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I'm looking to get out to view the fall foliage this weekend and am not sure which would be the better area to head to from Tucson to Flagstaff. Where would be the best area for fall foliage this upcoming weekend? I heard Hart Prairie is a little bit out yet, West Fork maybe the same and I am not really familiar with the area much more than that. Ideas would be great!

Hey Don.

There's a link on the home page (lower-right) for the current foliage reports. (Click on the 45-Day Map link for a broad overview with specific reports to click on)

From that and reading triplogs and other comments in the forum, plus being in Flag last weekend, I can see that out in the white mtns, Escudilla is at its peak, and the SF Peaks are just starting to turn, especially on the north side.

Lower elevations (below 7k) seem to be a few weeks off yet.

Escudilla.

I did Escudilla 2 weeks ago and it was great then but maybe I need to go back! Thanks!

West Fork #94 is pretty much an aspen paradise, if you catch it at the right time. Starting off Osborne Rd. in Greer, most of the best trees are up after you top over the rim. You can also drive up N. Woods Rd a couple of miles and access it there, since it parallels that road for some time.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=784

The Pinals

Jim Lyding wrote:The Pinals

I didn't think you really cared for the Pinals

You know how I love me some Pinals. Those mountains might be the most spectacular place in Arizona for fall foliage right now. There are fire engine red maples and golden locusts in the canyons with golden aspens on top.
How can you beat this?
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=109825
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=111046
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=111042

Jim, those look great, but October 15 last year is not living up to October 15 this year due to the very warm September we had. None of the recent Pinal triplogs/photos have reported color close to that yet.

Give it a week, Chumley, only a week. Of course properly enjoying the Pinals requires a 14-mile hike w/ over 4,000' of elevation gain. It's worth it.

Jim Lyding wrote:Give it a week, Chumley, only a week. Of course properly enjoying the Pinals requires a 14-mile hike w/ over 4,000' of elevation gain. It's worth it.

Well, now. That last statistic got me interested! I don't have time, though.

I am going to try, if I have time this coming fall break weekend, to hike Bear Mountain via Largo Canyon, down in the Blue. Largo Canyon has the red maples. The hike is about 14 miles r/t, 2900 foot gain, if you do the peak. Lots shorter if you only want to see the maples. If anyone is interested...

If you're driving cross country and are close to Guadalupe Peak (west Texas), check out the little side canyon there... the fall colors are unbelievable, and backdropped in an amazing setting... Devil's Hall http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2056

imike wrote:If you're driving cross country and are close to Guadalupe Peak (west Texas), check out the little side canyon there... the fall colors are unbelievable, and backdropped in an amazing setting... Devil's Hall http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2056

Gorgeous area!

Jim Lyding wrote:Give it a week, Chumley, only a week. Of course properly enjoying the Pinals requires a 14-mile hike w/ over 4,000' of elevation gain. It's worth it.

Watch out, folks... don't dare argue against the Pinals with Jim

I think I am going back to Escudilla, since some friends are coming up to do it on Friday morning. Same deal, though, will take my big overnight backpack, only this time with more than 25 pounds in it. They tell me they are plodders.

Escudilla and hurry! Big Lake and Crescent Lake Area. GO NOW!!! Just got home a few hours ago.

Yup, it really was awesome yesterday! Also that West Fork Trail in Greer is always really good, once you top over the rim. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=784