Natural History Wanderings

Arizona and New Mexico National Forests have published a new fall foliage report today.

 Arizona 

Coconino National Forest
There are currently no colors to report on the Coconino National Forest. Peak viewing in the higher elevations near Flagstaff is expected during the first couple weeks of October.

Kaibab National Forest

• North Kaibab Ranger District –The peak viewing season on the North Kaibab is expected to be during the first two weeks in October. We predict this timeframe because of the early change in color that has already begun. Currently, the North Kaibab is reporting substantial change in the aspen leaves. On the Kaibab, this is the area with the greatest amount of color change. To view the changing leaves on the aspen trees of the North Kaibab, take highway 89A to SR-67 South. Proceed on SR-67 South to FSR 212 West. Follow FSR 212 West to FSR 462 South. Colors will be visible on FSR 212, with the majority being on FSR 462. Upon arrival at FSR 429, turn east and follow this out to SR-67. Take SR 67 South until the FSR 213. The majority of color change has occurred between FSR 429, down to FSR 213 off of SR-67.The colors are located in the central, higher-elevation portion of the plateau, above 8,000 feet elevation. To depart, return North on SR-67 to highway 89A.
• Williams Ranger District – The South Kaibab is just beginning to show signs of color change. Currently we predict the peak viewing season to be the last two weeks in October. To see the leaves that have changed on the South Kaibab, take the Bill Williams Trailhead, which is in the very early stages of color change. We have noticed few leaves changing color to date, but it is expected soon. To access the trailhead, go west from downtown Williams on Railroad Avenue about one mile; turn left at the sign marking “Williams District Ranger Station” at the top of the hill, and proceed along the frontage road to the Clover Road. Turn left to the Williams Ranger District office.  Follow the signs to the trailhead.
• Tusayan Ranger District – No reports of color change to date.

Contacts for more information: Williams RD: (928) 635-5600.  Tusayan RD: (928) 638-2443.  North Kaibab RD: (928) 643-7395.

There has been no color change reported for the following forests: Apache-Sitgreaves, Coronado, Prescott and Tonto National Forests.

New Mexico  

Carson National Forest
The colors are just starting to change in the higher elevations.

 Cibola National Forest

• The Mountainair Ranger District is reporting some color in the higher elevations around the 4th of July Campground. There is no current estimate as to when peak viewing will be and there is a chance that the leaves might drop before much color happens.

• On the Magdalena Ranger District there is no color to report at this time. Peak viewing is expected near the end of October.

• On the Mt. Taylor Ranger district the Aspens are turning in the higher elevations of the Zuni Mountains west of Grants.

Santa Fe National Forest
The leaves are also starting to change in the higher elevations.

There has been no color change reported for the following forests: Gila and Lincoln National Forests.

This report will be updated weekly until fall colors are done for the season.

via Region 3 – Recreation.