We’re well into the fall season now and if you haven’t had a chance to spot the warm-toned foliage yet, you still have a bit of time to enjoy what’s left. Flagstaff’s LEAFometer shows that most of its leaves are approaching the end of its peak. One way to enjoy the fall foliage is to go for a leisurely drive through Arizona’s scenic landscapes. Here’s a look at a few of our favorites that show off pretty views.
- Around the Peaks Loop
Michael Wilson/Flickr If you have a couple of hours for an afternoon drive, you’ll want to check out this loop that goes around the San Francisco Peaks for an overall beautiful view of the area. You will need a high clearance vehicle as the roads can get rough and check in advance for any road closures. Route map: U.S. Forest Service
- Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, US191
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests/Flickr Located in eastern Arizona, this drive is beautifully scenic and shows off just how incredibly green this area of the state looks. The byway is approximately 120 miles one-way and very rural, so be sure to fuel up before the drive. Route map: Google Maps
- Mount Lemmon Highway
Katie Moore/Flickr There are few places in the world where you can spot saguaro cacti then towering aspens on one drive. This highway on the Santa Catalina Mountains is one example and what a sight it is! There are a few hairpin turns but the drive is quite lovely otherwise. Route map: Google Maps
- Rim Road (Forest Road 300)
Coconino National Forest/Flickr Just a couple hours from Phoenix, the Mogollon Rim’s green oasis which turns into shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The road is well-graded dirt but you may want to do the drive in a high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle as a precaution. Route map: Google Maps
- Schultz Pass
Coconino National Forest/Flickr This route gives you a lovely view of the southern and eastern portions of the San Francisco Peaks, including the popular Lockett Meadow. The loop follows Highway 89 and the forest roads are well-graded, so you won’t need any special vehicle requirements. Do keep in mind, however, that the forest roads will close once the snow arrives. Route map: Google Maps
- State Route 67
au_ears/Flickr This route is under-traveled and will introduce you to the unseen beauty of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. This area of the Grand Canyon has seasonal closures since its remote location and heavy snows can make traveling here in winter dangerous. The North Rim has day use only for the month of November but it can close sooner if snow arrives early. Route map: Google Maps
- State Route 89A
Ken Lund/Flickr If you’ve never driven this 83-mile highway from Prescott to Flagstaff, you are missing out! You’ll find some beautiful views on this drive and you don’t need any special vehicle requirements.
- State Route 260
Kenneth Hagemeyer/Flickr This scenic drive will take you through the White Mountains, which, in the fall, are a perfect color combination of green, yellow, orange, and deep red. You’ll find some great little mountain towns on this drive, so be sure to stop for a few pictures and a snack. Route map: Google Maps
Prefer to go for a hike instead? Check out some fairly easy hikes that show off the very best of fall here in Arizona! Read more in These 8 Easy Hikes In Arizona Will Show You the Best Views Of The Fall Season.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
If you have a couple of hours for an afternoon drive, you’ll want to check out this loop that goes around the San Francisco Peaks for an overall beautiful view of the area. You will need a high clearance vehicle as the roads can get rough and check in advance for any road closures. Route map: U.S. Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests/Flickr
Located in eastern Arizona, this drive is beautifully scenic and shows off just how incredibly green this area of the state looks. The byway is approximately 120 miles one-way and very rural, so be sure to fuel up before the drive. Route map: Google Maps
Katie Moore/Flickr
There are few places in the world where you can spot saguaro cacti then towering aspens on one drive. This highway on the Santa Catalina Mountains is one example and what a sight it is! There are a few hairpin turns but the drive is quite lovely otherwise. Route map: Google Maps
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Just a couple hours from Phoenix, the Mogollon Rim’s green oasis which turns into shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The road is well-graded dirt but you may want to do the drive in a high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle as a precaution. Route map: Google Maps
This route gives you a lovely view of the southern and eastern portions of the San Francisco Peaks, including the popular Lockett Meadow. The loop follows Highway 89 and the forest roads are well-graded, so you won’t need any special vehicle requirements. Do keep in mind, however, that the forest roads will close once the snow arrives. Route map: Google Maps
au_ears/Flickr
This route is under-traveled and will introduce you to the unseen beauty of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. This area of the Grand Canyon has seasonal closures since its remote location and heavy snows can make traveling here in winter dangerous. The North Rim has day use only for the month of November but it can close sooner if snow arrives early. Route map: Google Maps
Ken Lund/Flickr
If you’ve never driven this 83-mile highway from Prescott to Flagstaff, you are missing out! You’ll find some beautiful views on this drive and you don’t need any special vehicle requirements.
Kenneth Hagemeyer/Flickr
This scenic drive will take you through the White Mountains, which, in the fall, are a perfect color combination of green, yellow, orange, and deep red. You’ll find some great little mountain towns on this drive, so be sure to stop for a few pictures and a snack. Route map: Google Maps
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