Experience Fall Colors on the Kaibab National Forest

The Kaibab National Forest has three geographically-separated ranger districts, each with its own fall color offerings every year.

Best times for viewing fall colors on the Kaibab National Forest

Fall color season in northern Arizona tends to be exceptionally short. It typically only lasts a few weeks, and that is very dependent on weather conditions. Typically, the estimated peak viewing period falls sometime in the month of October. Frequently, peak color occurs the first or second weeks of the month, but this is highly variable.

How can I view photos of the fall colors that I might be able to see on the Kaibab National Forest?

Before you travel, you can check out the kinds of fall colors you are likely to see when you visit. Select our Kaibab NF Fall Colors in Flickr to view a collection of photos from each of our three ranger districts.

North Kaibab District

The North Kaibab Ranger District by far offers the most in terms of amount and vibrancy of fall colors. The season is typically short but well worth a drive to the Kaibab Plateau. People will be blown away by the yellows, oranges and reds of the aspen trees that are offset by their beautiful white bark as well as by the evergreen trees surrounding the aspen stands.

• Current highlights: Fall colors have passed on the North Kaibab - only 49 weeks until they return!

• Viewing routes for driving: Popular routes for viewing fall colors include Forest Roads 22, 447, 425, 214, 293, 294, and 271. 

• Status: Fall colors are now past peak. See you next year!  

• Location: The North Kaibab District borders the north rim of the Grand Canyon. See North Kaibab Ranger Station location map.

• Recommended hiking routes: The Arizona Trail #101 and the Rainbow Rim Trail #10 trails will offer beautiful fall colors.

• Estimated peak viewing period: Generally around October 1 - 15 depending on weather conditions.

Tusayan District

The Tusayan Ranger District is a bit more subdued in terms of fall color but boasts its own unique take on the season. Oak trees are scattered broadly and frequently give us some amazing oranges and reds to spice up the already gorgeous scenery. The Tusayan Ranger District has the least amount of elevation change of the three districts of the Kaibab, which is why its fall colors tend to be more subdued, but a mountain bike ride through the oaks will easily scratch the fall color itch of even the most discerning leaf aficionado.

• Viewing routes for driving: Popular routes for viewing fall colors include Forest Roads 302, 310, 307, 328, 328A and 688.  While the Tusayan District doesn't have many aspen trees, there are lots of oak trees that change color. Currently, the best views are travelling on the Forest Road 302 to the 310 up to the Grandview Lookout tower and back out of the forest from Forest Road 310.

• Status: Fall colors are now past peak. See you next year!

• Location: The Tusayan District surrounds the town of Tusayan and borders the south rim of the Grand Canyon. See Tusayan Ranger Station location map.

• Recommended hiking routes: The portion of the Arizona Trail #101, on the south rim, that begins at the Grandview Lookout Tower then heading south typically offers the best views of fall colors. The Tusayan Mountain Bike Trails #126, #702, #703 has oak trees that change color.

• Estimated peak viewing period: Generally around October 10 - 20 depending on weather conditions. 

Williams District

The Williams Ranger District offers some eye-popping fall colors that are largely found in confined patches on our sky islands, which are the high elevation areas on the tops of mountains and knolls. Bill Williams Mountain and Kendrick Mountain tend to be the show-stoppers in terms of color each fall. Visits to either of these areas will not disappoint the leaf peepers among us.

• Viewing routes for driving: Popular routes for viewing fall colors include Forest Road 111 to the top of Bill Williams Mountain, County Road 73 and Forest Roads 105, 110, 140 and 354. In the Parks area, a beautiful drive to see outstanding fall colors is to take Forest Road 141 north through Spring Valley to Forest Road 144 and then turn right onto Forest Road 90 north of Kendrick Mountain Wilderness for stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks and Kendrick Mountain.
  Note: Currently, there is an area closure in specific places on Bill Williams Mountain due to a restoration project so "Know Before You Go" by reviewing alerts & closures.

• Status: Fall colors are now past peak. See you next year!

• Location: The Williams District surrounds the city of Williams and stretches both north and south of I-40. See Williams Ranger Station location map.

• Recommended hiking routes: The Sycamore Rim Trail often offer great views of changing fall colors. During peak periods each year, the Kendrick Mountain Trail #22 is often bright with fall colors, so a hike on any of the trails in the area will offer great opportunities for viewing and photographing the changing leaves like the San Francisco Peaks, Sitgreaves Mountain and more! 

• Estimated peak viewing period: Generally around October 10 - 20 depending on weather conditions.

The Science Behind the Color of the Leaf

Want more colors?

Kaibab NF Photos      Southwestern Region

U.S. Forest Service