PHOENIX – If you can get up to the Arizona mountains this month, you'll be in for a colorful experience.
Fall foliage is nearing peak color in the
Coconino National Forest,
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and
Kaibab National Forest.
SEE PICTURES FROM ACROSS ARIZONA IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO SLIDESHOWThe
U.S. National Forest website estimates the color could be at its best within two weeks.
Do you have your own photos of fall color in Arizona? Email us your best pictures at
MyAZNews@abc15.com or upload them
directly to ABC15.com here.
There's a fall color hotline you can call to get specifics: 1-800-354-4595
There are also some recommended viewing sites in Arizona's forest country you can visit:
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest* Recommended viewing routes: Hwy 180/191 south of Springerville, 261 east of Springerville, and Hwy 191 south of Alpine. Aspens are turning on FR 149 off the SR 260 going to Willow Springs Lake.
* The brush and willows along washes, creeks, and rivers are changing. So far the change has been very scattered. Some trees are already dropping their leaves without any change. I don’t think this will be a good color year.
* Estimated peak viewing period: Third week of October.
* Trees that are currently turning are Maple, Sourwood, Gum and some Poplar and Sycamore.
Coconino National Forest* Areas with greatest amount of color are Mingus Mountain and some in Oak Creek Canyon. The Maples on the Mogollon Rim have about peaked and the Aspens have started. Ferns are starting to turn gold on the San Francisco Peaks. Also Lockett Meadow is starting to color, with big patches of Aspen with a few golden leaves.
* Recommended viewing routes: Take 89A south from Flagstaff to Sedona, also 89A south towards Jerome, also SR87 through Clint’s Well and Strawberry and take FR 300 along the Rim and FR 321C. FR151 (Hart Prairie RD), and FR 418a on the San Francisco Peaks. Quite a bit of color is visible on the northeast slopes of the Peaks from Hwy 89.
* Estimated peak viewing period:Second week of October, depending on elevation. However, nature never fails to surprise us and things seem to be moving right along, so stay tuned and be ready!
* Viewing tips/suggestions: Patience- nature takes time! Also, depending on altitude, temperatures can vary as much as 15-20 degrees between night and day, so lots of layered clothing is essential. A camera to capture the beauty, and lots of film or a big media card.
Kaibab National Forest* Recommended viewing routes: Tusayan – AZ Trail. Williams – Kendrick & Bill Williams Peaks or Sycamore Canyon. North Kaibab – Rainbow Rim Trail or AZ Trail.
* On the Williams District, this is an ideal time to take the Benham Trail up Bill Williams Mountain, hike up Kendrick Peak or visit one of the various trails in Sycamore Canyon. In Tusayan, the AZ Trail is a nice quiet alternative to the crowded Grand Canyon trails. And on the North Kaibab you may want to hike or bike on the Rainbow Rim or AZ Trails.
* Estimated peak viewing period: October 1 - 10.
* It is extremely windy and fall like on the Kaibab NF right now. Pine needles are flying and leaves are blowing. Colors have been changing in patches and so not all trees have turned yet on the Williams and Tusayan Districts. But by the end of the week, most trees will probably be colorful.
* For more info on the Tusayan RD call 928-638-2443, Williams 928-635-5600, North Kaibab 928-643-7395.
There has been no color change reported for the following forests: Coronado, Prescott and Tonto. The Tonto National Forest looks for peak viewing to occur the week of November 3.
