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Fall Colors in National Forests - Southwestern Region
Stunning is Coming!
Visit national forests in the Southwestern Region for magnificent views as the leaves change color this fall. Experience changing fall foliage from different elevations and get a new perspective on the splendor of the season. If you can't visit in person, visit the forests' social media for fall color images and descriptions.
Visitors hike the Inner Basin Trail on the Coconino National Forest. USDA Forest Service photo by Brienne Pettit.
When do leaves start to change color in national forests? Fall colors begin mid to late September in the higher elevations of Arizona and New Mexico. When do fall colors peak in national forests? In the Southwestern Region, fall colors will sweep down, reaching peak viewing time in mid October. As the fall color tour continues, leaves will change in the lower elevations, peaking mid to late October, with fall colors continuing into early November. Each forest has something unique to offer! Start your fall color adventure by selecting a forest from the list.
Peak Mid to Late September
Where to find peak fall colors in national forests from m to late
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Coconino National Forest
Many higher elevations near Flagstaff reach their fall color peak in early October, but the views are beautiful throughout the autumn. Some of the best places to view fall colors are the maples on the Mogollon Rim District and the deciduous trees in Oak Creek Canyon and the Sedona area.
Peak Late October to early November
Where to find peak fall colors in national forests from to early .
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Prescott National Forest
Leaves 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.
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Tonto National Forest
Leaves change color earlier in the higher elevations of the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts (RDs). Peak is Mid-October to mid-November along riparian areas (Tonto Creek and East Verde River). Colors change late October to mid-November in the Globe and Cave Creek RDs. Pinal Peak on the Globe RD and Seven Springs on Cave Creek RD are greats areas to view fall colors.
