Finding Arizona: September 2017

    With the autumn equinox occurring once again, beautiful autumn leaves cannot be far behind. Even though most of us Arizonans live in a desert region, our wonderfully diverse geographical state does have some truly spectacular areas where the beauty of autumn leaves show off their annual magnificent colors. Below is a list with a few links as to where you too can Find Arizona and its wonderful fall colors! Enjoy!

White Mountains - www.azwhitemountains.net - The trip to Arizona’s White Mountains can take upwards to four hours but for those who wish to see the colors of fall, the trip is well worth the effort. From Tonto Bridge State Park near Payson, to Woods Canyon Lake at the top of the Rim to the small community of Greer, this trip guarantees autumn leaves!

Hopi Mesas - www.experiencehopi.com/tours and  www.hopi-nsn.gov/ - In our opinion, fall is the best time to visit the Hopi Mesas. Not only are the fall colors of cottonwoods present along the many high desert washes but many of the villages hold harvest ceremonies that are open to the public. Remember, a great place to stay when visiting Hopi is the La Posada Hotel in Winslow - http://laposada.org/

Flagstaff Area - www.flagstaffarizona.org and  www.flagstaffchamber.com - Autumn knows Flagstaff. From the forest of aspens found throughout the Flagstaff area to the forests of colors found on Humphreys Peak - spectacular is the only word. Be sure to check out the Hart Prairie Preserve - yes, spectacular! Consider following the Weatherford Trail, Abineau and Bear Jaw Loop, and Lockett Meadow to discover great places to view and explore the changing color among the aspen groves. Also, riding the chair lifts at the Snow Bowl is a great way to see autumn from above the trees - www.arizonasnowbowl.com

North Rim Grand Canyon - www.nps.gov/grca - long drive but great reward. The North Rim is beautiful in autumn but be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecasts since snow arrives early in this part of Arizona.

Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona - www.sedona.net - it is always good to visit Sedona and the colors of autumn in Oak Creek is our favorite to view everyone’s favorite Arizona city. Be sure to walk along the West Fork Trail (the most popular trail in the entire Coconino National Forest). Briar Patch Inn in Oak Creek is our favorite place to stay while visiting the Sedona area - www.briarpatchinn.com . Rustic, beautifully decorated cabins with wood burning fireplaces is the perfect way to wake up on a cool autumn morning!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior - a day trip from the Valley of the Sun can easily get you to this wonderful arboretum that celebrates all the seasons including autumn. A visit to Boyce Thompson is a great way to spend an autumn day -
www.ag.arizona.edu/bta

U.S. Forest Service operates a web site that updates where the colors of autumn are found in the national forests. Here is a link -
https://www.fs.fed.us/fall-colors

Arizona Department of Tourism - always a great place to check out what is going on around Arizona is the website of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Many good ideas of Finding Arizona found here - www.visitarizona.com.

The first three pictures belong to our friends Teresa and Ken Jackway and taken nearby their Greer home. The picture of Boyce Thompson belongs to Boyce Thompson. The rest of the pictures are ours...