`After one of the hottest summers on record in the West, we’re all ready for the cooler weather that the autumn season ushers in. Good news: The sights and flavors of Fall are right around the corner!
California’s Mammoth Lakes showcase spectacular colorful scenes. photo credit: VisitMammoth
If you think the New England states have a monopoly on nature’s staggering kaleidoscope of Fall colors, think again.
The Southwest offers a rich pageant of amber, russet, and aubergine autumn leaves just awaiting your discovery.
But first, here’s a very brief primer on the remarkable annual fall transformation --apologies if it’s too pedestrian for all you brainiacs :)
The photosynthesis process that makes leaves green begins to change when the seasonal temperatures and length of daylight diminish. This triggers the gradual breakdown of chlorophyll, the substance that give leaves their green color. When the green color completely disappears, the cells that create other pigments begin to emerge. Thus, the variety of gold, red, and orange shades become dominant, giving the leaves their awe-inspiring color.
The Mammoth Lakes region offers colorful scenes and spellbinding mountain vistas.
Below is a tour of the Southwest’s best bets to catch the upcoming show of spectacular autumn leaves; this roundup features several Southwest locations to consider for catching a peek at Mother Nature’s fall splendor.
ARIZONA
Flagstaff/Sedona
Inner Basin area near Flagstaff. photo credit: AZ Tourism
Although we think of Arizona as towering saguaros and dramatic canyons, the autumn brings out stunning colors in the surrounding areas adjacent to the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff has some notable color spots such as the Arizona Snowbowl ski area. Also, the town’s Arboretum features auburn hues of the sumac and the bigtooth maple trees, as well as the golden leaves of the willow trees. Nearby the While Mountains burst with Fall colors of reds, oranges and yellows. Along Highway 89A, which meanders through Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, the oaks, sycamores and aspens are ablaze. The pink color of sugar maples is also found in this red-rock region.
Oak Creek Canyon’s Slide Rock State Park is a hugely popular spot that affords visitors recreational opportunities and colorful views. photo credit: AZ Tourism
CALIFORNIA
Mammoth Lakes/Eastern High Sierras
The Eastern Sierra region around Mammoth Lakes is probably how California became known as the Golden State. Mono and Inyo counties are a veritable treasure trove of golden colors in the Fall. Take Highway 395 is an ideal route for access to several fabulous color-viewing areas.
Aspens are aglow in Mono County along Highway 395. Photo courtesy: VIsitMammoth
The Mammoth Scenic Loop and Inyo Craters off the loop road offer great scenic spots such as Reds Meadow, Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. The San Joaquin River area features beautiful old aspen groves. Thirty-five miles north of Mammoth is Hwy 120 that will take you through the rugged landscape of Lee Vining Canyon with dramatic Fall leaves.
See golden aspen, cottonwood and colorful alpine meadows with red underbrush from mid-September into late October.
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Taos
Find Fall splendor in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. photo credit: MarbleStreetStudios.com
New Mexico boasts 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. Santa Fe sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which turn to brilliant gold with Aspens in the Fall. From downtown Santa Fe, you can be in this colorful splendor in just minutes -- the Santa Fe National Forest boundary is only 7 miles from the Plaza. While the high country turns to gold, other parts of the forest with more varied hardwoods turn to other brilliant hues. Ski Santa Fe, located 16 miles from the Plaza, typically runs its chairlift for leaf viewing in early to mid-October.
For a birds eye view try some of the area’s rewarding hiking trails. One of the very best of these near Santa Fe is Aspen Vista trail. The trailhead is about 14 miles from the Plaza up Artist Road; the trail goes 7 miles to the top of the Sangre de Cristos, climbing to over 11,000 feet through a huge aspen stand with views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding mountain peaks. And don’t overlook the historic city of Albuquerque with its exceptional natural beauty and soaring mountains.
Horseback is another exciting way to view Fall colors in New Mexico. photo credit: VisitAlbuquerque
UTAH
Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park
Utah’s unique landscape offers breathtaking vistas of miraculously colorful displays. The vicinity in southern Utah surrounding Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park rewards adventurous spirits with magnificent views and fabulous Fall color. There are 31 recommended Fall Color Tours that traverse the entire state of Utah.
Hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon offers up close and personal views of splendid colors. Photo courtesy Utah Office of Tourism
Among the most notable roads are between Logan and Bear Lake in the northern part of the state -- the Huntington-Eccles National Scenic Byway and Utah Highway 12 which winds through some of the most stunning landscape in the United States.
Utah’s Fall color season bifurcates the state with color in the northern mountain regions beginning in early September and continues into November in the lower southern portions.
Alpine Scenic Loop in American Fork Canyon - Photo Courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism
Planning Your Awesome Autumn Adventure
Before you set off in search of Fall colors anywhere, be sure to check with the local tourism offices at your destination. Projected peak times vary from year to year depending on rainfall, temperatures and other factors. The local folks will be able to give you up-to-date intel on the best time and locations.
If you are traveling by car, consult your the local AAA office. You’ll find that having the experts assist you organize your road trip will be enormously helpful and save you valuable time. Their knowledgeable staff can provide a Trip-Tik®, an individualized guide for your road trip, with best routes, driving distances, estimated driving time, and maps. Much to the annoyance of my husband because he hates to look like a tourist, I love me some maps!
And if you prefer to see Fall colors on two wheels, you can enjoy nature’s Fall show on a bike, one of the most leisurely ways to thoroughly absorb the experience up close. There are a variety of great bike routes throughout the U.S. that Bicycle Adventures provides. You can find out more at: bicycleadventures.com