b"A rizona has a very long and spectacular fall foliage season which starts in late September up in the mountains and lasts through the end of November in desert areas. Sometimes trees keep their colors well into December, weather permitting.FLAGSTAFF'S SAN FRANCISCO PEAKSa 44-mile scenic drive on forest service roadsThe classic hotspot in this north-central region are the epicenter of fall's brilliance, particularlyaround the mountains and through aspen groves.is Sedona's Red Rock Crossing, where small the shimmery, golden-hued aspens, which driftNearby, Arizona Snowbowl ski resort offers scenicwaterfalls and yellow foliage along OAK CREEK down mountain slopes into meadows. The peakchairlift rides through late October. stand out against the red sandstone of Cathedral period for fall foliage in the San Francisco PeaksRock, inspiring photographers from around the occurs about a week and a half into October. YouAlso in northern Arizona, State Highway 260world. The peak season for leaf-peeping in Sedona can start your tour of trees by driving Snowbowlpasses through the WHITE MOUNTAINS nearusually begins mid-October and goes well into Road on U.S. Hwy 180. You can also hike thethe towns of Pinetop-Lakeside. This sure-fireNovember. You can see beautiful Shumard oaks, Inner Basin trail. The main highlight of the trail isroadway for fall color is flanked by small lakeswillows, bigtooth maples, cottonwoods, Arizona Lockett Meadow, an aspen grove with campsiteswhere you can pull off for impromptu picnicsashes, sumacs, crape myrtles, grapevines, Virginia and picnic spots. If you're ambitious and havebeside one of the largest contiguous ponderosacreepers, and walnuts. Also, a favorite fall hike is 4-wheel drive try the Around the Peaks Loop,pine forests in the Americas. Although the Whitethe West Fork trail. Mountains are known for their pineOther fall color destinations in the VERDE and fir trees theyVALLEY include West Clear Creek Trail #17 and also have GambelBell Trail #13 to Wet Beaver Creek. These are both oaks and aspens. Themoderate day hikes that follow the brilliantly oaks turn a beautifullush creeks. The vibrant fall colors include a mix yellow-orange, andof yellows, greens, and reds. The reds include the aspens turnscarlets, crimsons, and other shades that adorn from bright greenthe maples and oaks.The fall color season in the to brilliant yellow.Verde Valley typically lasts from late September The changingthrough mid-October. However, the best time to colors of the aspensvisit may change from year to year based on the and oaks create aseasonal temperatures.striking green-and-gold patchworkFurther southeast near Payson, in GILA landscape. The COUNTY, is the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park colors are best in and its dramatic travertine arch, a geological the first three weekswonder that spans Pine Creek. Short trails lead of October. you down to get up close and personal with the 24 October 2023"