Natural History Wanderings

   Arizona and New Mexico National Forests  fall foliage updates September 26,2013

 Arizona

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

• The Aspens are changing in the high elevations near the Sunrise ski area west of Springerville, onEscudilla Mountain south of Springerville, and on the Mogollon Rim north of Overgaard. Peak viewing should be the first 2 weeks of October.

Coconino National Forest

• Color change in the high country is around 5-10% with golden aspen beginning to peek through green leaves around the San Francisco Peaks, and maples beginning to change along the Mogollon Rim. We anticipate peak colors during the first couple weeks in October.
• Suggested Drives in the Flagstaff area:
  • Hart Prairie (Accessed via Hwy 180 and Forest Service Road 151 and/or FSR 418, which also loops around the north end of the Peaks for a pretty view)
  • Lockett Meadow (Hwy 89 north  approx. 12 miles north of Flagstaff to FSR 418/420 junction, then FSR 552) FSR 420 aka “Schultz Pass Road” (Hwy 180 approx. 3 miles north of Downtown Flagstaff or Hwy 89 approx. 12 miles north of Flagstaff. High clearance vehicles only north of Elden Springs Road)
• Suggested Drives on the Mogollon Rim District (north of Pine and Strawberry):
  • FSR 321 aka “Dane Ridge” (Hwy 87 to FSR 95 next to the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, right on FSR 96, right on FSR 321)
  • FSR 300 aka “Rim Road” or “General Crook Trail” (Hwy 87 or Hwy 260 to FSR 300, 2.5 miles east of Hwy 260, 10 miles north of Strawberry)
• Suggested Hikes on the Flagstaff District:
  • Any trail on the San Francisco Peaks including Aspen Loop Trail
  • Humphrey’s Trail
  • Waterline Trail
• Suggested Hikes on the Mogollon Rim District:
  • Cabin Loop Trail

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: Coronado, Prescott and Tonto National Forests.

New Mexico  

Carson National Forest

• The colors are starting to change in the higher elevations and should be at their peak by the first weekend of October.
• The Aspens are changing to a vibrant gold. Gambel Oak is also turning to its rusty red color.
• The best viewing will be the Enchanted Circle. In Taos, turn east on NM 585, also called Paseo del Cañon. That road will dead end at US 64, turn right. US 64 will take you to Angel Fire and Eagle Nest. In Eagle Nest turn north on NM 38 into Red River. NM 38 will take you through Red River and into Questa. In Questa turn south (left) on NM 522. The highway will take you back to Taos.
• Several cold snaps have sent temperatures plummeting into the mid to upper 20s overnight, resulting in several hard frosts. Some of the Aspens have lost their leaves at the top of the trees, but to color is still spectacular. Some high mountain elevations, above 10,000 feet , have snow on the peaks.

Cibola National Forest

• The Mountainair Ranger District is reporting some color in the higher elevations around the 4^th of July Campground. Peak colors are anticipated in mid-October. Forest Road 55 out of Tajique is the access to the 4^th of July and there is a nice hiking trail at the campground. Conditions are very rough on FR 55 beyond the campground. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended if you drive further.
• On the Magdalena Ranger District there is no color to report at this time. Peak viewing is expected near the end of October.
• Viewing routes on the Magdalena district include:
  • West Hwy 60 to FR 138 to Grassy Lookout (Trail 43/Apache Kid Trail)
  • I-25 South to exit 115, Hwy 1 to FR 225, 12 miles to Springtime Campground (Trail 43/Apache Kid Trail)
  • West Hwy 60 to FR 235, Water Canyon Campground to the Langmuir Lab area (Trail 14/Timber Ridge Trail)
• On the Mt. Taylor Ranger district the Aspens are turning in the higher elevations of the Zuni Mountains west of Grants.
• On the Kiowa & Rita Blanca National Grasslands peak colors are expected in late October and early November in Mills Canyon. Take I-25 north to Wagon Mound, then east on Hwy 120 to Roy, and north on Hwy 39 to Mills. The canyon entrance will be on the left, 210 miles from Albuquerque. High clearance vehicles are recommended and 4 wheel drive will be necessary if it has rained recently. Be aware that there is only one way in and one way out of the canyon, so please take necessary precautions in regards to weather and time of day. Roy will be the last place that you will be able to get food or gas until you return to Roy upon departure or for 30 miles if you continue to Clayton or Springer.

Santa FeNational Forest

• The leaves are just starting to change in the higher elevations.

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