Why Leaf Peepers And Nature Lovers Will Love Visiting Sedona, Arizona In The Fall

Let's play a little game. Take a moment to imagine the quintessential Arizona landscape. If you've never visited the Grand Canyon State, just draw on memories of what you've seen in movies or read about in books. Is your imaginary landscape a desert expanse punctuated by an occasional cactus? Maybe a rolling tumbleweed or two? Is it hot and dusty? You're not alone, but you're wrong. Some of the biggest misconceptions about Arizona center on the southwest state's climate. Most people picture a hot, dry desert populated by cowboys and the occasional rattlesnake waiting to pounce. Sure, that kind of description holds true for some parts of Arizona, but at almost 114,000 square miles, the Sunset State boasts a markedly diverse terrain and a climate to match.

You'll find everything from desert planes to mountain peaks and verdant valleys to wooded forests. So while the dry weather prevalent in Arizona's desert lowlands may not be conducive to fall foliage, there are places at higher elevations where the autumnal kaleidoscope rivals the brilliant displays of color in better-known fall destinations like New England and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Take, for instance, Sedona. Located in the center of the state at an elevation of 4,350 feet above sea level, the community in Arizona's Red Rock Country — Sedona is located along one of the western state's most scenic roads loaded with the most colorful mountain views — is leaf-peeper nirvana. The warm days and cool nights of summer in Arizona's high country — the same conditions that support the growth of grapevines in Arizona's under-the-radar wine country — combine for the perfect conditions to produce a fiery display of fall color.

One of the best places in Sedona to take in the brilliance of fall, Oak Creek Canyon is located along the Arizona stretch of Highway 89A. The 23-mile section of Highway 89A — site of the world's first and only McDonald's with teal arches — that runs through Oak Creek Canyon, often listed among the most scenic byways in the United States, is a twisting and turning roadway that follows Oak Creek through a canopy of willows, boxelders, velvet ash, and scarlet maples that burst into kaleidoscopic in the fall. Peak foliage season — mid-October to early November — draws leaf-peeping hikers intent on an immersive experience. One of the most popular fall hikes, West Fork Trail can be busy on weekends, so aim for a weekday trek if possible. The 6.5-mile round-trip hike reaches an elevation of 564 feet and presents more than a dozen places to cross back and forth across the creek bed.

Another popular autumn hike, Huckaby Trail passes beneath Midgeley Bridge, presenting a not-to-miss photo opportunity. There's a scenic overlook roadside on the western end of the bridge about 1.5 miles from Uptown Sedona, but the views looking up at the foliage from the creek bed are especially beautiful. Begin the 5.6-mile round-trip hike at Midgeley Bridge or at Schnebly Hill Road. Look for a bench just under a mile from the Schnebly Hill Road trailhead. It's positioned to offer breathtaking views of Uptown Sedona and Oak Creek. The average round-trip hike time along the moderately challenging route is about three hours. Other leaf peeper-friendly hikes to consider include Secret Canyon and Allens Bend Trail. While you're exploring Oak Creek Canyon, be sure to check out Indian Gardens Café & Market. Located about 5 miles north of Uptown Sedona, the historic market doubles as a convenience store and roadside café.