Scenic Drives to See Fall Foliage Around Flagstaff
Take some scenic drives to witness the golden splendor of autumn in Flagstaff, the San Francisco peaks, and surrounding areas.
Learn MoreFall Events
Golden leaves shine the spotlight on breathtaking views.
FALL IN FLAGSTAFF
To experience the fall colors at their finest, hit the hiking trails and climb to 8,000 feet in elevation; where large stands of aspen trees steal the show with their quaking leaves glowing like liquid sunshine.
To find out when the leaves will be changing, check the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer to see color ranges for different regions throughout Flagstaff. A scenic drive is a great way to see the fall colors, and so is a glorious autumn hike.
FALL EVENTS & FESTIVITIES
First Friday Artwalk
Every first Friday of the month, 5-9 PM
Heritage Square & Downtown Flagstaff
ArtWalk FLG brings Downtown Flagstaff to life every first Friday of the month. Art galleries and businesses open their doors to the community with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats, and more.
Art in the Park Festival
September 2-4, 2023
Wheeler Park
Flagstaff Art in the Park is an arts and crafts festival that features tightly juried one-of-a-kind fine art and fine crafts designed and shown by the artists. These shows take place over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends in Wheeler Park in Downtown Flagstaff; a beautiful tree-shaded, grassy venue across the street from City Hall and on the main thoroughfare to the Grand Canyon. These shows feature nonstop live music throughout the three days of each event. So come and join us once again for another amazing season of art and music in the heart of Northern Arizona's cool pines!
Flagstaff Festival of Science: Pyramids to the Peaks
September 22-October 1, 2023
The Flagstaff Festival of Science is pleased to present “The Mammoth World of Science” September 22- October 1, 2023! The Festival features 10-days of engaging events and programs, all free, for the community to enjoy and celebrate the wonders of science! This year’s theme has been designed to showcase the fascinating research and scientific discovery of Beth Shapiro, PhD.
Flagstaff Star Party and Celebration of the Night
September 21-23, 2023
This celebration offers discussions, telescope observing, night sky orientations, workshops (fee required), fascinating presentations about the stars and night skies and much more all in the First International Dark-Sky City. Event locations vary.
Flagstaff Oktoberfest
October 7, 2023
11 am-8 pm
Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ, with the annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest. Kick off the autumn season with bratwurst, pretzels and Plenty of Beer! Guests will enjoy many crowd favorites including polka music, brat eating contest, stein holding competition and much more. Lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen and grab a stein because Flagstaff is celebrating 13 years of the Flagstaff Oktoberfest!
Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride
(928) 779-1951
Arizona Snowbowl is well known as a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. However, every summer and autumn nature lovers can take to the skies on the Scenic Gondola. As you soar over the mountains, you will enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp amber, with a bird’s eye view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below. Located north of Flagstaff off Highway 180 on Snowbowl Road.
Flagstaff Community Market
Sundays through October 29, 2023
Sundays 8 am-12 pm
(928) 853-2382
The freshest in regional fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods, fresh flowers, tamales, jams, breads and more at City Hall on Sunday mornings and across from the Orpheum on Wednesdays.
Pumpkin Walk
October 28, 2023
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
8 am- 5pm
Old-fashioned carnival games, spooky stories & face-painting, 100's of lit Jack-o-Lanterns, and more details coming soon!
Marvelous Fall Hikes
Take in the fall scenery on foot might by hiking some of Flagstaff’s most popular trails. There are many trails, ranging in difficulty, which will provide stunning views of the changing landscape.
Wilson Meadow
Located in Hart Prairie, Wilson Meadow is brimming with meadows and aspen groves in an open landscape. The lavish amount of nature, including fields of wildflowers and grasslands, ensures incredible sights of the foliage. This trail comes in at two miles round-trip, making it a wonderful option for those with minimal hiking experience and for those with children.
Aspen Nature Loop
Another salient trail, the Aspen Nature Loop offers views of the San Francisco Peaks and Kendrick Mountain. Located near the base of Arizona Snowbowl, this scenic loop is sure to expose some of the most impeccable fall colors. At a length of 1.8 miles, this hike is rated as relatively easy. Those looking for an effortless way to witness the scenery should consider Aspen Nature Loop.
Bismarck Lake
Situated in an alpine meadow, Bismarck Lake is the perfect location to observe both the altering autumn setting and the wildlife that is attracted by the lake. This remarkable “lake” exhibits pond-like features, acquiring shallow waters enclosed by marshes. As a resource for wildlife in the surrounding forests, visitors should expect to see some wildlife activity. This is a difficult 17 mile trail and primarily used for nature trips, birding and mountain biking.
Check out the Trail Passport for more hikes!
Fall Fun
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