Late September through mid-October is the best time to visit Sedona to see the fall leaves change color.  Plan a "leaf-peeping" trip to Sedona that revolves around a scenic drive though Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A.  Start your fall colors trip with a drive up the canyon, perfect for viewing and photographing the canyon walls and plateau of the Coconino National Forest in all their autumnal glory.  Make sure to stop at the Oak Creek Vista about half-way between Sedona and Flagstaff on Highway 89A for a great picture-taking opportunity and a chance to get out of the car and smell the crisp, clean fall air. 

This drive is 28 miles (about 40 minutes) from Sedona toward Flagstaff on Highway 89A.  You may choose to turn around and drive back the same route (56 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes), or take I-17 south 40 miles to exit 298 for Highway 179.  Take Highway 179 approximately 14 miles north to Sedona (82 miles, 2.5 hours.)

Other great leaf viewing and photography drives include a jaunt up Dry Creek Road to Boynton Canyon Road or a drive around the Red Rock Loop.  Dry Creek Road and Red Rock Loop Road are both west of the "Y" off of westbound Highway 89A.