Coconino National Forest reports
Flagstaff Ranger District Fall Color Update: September 23, 2016
The fall color season for the Flagstaff is just beginning in the higher elevations around Mt. Elden and the San Francisco Peaks. There are just a few small spots of strong color in Lockett Meadow, Inner Basin, and around the north side of the Peaks in the area of Bear Jaw, Reese, and Abineau canyons. There is nearly no color around Hart Prairie, Snowbowl, and the western slopes of the Peaks.
The best color is on Mount Elden along Elden Lookout Road and the slopes below the lookout tower. Color progress is approximately a week earlier than last year. Recommended trails for viewing fall color on Mount Elden:
Lockett Meadow, the Inner Basin and the north side of the San Francisco Peaks are also turning. Some trees are approaching peak color while others are still green. Recommended trails, routes, and areas for viewing fall color on the San Francisco Peaks:
- Inner Basin Trail moderately strenuous hike into the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. High clearance vehicle is recommended on Lockett Meadow Road.
- Lockett Meadow campground and day use area in a meadow in the interior of the San Francisco Peaks with access to Inner Basin Trail. High clearance vehicle is recommended on Lockett Meadow Road.
- Abineau-Bear Jaw Trails Loop strenuous hike on the north side of the San Francisco Peaks.
- Around the Peaks Loop scenic driving loop around the north side of the San Franciso Peaks. High clearance vehicle required to complete the loop due to the rough and rocky nature of the road. Good fall color viewing can be found on the smoother parts of the route accessible to low clearance vehicles at the eastern and western ends of FR 418.
The higher elevations of the San Francisco Peaks trails will be much chillier than Flagstaff. Be prepared for temperatures 10°F to 20°F cooler than Flagstaff. Dress in layers and carry at least two quarts of water for a half day hike. Watch the National Weather Service forecast closely. The weather forecast may change unexpectedly:
Mogollon Rim Ranger District Fall Color Update: September 22, 2016
The Mogollon Rim reports maples are turning in the Dick Hart Ridge and Dane Ridge area within a few miles of the Rim Road (FR 300). This should be a beautiful weekend to go out to explore the area, as many of the trees will be approaching their peak. The maples can be spotted in the draws from the ridge roads (FR 139 and FR 321), and hikes into the draws at the southern ends of the Cabin Loop trails should be rewarding.
Watch the National Weather Service forecast closely. The weather forecast may change unexpectedly:
Keep an eye on this page and @CoconinoNF on Twitter for updates through the fall season.
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