Fall Colors in Arizona’s Snowbowl: Aspen Nature Loop Trail

I remember 7 years ago when my husband and I were discussing the time of year we wanted to get married. My husband thought October would be the perfect month to celebrate anniversaries: crisp, cool weather, the beginning of the holiday season, and most importantly, fall colors.

It turns out that his predictions were spot on!  Every anniversary trip I’ve taken so far has landed in perfect, cool weather, towns decorated for fall & Halloween, as well as changing leaves! For our 5th we decided to go to Flagstaff AZ, which happened to be the most amazing fall colors I’ve seen yet!

Flagstaff AZ lies at the foot of the San Francisco mountains, about 2.25 hrs north of Phoenix. These mountains are home to miles of hiking & biking, not to mention Mt. Humphries, the tallest peak in Arizona! I’ve never been to Flagstaff before, but after spending time in the historic downtown and driving up to Arizona’s Snowbowl I decided this would not be my last trip here!

Arizona’s Snowbowl is located close underneath the summit of Mt. Humphries. It offers hiking, biking, skiing, and killer sweeping views of the surrounding valley. We couldn’t believe how beautiful all the Aspen were, so we decided to take a leisurely hike on the Aspen Nature Loop and enjoy the fall colors!

Aspen Nature Loop:

Directions: (From historic downtown) Head North on N Humphries St/180N. Follow this road to the edge of town and turn right/north onto N Snowbowl Rd. Follow this road past the Arizona Snowbowl entrance. Parking is immediately on your left, and the trailheads are at the far end of the parking lot. The Arizona Snowbowl is very clearly marked along the way, just follow the signs.

Length: The loop is 1.8 miles, but I definitely suggest going on off-trail excursions!

Difficulty: Easy

Pets Ok? Yes

Crowds: Medium. There were a lot of people here, but we managed to find our own spots. There was no line to park (like there was at West Fork Oak Creek Canyon and Inner Basin Trail), so that was a plus!

Tips:

• -After hiking the loop, don’t go home without walking across the field to the huge grove of Aspen on the other side of the ski-lift! That grove is what dreams are made of!!
• -There were signs reporting high bear activity in the area. Because of the crowds, we decided not to carry our pistol, but my husband carried his hunting knife. Please be aware of wildlife, especially if towing young children.
• -Highly suggest bringing a blanket or jacket to stretch out on the grass and take a nap!
• -We saw many, many photographers doing photo shoots in this area. Plan ahead and bring your tripod to get your own shots for free!

A little before halfway the trail starts to wind away from the Aspen, and the crowds thin out. I actually thought we might have followed the wrong trail since we suddenly found ourselves alone! It turned out to be a good spot for a nap!

After a couple of trail intersections (clearly marked) we found ourselves back in the Aspen.

The whole time we were hiking the loop, we thought it might lead us to a rather magical-looking grove of Aspen on the other side of the ski lift. When we found ourselves almost back where we started, we decided to cut across the field to this magical grove ourselves. It turns out there’s a dirt path from the parking lot that will take you there. Do yourself a favor and don’t go home until you’ve gone to the other side!

All the Aspen we saw on the loop were really pretty, but the Aspen in this grove were prettier. As I said earlier, it’s what dreams are made of. At least my dreams, anyway.

I don’t want to sound cheesy, but stepping into this grove of Aspen was like stepping into a Cathedral. The golden leaves littering the ground created a muted effect, and it was very still and quiet…

Quiet except for my oblivious dog who was crashing through any and everything. *sigh* Serenity is lost on her.

If I was David Rockefeller I would buy this whole mountaintop, close it off to the public and make my home in this grove of Aspen.

I would also buy my own private jet and travel the world, but that’s another story.

In short, if you are looking for a unique place to see some fall colors, consider Flagstaff! There were many places to hike in the beautiful Aspen trees! Word to the wise, if you are going to attempt Inner Basin Trail, go early. I thought I’d mosey in around 2:30 after visiting Sedona and there was a 3.5-mile line to the parking lot! Needless to say, I will be doing the Inner Basin Trail on another visit!

Don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know what you think!!

What are some places you guys like to see fall colors??? I wanna know!!

Until next time!