Fall in Sedona is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit.  Although Fall starts in September, the leaves begin to change color in the beginning of October.  By Thanksgiving, most of the leaves have changed and trees are bare.  Here are a few of the best places to see the Fall foliage.

One of the best hikes in Sedona to see the colors change is the West Fork Trail.  West Fork Trail is a very popular hike anytime of the year, but during the fall months, this one can’t be beat.  In Oak Creek Canyon, the trail winds it way back and forth across the creek with trees with orange, gold and brown leaves almost the entire way. As you continue along, look up to the sky to see the red rocks and the cliffs above.  It is an easy hike, with many places to stop to just enjoy being in nature.  The main hike is about 6 miles round trip, but there’s plenty of beauty to see if you don’t make it to the end.  The West Fork Trail head parking lot has limited spaces and during peak times, spaces fill up early. There is an entrance fee collected at the gate.

A drive along State Route 89A from heading north from Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon is another way to see the fall colors.  Every turn of the twisty road has beautiful views of the Oak Creek, red rock canyon walls and tall trees.  As you climb the switchbacks out of Oak Creek Canyon, continue to the overlook.  The viewing area looks over the the canyon.

Within Sedona, take a drive on the Scenic Red Rock Byway.  The Byway is also known as State Route 179, which runs between Interstate 17 and downtown Sedona. There’s plenty of fall colors to be seen along the roadside with the gorgeous Sedona red rocks as a backdrop.  On pretty much any hike, you’ll find fall colors, but most of the trees in the Sedona area stay green all year round.

What is the fall weather like in Sedona? 

There are some other terrific locations near Sedona where the fall colors are spectacular.  Dead Horse Ranch is an Arizona State Park located in Cottonwood.  The Verde River makes it way through the park.  When the leaves change colors, you are in for a real treat.  The banks of the Verde River turn a beautiful golden yellow.  The Arizona Snowbowl outside of Flagstaff, Arizona is known for the aspen trees. Nature lovers rejoice when the leaves change here because the trees are absolutely stunning.  The ski resort has a Scenic Chairlift and Gondola that stays open through mid-October or until the leaves are gone.