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.
- Sandy Seep Trail: Easy hike to the base of Mount Elden with views of fall color on the slopes. Continue up the more strenuous Heart Trail for even more fantastic views.
- Elden Lookout Trail: This trail is extremely busy and the parking lot is often overflowing. However, the fall color along the trail is excellent. Arrive early and have a backup plan. Sandy Seep Trail to Heart Trail is our recommended “Plan B.”
- Schultz Pass Road: Aspens are turning along Schultz Creek Trail and Schultz Pass Road. Strong color on the north side of Mount Elden and the Dry Lake Hills.
- Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail
Notes on Lockett Meadow and Inner Basin Trail
- Inner Basin and Lockett Meadow: Lockett Meadow and lower Inner Basin Trail are not expected to peak until late the first week of October at the earliest. For the best experience, visit mid-week the first two weeks of October. Warning: On weekends, rangers will be restricting 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.
Read more and see photos at Coconino National Forest
Natural History Wanderings 
Leave a comment