Top 10 Fall Hikes to See Flagstaff’s Golden Aspens
Discover the best trails for leaf peeping in Flagstaff this fall 🍂
Each autumn, Flagstaff bursts into vibrant golds, oranges, and reds as its aspen groves transform. If you’re chasing fall colors Flagstaff, here are the best fall hikes Arizona has to offer — curated for leaf-peeping, photography, and immersive alpine beauty. Stay at Village Camp Flagstaff to make these your backyard adventures.
1. Inner Basin Trail
Distance: ~3.5 miles round-trip (moderate)
Why it’s spectacular: This is a quintessential leaf peeping Flagstaff hike. You’ll pass through lush aspen groves, meadows set inside the volcanic crater, and framed views of the San Francisco Peaks.
➡️ Trail info: AllTrails – Inner Basin Trail
➡️ Read a detailed guide: Chasing Trail – Hike the Inner Basin Trail
Tips: The forest road (FR 552) is currently closed for vehicles past a certain point due to fire restoration, so plan for extra walking to reach the official trailhead. (Chasing Trail)
2. Lockett Meadow Loop
Distance: ~3.8 miles (moderate)
Why it’s great: The Lockett Meadow sits at the heart of aspen country and connects you to the Inner Basin system. Perfect for sunrise/sunset color bursts.
Notes: The access road (FR 552) is rough and sometimes gated—4WD or careful driving advised.
3. Aspen Nature Loop (Arizona Snowbowl)
Distance: ~2–3 miles (easy)
Why it’s great: The Aspen Nature Loop is an approachable loop right off Snowbowl Road, winding among aspens and offering mellow terrain for warm-up or family outings.
Bonus: You can combine with the Snowbowl Skyride for overhead fall views.
4. Kachina Trail (via Inner Basin / Peaks)
Distance: ~10 miles round trip (moderate)
Why it’s great: The Kachina Trail uns along the south slope of the Peaks through dense mixed forest and opens into sweeping vistas.
Trail system note: This is within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. (Wikipedia)
5. Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop
Distance: ~7 miles (moderate–strenuous)
Why it’s great: The Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop is a quieter loop with altitude gain, aspen pockets, and valley views. Ideal for when you want fewer crowds.
6. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Distance: ~0.9 mile rim + optional descent loop (moderate)
Why it’s great: While not deep in aspen woodlands, the Walnut Canyon National Monument trail gives you contrast — canyon walls, riparian vegetation, fall colors in maples and oaks.
➡️ Monument site: Walnut Canyon National Monument (Wikipedia)
7. Humphreys Peak Trail
Distance: 10+ miles round-trip (strenuous)
Why it’s great: Climbing to Arizona’s highest peak, you’ll traverse aspen zones before reaching alpine tundra — dramatic fall-to-winter transition.
Tip: Start early; weather at high elevation is volatile.
8. Campbell Mesa Loop Trails
Distance: Varies (up to ~6 miles)
Why it’s great: Close to town, less traffic, offering hidden fall color pockets and mountain views — excellent for sunrise shots.
9. Fatman’s Loop (Mount Elden)
Distance: 2–3 miles (easy to moderate)
Why it’s great: On the eastern slopes of Elden, this loop rewards you with ridgeline overlooks, rocky outcroppings, and scattered aspens.
10. Schultz Creek Trail
Distance: ~8 miles round-trip (moderate)
Why it’s great: Follows a shaded canyon corridor ideal for mid-October colors. Can be combined with other trails in the Peaks system for a longer route.
🍂 When & Where to Go
Peak season: Late September through mid-October
High elevations (Inner Basin, Snowbowl) tend to peak earlier
For updated conditions, check the Flagstaff Leafometer.
Stay Right Where the Action Is
Make Village Camp Flagstaff your basecamp. Just minutes from trailheads, this modern outdoor resort offers cabins, luxury RV sites, and full amenities to recharge between adventures.