The leaves are just starting to change from green to yellow-gold in Sedona. Here are a few snapshots from October 17, 2010 in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff. Specifically, these were taken at Slide Rock State Park.

photo credit: Doug Paul

Another timely and universal question from a visitor came in to our Flagstaff hotels and visitors guide, Flagstaff.com. I know lots of people want to know exactly when to come to Flagstaff to see fiery gold, red and orange fall foliage.  Today, Jared specifically wanted to know when to visit, where to stay and where to go to see the best of Flagstaff’s fall leaves.

Dear Arizona Travel:

My wife and I are planing a trip to Flagstaff and want to go when the changing of the colors is best, when would that be this year? If we were to stay a night where would a good place be to stay that we can take a walk or something in a good forest area to look at the colors?

–Jared W.

My answer, with some really helpful links, after the bump…

Dear Jared:

In general, mid-September to mid-October is optimal for leaves changing in Flagstaff… particularly with the aspen.  However, things have not quite started to change yet, so I would plan your visit for end of September, first week of October. Keep an eye on this fall foliage map from weather.com… it’s a great resource for planning a trip for this very short season!

A hotel with forested walking areas?  Bingo – Little America Flagstaff is exactly what you’re looking for.  The 500-acre property has a 2-mile walking trail that winds through a ponderosa pine forest.

Flagstaff has a terrific Urban Trails System; check out the city’s FUTS webpage for trail maps, descriptions and more.  I recommend the Aspen Loop trail for walking and light hiking. Start at the lower parking lot of the Humphrey’s trailhead. This 4-mile stretch (round trip up to 8 miles long,) is a recently completed section of the mother 300-mile Arizona Trail. The trail is fairly level, decending only about 300 feet, and traverses the mountain with great views of Kendrick and Humphrey’s mountains. It winds through ponderosa and fir, then enters a beautiful aspen grove. With luck, you’ll see some tremendous fall colors.

For a more moderately strenuous hike, consider the Kendrick Trail.  We just did a great blog post on this trail that will give you all the details.

If you come a little further into October, definitely do a scenic drive from Flagstaff to Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon (Hwy 89). It is a spectacular drive and absolutely gorgeous in the fall.

–ChristinaToo