Natural History Wanderings

Arizona and New Mexico National Forests 

Fall colors typically begin mid to late September in the higher elevations of northern Arizona, with most of the peak viewing in early to the middle of October. The lower elevations usually peak in late October or early November and can continue through the month of November.

In New Mexico, fall colors typically begin mid to late September in the higher elevations, with most of the peak viewing in early to mid October. The lower elevations usually peak in mid to late October and can continue into early November.

In New Mexico, fall colors typically begin mid to late September in the higher elevations, with most of the peak viewing in early to mid October. The lower elevations usually peak in mid to late October and can continue into early November.

Click read more for information on individual National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico

Arizona

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests between now and the end of October to view the vibrant fall colors.  Follow us on Twitter and our Facebook page for updates!
	Coconino National Forest
By October each year, colors are usually in full splendor on the Coconino National Forest. Many of the trees in the higher elevations near Flagstaff reach their prime in early October, but the views are still beautiful throughout the season. The maples on the Mogollon Rim District are worth the visit, and the deciduous trees in Oak Creek Canyon and the Sedona area are spectacular. Watch for the latest fall color photos on our Fall Colors album on Flickr and updates @CoconinoNF on Twitter.
	Coronado National Forest
Pending information
	Kaibab National Forest
The Kaibab National Forest is an outstanding place to bring your family and friends to view fall colors! The North Kaibab Ranger District is the crown jewel of the forest in terms of fall colors with its exceptional aspen stands sprouting yellows and reds sure to impress. But the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts also boast their own pockets of color worthy of exploration. Prime viewing opportunities typically occur in early October, but the season generally runs from late September through late October. Watch for the latest fall color photos in our Flickr Fall Color Album, follow us on Twitterfor the most current updates, and visit our Kaibab Fall Color Website for all the details.
	Prescott National Forest
Like in other parts of the country, it is impossible to say exactly when fall colors will peak–but as a general rule, trees and bushes at the highest elevations start changing from mid- to late September with leaves falling around mid- to late October.  Trees at lower elevations begin changing a couple weeks to a month later, and you can still find signs of autumn into mid-December in the Verde Valley and other low elevation parts of the forest. Follow the Prescott National Forest Fall Colors on Twitter and Flickr.
	Tonto National Forest
The annual fall color change occurs earlier in the higher elevations of the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger districts. Peak color change is generally from mid-October to mid-November and is mostly concentrated along riparian areas such as Tonto Creek and the East Verde River. The leaves change a bit later on the Globe and Cave Creek districts, generally from late October to mid-November. Pinal Peak on the Globe Ranger District and the Seven Springs area on Cave Creek Ranger District are also popular destinations for fall color viewing.  Visit the Tonto National Forest websitefor details on viewing fall colors.

New Mexico

Carson National Forest
For spectacular views in the high country, consider hiking or packing into the Pecos, Latir, Wheeler Peak, or Cruces Basin Wilderness, or Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area. Updates will be posted on the Carson National Forest website, and on Facebook
	Cibola National Forest
Pending information
	Gila National Forest
Follow our Facebook page for fall color updates!
	Lincoln National Forest
Pending information
	Santa Fe National Forest
Follow us on Facebook  and Twitt