Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Fall Colors in the Southwestern Region
Amazing!
Do not miss this brilliant colorful show whether experiencing it in person or reviewing images or descriptions online. Each forest has something unique to offer! Start your journey by selecting a forest from the list.
Visitors hike the Inner Basin Trail on the Coconino National Forest. USDA Forest Service photo by Brienne Pettit.
Fall colors typically begin mid to late September in the higher elevations of the national forests of Arizona and New Mexico. Peak viewing is early to mid October. The lower elevations usually peak in mid to late October and can continue into early November.
Peak Viewing - Mid to Late September
-
Coconino National Forest
Many trees in the higher elevations near Flagstaff reach their prime in early October, but the views are beautiful throughout the season. The maples on the Mogollon Rim District are worth the visit, and the deciduous trees in Oak Creek Canyon and the Sedona area are spectacular.
Late October to early November
-
Prescott National Forest
As a general rule, trees and bushes at the highest elevations start changing from mid- to late September with leaves falling around mid- to late October.
Trees at lower elevations begin changing a couple weeks to a month later, and you can still find signs of autumn into mid-December in the Verde Valley and other low elevation parts of the forest. Follow the Prescott National Forest Fall Colors on social media.
-
Tonto National Forest
The annual fall color change occurs earlier in the higher elevations of the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger districts. Peak color change is generally from mid-October to mid-November and is mostly concentrated along riparian areas such as Tonto Creek and the East Verde River. The leaves change a bit later on the Globe and Cave Creek districts, generally from late October to mid-November. Pinal Peak on the Globe Ranger District and the Seven Springs area on Cave Creek Ranger District are also popular destinations for fall color viewing.