Cave Creek Canyonfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Coronado National Forest.
Right now in Cave Creek Canyon · September
- Rustler Park Campground open · Apr–Oct
- Idlewilde Campground open · Apr–Oct
3days to the next fall foliage seasonOct 1–Nov 30, The Forest Service says the bigtooth maples of Cave Creek's South Fork color in October and November
Next 7 days
Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 27 at 8:59PM MST until September 29 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ- Rain likely · up to 98% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:32 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Coronado National Forest through the year
- Rustler Park Campground openNowApr–Oct
- Idlewilde Campground openNowApr–Oct
- Bigtooth maple colorOct–Nov
Best spots around Coronado National Forest
- Maple Camp, South Fork Trail #243Gold and scarlet maples along the creek; famous birding habitat
- Burro Trail at Horseshoe SaddleViews of Cave Creek Canyon and Silver Peak's red and amber cliffs; 4WD road in
- Cave Creek Loop drive17 miles around Silver Peak through the old mining town of Paradise
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · Coronado National Forest, Burro Trail #240 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Coronado National Forest, South Fork Trail #243 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Coronado National Forest, Cave Creek Canyon recreation guide (2022) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Coronado National Forest, Rustler Park Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Coronado National Forest in 2026?
The Forest Service says the bigtooth maples of Cave Creek's South Fork color in October and November: Oct 1–Nov 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Coronado National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (Oct 1–Nov 30, The Forest Service says the bigtooth maples of Cave Creek's South Fork color in October and November).
When do the maples turn in Cave Creek Canyon?
In October and November. The Forest Service says visitors then get the fall color of Rocky Mountain bigtooth maples at Maple Camp on the South Fork of Cave Creek, and that the October leaves are gold and scarlet, especially around Maple Camp.Sources: Coronado National Forest, Burro Trail #240 ↗ (opens in a new tab), Coronado National Forest, South Fork Trail #243 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I get there in a regular car?
To the South Fork, yes: from Portal take FR 42 about 2 miles to the South Fork turnoff, and the Forest Service says all these roads suit passenger cars. The Burro Trail's Horseshoe Canyon road (FR 314) is different: 12 miles of 4-wheel-drive road. FR 42 and 42B can close for snow, floods or fire danger.Sources: Coronado National Forest, South Fork Trail #243 ↗ (opens in a new tab), Coronado National Forest, Burro Trail #240 ↗ (opens in a new tab), Coronado National Forest, Cave Creek Canyon recreation guide (2022) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is it good for birding in fall?
Yes. The canyon sits at 5,000 feet, and the Forest Service names spring, summer and fall as the best seasons for trogons and hummingbirds. Its best birding spots are the campgrounds, South Fork Road, the first mile of the South Fork Trail and the Nature Trail. Campgrounds fill fast on spring and fall weekends.Source: Coronado National Forest, Cave Creek Canyon recreation guide (2022) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Coronado National Forest?
Maple Camp, South Fork Trail #243: gold and scarlet maples along the creek; famous birding habitat; Burro Trail at Horseshoe Saddle: views of Cave Creek Canyon and Silver Peak's red and amber cliffs; 4WD road in; Cave Creek Loop drive: 17 miles around Silver Peak through the old mining town of Paradise.
What is Coronado National Forest like through the year?
Rustler Park Campground open (Apr–Oct), Idlewilde Campground open (Apr–Oct) and Bigtooth maple color (Oct–Nov).