Coconino National Forest reports
Color is just beginning to dust the north side of the San Francisco Peaks. Typically around Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim, the first strong color shows up in late September, and colors peak the first two weeks of October. West Fork and Oak Creek Canyon typically peak around the third week of October. Sedona and the Verde Valley don’t typically turn until the end of October and into November. This page will be filled out and updated regularly as we get information and the season progresses.
The season is just getting started! This report is in the process of being redesigned. Pardon our dust! In addition to regular status updates, we’ll be adding more sites and recommendations, and making things prettier. Check back often!
Best Bets
The following recreation opportunities are the best bets for fall color for the weekend of September 30, 2017.
- Around the Peaks Loop Scenic Drive
- Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop hiking trail
- Elden Lookout Road [Google Maps]
- Sunset Trail For a short, easy walk, start at the Mount Elden trail access point [Google Maps] and walk north (left) along the ridge for fantastic views.
- Inner Basin and Lockett Meadow: For best results, go mid-week. On weekends, rangers will be controlling traffic to limit the number of vehicles entering Lockett Meadow due to extremely large crowds and limited parking. Expect long waits and a lot of visitors sharing the meadow and trail with you.
See photos and more details on Coconino Fall Color at Coconino National Forest
Natural History Wanderings 
Leave a comment