Best Places to See the Seasons Change in Arizona

In Arizona—where the weather is consistently warm and sunny— catching glimpses of the seasons can be a rare delight. Here, we highlight four places in Arizona that capture a touch of fall. 

Sedona – Located just two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona is an easy weekend getaway that offers an unforgettable desertscape filled with stunning red rock formations, as well as 1.8 million acres of national forest land. Come November, temps dip to the mild high 60s, comfortable weather for hiking and biking along the area’s miles of trails.

Lockett Meadow – Surrounded by aspen trees, Lockett Meadow campground just north of Flagstaff is one of the state’s most popular spots to watch the leaves change. Its expansive fields also turn from green to gold in the fall. Plus, a day on the hiking trails could yield glimpses of native porcupine or elk. 

Inner Basin Trail – Located within Lockett Meadow, the Inner Basin Trail is a 3.2-mile, out-and-back trail that passes through aspen groves and grass meadows that transition through a kaleidoscope of hues through the seasons. Head out for a day trip or book a nearby hotel and make a weekend of it. 

The Aspen Nature Loop – Short but super scenic, the 1.6 mile Aspen Nature Loop near Flagstaff takes you past colorful ponderosa and aspen groves, which are alight with vibrant leaves when the weather cools off.