Sedona Fall Foliage

The dramatic contrast of the vast desert landscapes, striking red rock cliffs and vibrant fall foliage makes the Sedona Verde Valley one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in Arizona. The scenic Highway 89A winds between Sedona and Flagstaff to the north, through Oak Creek Canyon and the lush golden aspen groves of the Coconino Forest and up the winding switchbacks to the Oak Creek Vista overlook. A scenic drive south leads to Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River, the charming town of Cottonwood and Jerome Ghost Town.

Whether you’re taking a scenic drive, hiking Sedona’s top fall foliage trails or soaring through the skies on a hot air balloon, the sights, sounds and smell of fall surround you at every turn in Sedona and the beautiful Verde Valley. When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Sedona? The colors begin to turn in late September in the higher elevations, peaking in mid to late October and continuing through to late November in the lower elevations and high desert spots.

Where to see the Best Fall Foliage in Sedona

West Fork Trail: The West Fork Trail is an easy 3.2-mile one way family hike, only 9.5 miles north of Sedona in the spectacular Oak Creek Canyon. The trailhead is near the Call of the Canyon day use area on Highway 89A just north of Slide Rock Park and parking fills up quickly, so arrive early. The trail follows a meandering stream between the high cliffs and canyons, through thick forests bursting with birdsong and vibrant gold and crimson leaves. The West Fork Trail is one of the top-rated trails in Arizona and arguable one of Sedona’s best hikes for fall foliage.

Templeton Trail: The Templeton Trail is an easy 2-mile scenic trail beginning at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead down Back O’ Beyond Rd.  The trail follows the base of Cathedral Rock and drops into Oak Creek Canyon to the picturesque waters of Oak Creek. The walnuts, sycamores and cottonwoods burst with fall colors and there are plenty of spots for a dip along the way.

Red Rock State Park: Red Rock State Park puts on a beautiful fall display for visitors and boasts a 5-mile groomed trail system with wooden bridges crossing Oak Creek, family-friendly picnic areas and the scenic Red Rock loop with endless photo opportunities along the way.

Boynton Canyon Trail: The Boynton Canyon Trail is one of Sedona’s most scenic hikes accessed along Dry Creek Road in the beautiful Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness west of Sedona. The easy 6-mile trail begins outside the Enchantment Resort and follows the canyon through forests of maples, alder and oaks and towering sandstone cliffs to a sacred red rock box canyon. At around the 2-mile point, look out for the large Alligator juniper and a trail to the right which leads to the Subway Cave overlooking dramatic landscapes and golden fall foliage.

Secret Canyon: The Secret Canyon Trail offers more leaf-peeping opportunities in the Secret Mountain Wilderness. The moderate 9.8-mile out and back trail weaves in and out of the steep canyon with deep forested ravines, red rock narrows, scenic pools and waterfalls. A rainbow of colors flow from the junipers, pines, firs, sycamores and old growth ponderosas that line the trail.

Grand Canyon: Nothing is more spectacular than the Grand Canyon in fall. Take a scenic day-trip from Sedona to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, a 113-mile journey through spectacular fall scenery. Travel Highway 89A through the colorful Oak Creek Canyon and historic town of Flagstaff, onto Highway 180 with views of the San Francisco Peaks and north to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Take a Tour: Explore the beauty of Sedona in fall on a guided fall-foliage tour. Book an off-road jeep tour, take to the skies in a hot air balloon or helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the vibrant fall colors or ride through the steep canyons along the Verde River on the historic Verde Canyon Railroad.

Soak up Sedona's spectacular fall foliage views from the comfort of a luxury Foothills Vacation rental home.

Our portfolio of properties ranges from luxury homes with private pools overlooking Sedona's top natural attractions to golf course condos and cozy creekside cabins. Browse our selection of rentals to find the perfect home-away-from-home for your Sedona fall foliage getaway.