Fall Foliage Map In Arizona: 2021 Peak Draws Near

PHOENIX, AZ — Break out the jackets and the pumpkin spice lattes: Fall is officially here in Arizona.

While the autumn equinox has come and gone, you still have plenty of time to enjoy a family outing to the pumpkin patch. And your window to catch the best views of fall foliage in Arizona is still wide open.

Now that we're nearly halfway through October, the leaves in some parts of Arizona are at peak splendor, according to the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

While the sparse trees with changing leaves in Phoenix have not begun to turn, those in northern Arizona, like the ones in Kaibab National Forest, are nearing peak color now.

If you’re hoping to catch the best views of fall foliage in Arizona, this week or next week may be the perfect time for a road trip up to the Grand Canyon. If you're looking to make a trip to Sedona or Flagstaff, trees there have begun to turn, but aren't quite at their peak. But if you're looking for some fall color closer to home, leaves in the Phoenix and Tucson areas aren't expected to peak until the week of Nov. 8.

In general, leaves are likely to peak later than usual this year because of prolonged drought conditions across a large swath of the United States. In affected states, leaves may turn from green to brown and skip the brilliant color wheel before “giving up” and falling to the ground.

RELATED: 2021 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best Across America

Curious when fall foliage peaks in your county or in other parts of the country?

To use the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, simply slide the scale to the right to see when leaves will peak in your state. Zero in on your county, and you'll be able to decide whether it's best to plan a northern, southern, eastern or western route.

Map courtesy of SmokyMountains.com

If you’re not sure where to get the best views of the changing leaves in Arizona, here are some of the top places to consider:

Mount Lemmon, Santa Catalina Mountains east of Tucson
There are plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation on Mount Lemmon with views of changing aspen and maple leaves.

Grand Canyon, Coconino County
The north rim of the canyon is the best place to view fall colors, with oaks, aspens and birch trees aplenty.

Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff
Before ski season, ride a chair lift to check out the changing aspen leaves.