San Francisco Peaksfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Coconino National Forest. It usually peaks Oct 1–31.
Right now in San Francisco Peaks · September
- Pine Flat Campground open (Oak Creek Canyon) · Apr–Oct
- Bonito Campground open · May–Oct
- Inner Basin Trail season · Jun–Sep
3days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 1–31
Next 7 days
Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 27 at 6:35PM MST until September 29 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ- Frost possible · low 34°FTonight, Tuesday Night
- Rain likely · up to 99% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:14 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Coconino National Forest
Last spring frost usually in ~9 months
Sep 25Average first fall frost
Jun 11Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Ft Valley station (0.7 mi away, 7,346 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Coconino National Forest through the year
- Pine Flat Campground open (Oak Creek Canyon)NowApr–Oct
- Bonito Campground openNowMay–Oct
- Inner Basin Trail seasonNowJun–Sep
Best spots around Coconino National Forest
- Snowbowl RoadPaved, 7,342 to 9,514 ft; scenic lift rides at the top in fall
- Kachina Trail5.2 miles through aspen groves; starts at the Snowbowl parking lot
- Inner Basin Trail3.9 miles into the old caldera, gold with aspens in early fall
- Schultz Pass RoadGravel forest road with colorful aspens in fall
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Coconino National Forest fall colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Inner Basin Trail No. 29 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Snowbowl Scenic Drive (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Kachina Trail No. 150 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Schultz Pass Road Scenic Drive (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Pine Flat Campground (Oak Creek Canyon) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Bonito Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Lockett Meadow and Inner Basin Trail wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Coconino National Forest in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 1–31. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Coconino National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (usually Oct 1–31).
Where does the color start around Flagstaff?
High on the San Francisco Peaks, usually in mid-September. The color then moves down toward town, at about 7,000 feet, and the show usually ends in late October. In Oak Creek Canyon, color lasts well into November.Source: US Forest Service, Coconino National Forest fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I get to Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin?
Not from Lockett Meadow right now: its road is closed to all traffic, even on foot or by bike, for construction. The Inner Basin Trail itself stays open, so plan another route.Sources: US Forest Service, Inner Basin Trail No. 29 ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Coconino National Forest fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Coconino National Forest?
Snowbowl Road: paved, 7,342 to 9,514 ft; scenic lift rides at the top in fall; Kachina Trail: 5.2 miles through aspen groves; starts at the Snowbowl parking lot; Inner Basin Trail: 3.9 miles into the old caldera, gold with aspens in early fall; Schultz Pass Road: gravel forest road with colorful aspens in fall.
What is Coconino National Forest like through the year?
Pine Flat Campground open (Oak Creek Canyon) (Apr–Oct), Bonito Campground open (May–Oct) and Inner Basin Trail season (Jun–Sep).