Arizonafall foliage
When does fall color peak in Arizona?
Fall color usually peaks from early October to late October across the 2 Arizona places we track. Escudilla Mountain usually Oct 1–7, per US Forest Service and San Francisco Peaks usually Oct 1–31, per US Forest Service. The next season starts in 3 days.
Updated Sep 28. Sources: US Forest Service, Escudilla National Recreation Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Coconino National Forest fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Places in Arizona
- Escudilla Mountain
Usually Oct 1–7 · starts in 3 days
- San Francisco Peaks
Usually Oct 1–31 · starts in 3 days
- Usual window (from each place's own source)
Places by state
Arizona
- Cave Creek CanyonStarts in 3 days
Local timing: Oct 1–Nov 30
- Escudilla MountainStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–7
- San Francisco PeaksStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–31
Official reports
- Sep 27Park ServiceAspen color around the first week in OctoberSource (opens US Forest Service, Escudilla National Recreation Trail in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceWildflowers in May and August along the Escudilla TrailSource (opens US Forest Service, Toolbox Draw wildflowers in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceBest July and August; some wildflowers late May to early OctoberSource (opens US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rim Lakes Recreation Area (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests) in a new tab)
Show all 15
- Sep 27Park ServiceColor often starts in late September and peaks through October; Flagstaff's high country is at its prime in early OctoberSource (opens US Forest Service, Coconino National Forest fall colors in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceAspens turn the old caldera's slopes gold in early fall; Lockett Meadow Road closed for constructionSource (opens US Forest Service, Inner Basin Trail No. 29 in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceSnowbowl Road climbs from 7,342 to 9,514 ft; scenic lift rides in the fallSource (opens US Forest Service, Snowbowl Scenic Drive in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceOne of Flagstaff's most popular trails, through aspen grovesSource (opens US Forest Service, Kachina Trail No. 150 in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceA gravel forest road with colorful aspens in the fallSource (opens US Forest Service, Schultz Pass Road Scenic Drive in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceOpen mid-April to late OctoberSource (opens US Forest Service, Pine Flat Campground (Oak Creek Canyon) in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceOpen early May to mid-OctoberSource (opens US Forest Service, Bonito Campground in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceInner Basin Trail: recommended season June through mid-SeptemberSource (opens US Forest Service, Lockett Meadow and Inner Basin Trail wildflowers in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceBigtooth maple color in October or November at Maple Camp on the South Fork of Cave CreekSource (opens Coronado National Forest, Burro Trail #240 in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceBirding trail; Rocky Mountain maples gold and scarlet in October near Maple CampSource (opens Coronado National Forest, South Fork Trail #243 in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceCanyon at 5,000 feet; campgrounds, Cave Creek Loop drive, best birding spotsSource (opens Coronado National Forest, Cave Creek Canyon recreation guide (2022) in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceHigh Chiricahua meadow campground open about April 1 to October 31Source (opens Coronado National Forest, Rustler Park Campground in a new tab)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Arizona in 2026?
It depends on the place. In a typical year: Escudilla Mountain, Oct 1–7 and San Francisco Peaks, Oct 1–31. Each place page has its own dates.
Where can I see fall foliage in Arizona?
We track 3 places: Escudilla Mountain (usually Oct 1–7), San Francisco Peaks (usually Oct 1–31) and Cave Creek Canyon.
How long does the fall foliage season last in Arizona?
Across the places we track, from about Oct 1 (Escudilla Mountain) to Oct 31 (San Francisco Peaks). Each place's own window is shorter.
Why does color come earlier in some places?
Higher ground turns first. In the Great Smoky Mountains, color can start as early as mid-September at the highest elevations, develops above 4,000 feet from early to mid-October, and reaches the lower and middle slopes between mid-October and early November.Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains fall color ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do you track fall foliage?
Each place moves through 6 stages: Still green, First color, Moderate, High color, Peak and Past peak. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.