Looking to Finalize Your Grand Canyon Itinerary?

News Release
October 5, 2026

Flagstaff, Ariz. — Fall is one of the most spectacular times to explore Northern Arizona, and travelers can experience two distinctly different landscapes from one convenient base: the iconic Grand Canyon and Flagstaff's brilliant autumn colors.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Wake up in downtown Flagstaff. Lace up your hiking boots, fill your hydration pack, and head to one of many local breakfast spots, with options ranging from a fresh-baked bagel with schmear to green chilaquiles. Check the Leaf-O-Meter (Flagstaff Leaf-o-Meter | Flagstaff Fall Colors) to find where peak color is popping. Load up the car and go!

8:30 – 9:30 AM: Drive out of town on Highway 180 toward the Grand Canyon. Take in majestic views of the San Francisco Peaks, Mount Elden, and Kendrick Peak in their golden autumn glory. Stop at one of the recommended sites on the route suggested by the Leaf-o-Meter.

9:30 – 10:30 AM: Follow the yellow brick road! You’ll find trails completely covered with bright yellow leaves, zigzagging through aspen groves as leaves flutter down from the aspens onto the ferns below. Take a selfie, hug a tree, lie down in the ferns, and watch the aspens sway in the wind.

10:30 – 11:30 AM: Finish your drive to the Grand Canyon. Red Mountain, Slate Mountain, and Red Butte punctuate the landscapes on the way to the park’s entrance.

11:45 – 1:30 PM: Take the short, level hike to the end of Shoshone Point. Picnic on the tip of the point, where you will be surrounded by nearly 360-degree views of the canyon below. Bask in the grandeur of your first views of the canyon.

1:30 – 2:00 PM: Make the short drive along the rim to the Bright Angel Trail. The canyon plays peek-a-boo along the way with a few viewpoints that offer windows into the canyon and out toward Plateau Point.

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Depending on your fitness, hike the Bright Angel Trail down below the rim as far as comfort allows. Remember to hydrate, because you will sweat. As you descend, remember that every step down is one you will have to repay on the return.

4:00 – 5:30 PM: Get back in your car and drive back to Flagstaff. As the sun gets lower, the aspens on the west-facing flanks of the San Francisco Peaks will be ablaze with sunset light.

5:30 – 6:00 PM: Return to your hotel. Refresh and renew.

6:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk to one of downtown Flagstaff’s many amazing eateries. Put on your puffy, as temperatures drop after sunset. Offerings range from casual budget-friendly options to fine dining. For the hearty, there are plenty of outdoor dining options under patio heaters.

7:30 – 9:30 PM: Grab a craft cocktail or local brew at a downtown bar. Chat up the bartender about your day’s adventures. Eat dessert with your nightcap; you earned it.

9:30 – 10:00 PM: Walk back to your hotel through Flagstaff’s vibrant downtown. Return to your hotel room. Put your feet up and plan your next trip.

Please stay and play responsibly. Visit the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66) for an official Flagstaff Visitor Guide.

Learn more at discoverflagstaff.com.