynton Canyon Trail to enjoy panoramic views of colorful leaves and magnificent scenery. 

5. Payson

You can even experience amazing fall colors without driving too far out of the city! Payson is roughly one and a half hours outside Phoenix, so it is ideal for seasonal leaf-peeping. The main tree you’ll see on your journey around Payson is aspen. They’re particularly prominent along the drive to the Mogollon Rim. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/mdesigner125