3-Day Flagstaff Fall Colors Itinerary
We have already shared our favorite places to see fall colors in Arizona, but for the first time we are giving newsletter subscribers our exact 3-day Flagstaff fall colors itinerary. This trip is packed with our favorite hikes, scenic drives, and viewpoints, along with local spots to eat and stay. It even includes our tips for timing your visit just right so you can catch peak colors. This is the exact trip we would take if we only had three days to experience fall colors in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff Fall Colors & Leave No Trace
We love fall in Flagstaff, golden aspens lining the trails, crisp mountain air, and the way the colors draw us into the heart of Northern Arizona. There is something truly magical about walking through a glowing aspen grove, and we hope future generations get to enjoy these same views for years to come. That is why it is so important to practice Leave No Trace while enjoying Flagstaff’s fall colors.
Aspens in a grove or stand are actually genetic clones, meaning each tree is part of a single organism connected underground through an extensive root system. This is why you will often see so many aspens growing close together. Unfortunately, that shared root system makes them more vulnerable to disease. Carving into an aspen’s bark injures the tree’s protective layer and can introduce disease that could spread throughout the entire grove. Please help protect these trees by never carving into them. The best way to leave your mark is by taking photos, not making scars.
Predicting Dates & Flagstaff Leaf-ometer
Fall colors in Flagstaff are stunning but notoriously hard to predict. Weather patterns, rainfall, and temperature changes all influence when the leaves turn and how long they stay — and every year is different.
The Flagstaff Leaf-ometer is a great tool for tracking color changes in real time. It’s updated regularly during the fall season and can give you a general idea of when the leaves are nearing their peak. That said, it’s not an exact science, and conditions can shift quickly.
From our own experience, the second to third week of October is often peak color change in Flagstaff’s higher elevations, but it can vary by a week or more in either direction. If your schedule is flexible, we recommend watching the Leaf-ometer closely in the weeks leading up to your trip.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Hike Bear Jaw to Abineau Loop
Breakfast Stop (Optional)
Before heading to the trailhead, grab breakfast or coffee at The Station. It’s on the way to the trailhead and it’s perfect for a quick bite. You could also eat before leaving home or bring something to enjoy on the road.
Morning Hike: Bear Jaw to Abineau Loop
Kick off your Flagstaff fall colors weekend with one of our favorite hikes in the San Francisco Peaks. The Bear Jaw to Abineau Loop offers a mix of golden aspens, sweeping mountain views, and crisp autumn air.
We recommend being on trail by 9 a.m. to beat the crowds and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the hike while still having the rest of the day for other activities. We like to start at the Bear Jaw trailhead and follow the loop clockwise so you’re rewarded with bright aspen stands earlier on in the hike. In peak season (usually mid-October), entire hillsides glow yellow, and fallen leaves create a golden path underfoot.
This trail is challenging with 1,900 feet of elevation gain and a starting elevation 8,500 feet above sea level. We suggest this hike first while you’re legs are feeling the best.
Insider Tip: This trailhead is accessed via a forest road. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and AWD or 4WD may be helpful depending on recent weather.
Quick Stats: Abineau to Bear Jaw Trail
Length:
7.6 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
1,900 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Lunch Break
After finishing Bear Jaw to Abineau Loop, you’ll likely be ready for a break. Depending on your pace, it could already be past noon by the time you wrap up. We suggest packing a lunch so you can eat right at the trailhead or at a scenic pull-off nearby. This gives you the flexibility to refuel immediately or wait until after your optional second hike if you’re not too hungry yet.
If you’re done for the day, we like usually like eating lunch at Aspen Deli or Juice Pub & Eatery.
Hike Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail (Optional)
If you want to add a second hike to your day without tackling anything strenuous, Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail is a great choice. It’s very close to the turn off on Highway 180 for Bear Jaw, making it an easy stop before heading back into town.
This short and easy loop takes you through open meadows and aspen stands, with informative signs along the way about local plants and wildlife. While we haven’t hiked it during peak fall colors, we’ve visited in the summer and spotted plenty of aspens. This trail should be beautiful when the leaves turn.
It’s a perfect option for families, anyone looking for a slower-paced stroll, or just a relaxing way to soak in the scenery after a tougher hike earlier in the day.
Quick Stats: Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail
Length:
1.2 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
36 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Head Back Into Town
After your second hike, head back into town and check into your accommodations. If you haven’t booked yet, see our Where to Stay section at the end of this guide for our top Flagstaff lodging picks. This is the perfect time to shower, relax, and recharge before heading out for dinner.
Dinner in Flagstaff
Feel free to interchange any of these restaurants to best fit your preference. For dinner each night in Flagstaff we’ll provide a more casual option and a more upscale option.
Pizzacletta at Dark Sky Brewery
A meal at Dark Sky Brewery is almost a standard for us when we visit Flagstaff. Pizzacletta is a local brick oven pizza company that partnered with Dark Sky to sell inside their brewery. They also have their own location south of the train tracks. The food on the other side of the Brewery is also great!
Teatro Italian Food & Wine
Teatro is in the heart of downtown and has excellent Italian food. We’ve ate here a couple times have not been disappointed. We highly recommend trying their cocktails too. A reservation will best help you secure a table at the time you want to eat.
Day 2: Aspen Corner and Arizona Snowbowl
Breakfast Stop (optional)
We love an easy and delicious breakfast, and bagels are a great way to meet those expectations. We like bagels from Biff’s Bagels and Fat Bagels. Depending on where you’re staying, one might make more sense than the other.
Morning Hike: Aspen Corner
After a challenging hike the day prior, you might be looking for something lighter and a little less strenuous. That’s why we suggest visiting the aspens at Aspen Corner and at Arizona Snowbowl’s Aspen Loop. Plus, we have a longer hike suggestion for Day 3.
Aspen corner is a popular spot on the way up to Arizona Snowbowl. One of the nice things about this area is that you can make the hike as long as you want. We’ve linked the AllTrails hike to the Alfa Fia Tank, but you can also get on the Arizona Trail Passage 34 and hike down the mountain through more aspens.
After checking out the Aspens here, continue up the mountain to Arizona Snowbowl. At the ski resort you can hike the Aspen Nature Loop or take the scenic gondola up the mountain and get an arial view of the beautiful fall colors. It is free to park at the ski resort and to do any of the hikes. However, it does cost money to take the scenic gondola.
Quick Stats: Aspen Nature Loop
Length:
1.8 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
278 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dinner in Flagstaff
Shift
Shift is one of our all time favorite restaurants that we highly recommend! The menu changes seasonally and focuses on locally sourced ingredients where possible. Make a reservation in advance to secure your spots.
Lumberyard Brewing Company
Lumberyard has a great beer selection and good American food that you’d expect from a brewery. We really like the chili here. It’s great for cool fall nights!
Day 3: Lockett Meadow and Inner Basin Trail
Breakfast Stop (Optional)
We recommend a quick breakfast this morning so you can get to trail relatively early before the late risers. In these instances we will sometimes make a Mountain House meal or eat some breakfast bars. There is a McDonalds the 89 along the way to the trailhead.
Morning Hike: Inner Basin Trail
The aspens at Lockett Meadow and along Inner Basin Trail are arguably the best collection in Flagstaff because of the density of mature trees in the area. As a result, this is one of the more popular areas to see aspen leaves changing colors. However, due to post wildfire flood damage to the forest road, direct access to the trailhead is unavailable. Now, hikers and bikers must hike the road adding 3 miles each direction, totaling 6 miles overall. There is a temporary parking lot where FR 522 is closed off and along FR 522A.
The additional miles added on aren’t terribly steep, but at higher elevation they are still meaningful and we suggest bringing enough water for the added miles. Although the road is closed to vehicles, it is open to bicycles.
To beat the crowds, we suggest arriving earlier in the day and hiking outside of the weekend if possible.
Insider Tip: Once on the Waterline Trail, continue hiking left (south) and there are some amazing aspens lining the road. To continue on Inner basin trail, turn right (north) and follow the road and signs.
Quick Stats: Inner Basin Trail
Length:
10 miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Elevation Gain:
1700+ ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dinner in Flagstaff
Charlie’s Pub
Charly’s Pub & Grill is a downtown Flagstaff classic we always recommend! The cozy pub/hotel setting is perfect after a long day of hiking, and their Navajo tacos on fry bread are a must-try.
Restaurant
Diablo Burger is a Flagstaff favorite for creative, locally sourced burgers. We love their classic options as well as their veggie burger. It’s casual, tasty, and always hits the spot after a day outdoors.
Explore Downtown Flagstaff
No trip to Flagstaff feels complete without wandering through the local shops downtown. Some of our favorites include Babbitt’s for outdoor gear, Old Town Shops for unique finds, Plantae for an amazing selection of plants, and Mountain Sports Flagstaff for adventure-ready apparel and gear.
Where to Stay in Flagstaff
When we visit Flagstaff, we love staying close to downtown. It makes it easy to walk to some of our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and local stores while still being just a short drive from the trailheads in the San Francisco Peaks. Staying near downtown gives you the best of both worlds. The convenience of food and shopping right outside your door, and quick access to the hikes and scenic drives that make fall in Flagstaff so special.
Joe's Bike Shop
Last October we stayed at Joe’s Bike Shop in downtown Flagstaff and absolutely loved it. This cute converted garage is within walking distance of restaurants and shops, yet it’s still just a short drive to the trails. Best of all, it’s dog friendly. Finnick had a great time too!
Downtown Cottage
Before staying at Joe’s Bike Shop, we booked the other unit on the same property , the Downtown Cottage, and had just as great of an experience. This spot has the same perks: walking distance to downtown Flagstaff restaurants and shops, easy access to trails, and a cozy, comfortable setup for a weekend away. It’s also dog friendly, so Finnick was right at home here too.
Sunnyside Casita
If you want to stay near downtown, but not within walking distance, check out this stay just east of downtown and only a 5-10 minute drive depending on traffic. We enjoyed our stay at Sunnyside Casita. Finnick didn’t join us but this is a dog friendly stay.
The AZ Hikeaholics Top Gear Recommendations
Gear for the trail ranges from what’s in our pack to what’s on our back and feet. Here you’ll find what we trust and bring, including the essentials and what keeps us comfortable!
Arizona Fall Colors: When and Where to See Them
Arizona’s fall colors are a must-see, especially the stunning aspens and maples. These trees are connected, making them vulnerable to disease, so it’s crucial to practice Leave No Trace. Fall colors peak from late September in the north to early December in the south, adding vibrant hues to Arizona’s diverse landscapes.
Best Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona: Hikes, Food, Stays & More
Flagstaff, Arizona, is an outdoor lover’s dream spot, sitting near the epic San Francisco Peaks. With trails through stunning forests, skiing, and nearby Nat’l Monuments like the Grand Canyon, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. Just remember to stick to Leave No Trace principles while enjoying nature!
