PHOENIX -- If you are longing for the cooler temperatures and colors of fall it is time to pile into the car and head north.
Michelle Donati from
AAA Arizona knows the best places to visit to see the fall colors, but you’ll need to act fast.
You'll have to act fast though, as these colors are going to be disappearing very soon. AAA is here to talk to us about some great fall drives.
San Francisco Peaks:Head north to Coconino Forest and the San Francisco Peaks.
Viewing options include Lockett Meadow, where you'll enjoy the cool aspen trees and enjoy plentiful mountain hikes; you can also enjoy Snowbowl Road, where the route ends at 9,500 feet at the lodge and parking lot of the SnowBowl ski area.
Watch for elk, mule deer, and wild turkey along the way.
A drive that is especially scenic this time of year is Around the Peaks Loop, in the San Francisco Peaks.
The scenic drive takes you all the way around the mountain, winding through pine forests and aspen groves, and open prairie lands.
Autumn turns the mountain to a spectacular shade of gold.
There are numerous spots to stop along the way for a hike, picnic, sightseeing, or even set up camp.
There are also other scenic drives in the area, making it an ideal weekend camping trip.
Take time to take in the sights and colors of this scenic trip.
You'll want to allow two hours drive time to make the loop, not including the drive time from Phoenix.
To get there from Flagstaff, drive northeast 14 miles on US 89 to FR 418. Turn west 12 miles to FR 151, then south 8 miles to US 180.
