Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon Fall Colors – Best Drives, Hikes, and Photo Spots
Golden cottonwoods, fiery maples, and towering red rocks—Sedona’s autumn is one of the Southwest’s most breathtaking experiences. When autumn arrives, Oak Creek Canyon becomes a glowing corridor of color. Cool nights trigger brilliant hues along the creek banks, where maples, cottonwoods, and sycamores paint vivid contrasts against Sedona’s red rock formations.
Because Sedona sits lower than Flagstaff, peak color arrives a bit later, typically mid-October through early November, giving travelers a generous window to catch the show.
Oak Creek Canyon: The Best Spots to See Fall Colors
- West Fork Trail (Call of the Canyon): Meanders along the creek beneath arching maples, Sedona’s most iconic fall hike.
- West Fork Trail Picnic Site: Easy creek access for a relaxed picnic amid glowing foliage.
- Midgley Bridge Overlook: Panoramic canyon views with colorful trees lining Oak Creek far below.
- Slide Rock State Park: Summer’s swimming hole transforms into a golden cottonwood gallery each October.
See Leaf Peeping Locations and Recent Fall Pics!
Submit your fall pics to this map! Email to info@southwestmedia.net
Scenic Fall Drives
Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon
A nationally recognized scenic drive between Sedona and the canyon’s rim. Every bend reveals red cliffs, golden creekside trees, and classic photo pullouts.
- Peak window: Mid–late October into early November
- Tip: Go early or midweek; parking fills quickly on weekends.
- Distance: 28 miles from Sedona to Oak Creek Vista
- Time: About 40 minutes one way
- Top Stop: Oak Creek Vista overlook (perfect for fall foliage photography)
Red Rock Loop Road (Upper & Lower)
Short, leisurely loops with postcard views of Cathedral Rock and creekside cottonwoods glowing in afternoon light.
- Peak window: Late October–early November
- Best stop: Crescent Moon Picnic Site / Red Rock Crossing
- Photo tip: Arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset for warm color.
Dry Creek Road to Boynton Canyon
Explore West Sedona fall color drives by taking Dry Creek Road to Boynton Canyon. The red rock formations paired with scattered autumn hues make this one of the best fall scenic drives in Sedona for photographers and hikers.
- Peak window: Late October–early November
Schnebly Hill Road (High-Clearance)
Rugged backroad climbing toward the Mogollon Rim. Offers dramatic vistas where golden trees stripe canyons below.
- Vehicle note: High-clearance/4x4 recommended; check road conditions.
- Timing: Late October is typically best; avoid after heavy rain.
When to Go for Peak Color
- Early October: First hints of color in upper Oak Creek Canyon.
- Mid–Late October: Prime color along 89A, West Fork, and Slide Rock.
- Early November: Lower elevations and Red Rock Loop typically linger with gold.
Weather can shift peak dates each year, so check local updates before you drive.
Quick Tips for a Perfect Visit
- Arrive early for parking at West Fork and popular overlooks.
- Weekdays = fewer crowds and easier photography.
- Pack layers—cool mornings, mild afternoons.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the best color often requires a short walk.
Best Easy Fall Hikes in Sedona
1. West Fork Trail
Voted the best hiking trail for fall colors in Sedona, West Fork Oak Creek trail is truly is the best trail to enjoy the gold and crimson leaves of fall along Oak Creek. You'll be walking between the gently flowing Oak Creek stream and the steep walls of the canyon, while surrounded by the fall colored leaves chattering in the wind. This is a beautiful and magical place, so please take extra care to not litter.
- Trail Rating: Easy
- Hiking Time: 2–3 hours round trip
- Location: 9.5 miles north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash
- Tip: Arrive early—parking fills up fast in fall!
2. Red Rock Crossing – Paved & Family-Friendly
This short and easy hike doesn't require crossing the creek. Red Rock Crossing, also known as Buddha Beach, can be accessed from Crescent Moon Ranch. It offers stunning views of Cathedral Rock and takes you to a spot where you can see the Red Rock Crossing Vortex.
- Picnic areas with BBQ grills
- Amazing views of Cathedral Rock framed by fall trees
3. Bear Sign Trail – Quiet Autumn Hike in Sedona
Tucked in the Secret Canyon Wilderness, Bear Sign Trail offers a shaded fall hike with fewer crowds, leading through forested paths to views of red and white sandstone cliffs.
- Rating: Moderate
- Scenery: Fern fields, oak groves, canyon walls
4. Huckaby Trail – Sedona Red Rock Views with Fall Foliage
This easy Sedona fall trail is close to town and winds along Oak Creek, offering a mix of autumn leaves and stunning views of Uptown Sedona and red rock formations.
- Location: Near Schnebly Hill Road
- Trail Type: Out-and-back with red rock views
5. Casner Canyon Trail – Hidden Gem for Fall Leaf Peeping
One of the most underrated Sedona fall hikes, Casner Canyon Trail crosses Oak Creek (expect to get your feet wet!) before climbing to jaw-dropping views from the rim.
- Rating: Moderate to strenuous
- Trailhead: Schnebly Hill Road area
- Scenery: Rock formations, oak groves, fall color contrasts
COZY CABINS & RESORTS WITH FALL SPECIALS
Junipine Resort
Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Great Views from Room | On-site Restaurant | Outdoor Pool | Whirlpool Tub | ADA Accessible | Family-Friendly | Fall Specials & Packages
Oak Creek Terrace Resort
Located on Oak Creek | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Whirlpool Tub
Mountain Modern
Our recently expanded Sedona hotel has all you need for the ultimate Sedona vacation. From an outdoor heated pool and hot tub to a bike repair station to keep you in tip-top shape, fire pits perfect for congregating, and The Den, o … More
Our recently expanded Sedona hotel has all you need for the ultimate Sedona vacation. From an outdoor heated pool and hot tub to a bike repair station to keep you in tip-top shape, fire pits perfect for congregating, and The Den, offering all day dining options, grab-and-go, and a full bar, we have all you’ll need and then some.
Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Concierge Service | Outdoor Pool | Mountain Bike Washing Station | BBQ or Grill | Suites | On-site Restaurant | Fitness Center | Fall Specials & Packages
Briar Patch Inn
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in
… More
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in distinctly different southwestern decor. The lush grounds - home to wildlife, birds and two resident sheep - showcase rambling walking paths, canyon oaks, giant pines and sycamores, all providing the perfect setting to nurture your relationship with nature. Healthy, bountiful, homemade breakfasts are offered by the creek in spring and summer and by the lodge fireplaces in fall and winter. An attentive, longtime staff strives to provide a quality of fine service that is the hallmark of this "magical" sanctuary. A Fodor's Choice and a Frommer's favorite.
Located on Oak Creek | Gourmet Breakfast | Weddings | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Romantic | Free Hot Breakfast | Massage Therapy | Good for Nature Lovers | Retreat & Workshop Venue | Intimate Wedding Venue | Fall Specials & Packages
The Wilde Resort and Spa
Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | Romantic | Massage Therapy | Fall Specials & Packages
L'Auberge De Sedona
Romantic | Great Views from Room | On-site Restaurant | Sauna | Hot Tub | Access to Trails | Located on Oak Creek | Yoga | Guided Meditation | Fall Specials & Packages
Amara Resort & Spa
Romantic | Great Views from Room | On-site Restaurant | Luxurious | Outdoor Pool | Outdoor fireplace | Located on Oak Creek | Sauna | Access to Trails | Fall Specials & Packages
Enchantment Resort
Romantic | Great Views from Room | Sauna | Hot Tub | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor fireplace | On-site Restaurant | Fall Specials & Packages
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