As the weather starts to get cooler in the fall, many Arizonans start planning more outdoor activities. The cooler air, changing colors of the leaves, and lush, green landscapes make fall hikes really appealing to Arizona residents and visitors alike. Of course, you won’t want to miss local hikes near Sierra Vista in destinations like Ramsey Canyon, the San Pedro River Trail, and Brown Canyon. Along with these trails, consider embarking on a road trip to some of these other top hiking destinations in Arizona.
San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s fall weather is amazing – cool and crisp with a hint of the winter weather to come. If you visit the San Francisco Peaks in the fall, you’ll see amazing, vibrant colors throughout the aspen trees of the Coconino National Forest. The ideal time to view these changing colors is between September and October. You can also visit the Arizona Snowbowl off of US Hwy 180 to take a ride on their chairlift and get a bird’s eye view of the amazing, colorful landscape. For a moderate hike, try the 1.5 mile Aspen Loop Trail. If you want a slower, comfortable hike, take in the foliage and views at the Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Grand Canyon
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon plays host to some spectacular views year-round (although please note that it closes December 1 and May 14 of each year), but between September and October, the trees in the Kaibab National Forest begin changing colors. The Kaibab Plateau provides an amazing view of the fall colors, and the surrounding area has plenty of short, moderate, and rough hiking trails to explore.
White Mountains
You can beat the Arizona heat and see some amazing fall colors by taking a trip to the White Mountains. The trees throughout the White Mountains tend to transform for fall a little later, in the first few weeks of October, but the sights are worth the wait. There are some small hiking trails around Blue Vista Viewpoint and Big Lake that are perfect for the whole family. If you want a longer hike, try the 7-mile trek through East Baldy Trail.
Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon stretches between Sedona and Flagstaff and provides ample opportunities for scenic views, hiking, and camping. The West Fork Trail is incredibly popular with hikers as you get amazing views of fall leaves contrasted with the red rocks of the canyon. The area also has quieter, more secluded hiking spots with Huckaby Trail and Allens Bend Trail.
Hualapai Mountains
Visiting the Hualapai Mountains gives you a chance to take in extraordinary hiking trails, scenic views, and amazing fall colors in the area’s aspens, red maples, and Ponderosa pines. The best time to visit is between September and October. The Potato Patch Loop, which goes around Aspen Peak, gives great views of fall foliage and distant mountain ranges.
Cottonwood
The Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood is home to cottonwoods, ash, willows, and alders that change colors between October and November. You can hike or kayak down the Verde River, take a horseback ride with Trail Horse Adventures, or camp or hike in any number of other areas throughout Cottonwood. Dead Horse Ranch State Park also has fishing, lagoons, multi-use trails, cabin rentals, and campsites.
Mogollon Rim
Route 260 East will take you through Payson to the Mogollon Rim. Woods Canyon Lake is a great place for hiking, camping, or a picnic while offering gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which is home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. From the bridge, or one of the area’s hiking trails, you can see cottonwoods, aspen, and elders in their fall colors. For an easy hike, check out Pine Creek Trail, which ends at a gorgeous waterfall.
Contact Castle & Cooke Today
Castle & Cooke has been part of the Arizona community for decades. We continue to serve the Arizona community we love so much by designing and building unique homes and communities throughout Sierra Vista and the surrounding areas. We believe that there is the perfect home available for every family in Sierra Vista, Chaparral Village North, Holiday, and the Oaks.
We are invested in our community and love to welcome new residents and show you what makes Arizona so special and unique. Our goal isn’t just building homes – it’s creating neighborhoods, communities, and a sense of shared spirit. If you’re looking for a move in ready or newly constructed home in one of Arizona’s unique communities, give us a call today at (520) 378-5110 or contact us on our website. We’re confident you’ll love your new home as much as we do!