Flagstaff’s LEAF-ometer is the answer to the question: What color are the fall leaves? To experience the season at its most exhilarating use the LEAF-ometer to catch the changing fall colors of foliage on trails and around town.

Flagstaff is a leaf peeper’s paradise often hailed as Arizona’s capital of autumn and as the fall months begin to emerge, the warming autumn colors will descend from the San Francisco Peaks to the streets of Flagstaff. Frequently, there is a vague perception of when the leaves will reach their peak, the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer is a great resource for those hoping to observe the transitioning colors. This online resource is available at www.flagstaffarizona.org/leafometer and provides an idea in real-time of what stage of color alteration to expect leaves in when traveling to varying areas of the city. Click on the LEAF-ometer dropdown menu showing the City of Flagstaff, Arboretum, Snowbowl, the Inner Basin, Oak Creek Canyon and the City of Sedona. And new this year, the addition of two locations: the beautiful campus’s of NAU and Lowell Observatory both are now accessible as destinations for Fall views.


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LEAF-ometer Colors:

Green (High and Low) These settings indicate that the leaves are either fully green summer mode or starting to turn as indicated by low.

• Yellow (High and Low) This is peak color season and the high point of fall season.

• Dark Yellow or Orange (High and Low) This is after the peak color and usually indicates we are moving past peak season toward mostly fallen leaves.

• Red (High and Low) This is usually indicated by select areas of Sumacs, Maples like Oak Creek Canyon and the Arboretum.

Flagstaff offers many opportunities to explore and witness the alluring golden, auburn, crimson and orange autumn colors that are on display in the mountain town. Here are a few suggestions:

• Arizona Snowbowl Resort offers autumn nature lovers to take to the skies on the Arizona Gondola. As you soar over the mountains you enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp ambers, with a spectacular view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below including a view of the Grand Canyon. Did you know, Arizona Snowbowl now offers sunset gondola rides and a delicious dinner menu…book tickets at snowbowl.ski

• The Arboretum at Flagstaff is an oasis of high altitude native plants and as autumn draws near the trees transform into golden pieces of art. The Arboretum is the perfect place for a pumpkins, picnics, meandering pathways and trails for a bounty family fun.

• Historic downtown Flagstaff offers dining, shopping, and nightlife and is just off historic Route 66, the Downtown area is the perfect stop on anyone’s autumn road trip.  The vibrant fall colors of green, red and yellow leaves sprinkle the tree lined streets of downtown transforming it into the autumn season. Also, enjoy the Northern Arizona University campus for seasonal colors, collegiate football games or other university activities.

• Perfect for hiking, the Arizona Nordic Village offers trails to enjoy at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks with gorgeous crisp colors…ohhh and stay in a Yurt for a weekend adventure! Golden hues are abundant with large stands of Aspen trees that transform offering a show with their quaking leaves above glowing like liquid sunshine and a yellow brick road of Aspen leaves below.

• Time your leaf-viewing trip and plan to get here to experience cool temperatures, amazing scenery and outdoor adventure! For information and conditions visit discoverflagstaff.com or www.flagstaffarizona.org/leafometer.