Autumn in Arizona

autumn in ARIZONA 5 naturewalks

1> Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail

When you mention fall color in Arizona, most people think about Northern Arizona. Not all, but most. There are two trails at this beautiful spot - a short paved loop to allow wheelchair access, and a longer loop with good old-fashioned dirt. Both trails bridge the habitats of forest and grassland, making it an ideal location to encounter not only fall colors, but also Steller's jays, Northern red-tailed hawks, mule deer, porcupines, pronghorns, elk and badgers. The views of the San Francisco Peaks are pretty amazing, too.

Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. Route 180 for approximately 20 miles to the southern end of Kendrick Park.

Elevation: 7,000 feet Distance: .25 miles (short loop) or 1.5 miles (long loop)

Difficulty: Easy

Information: 928-526-0866 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

2> Ackre Lake Trail

Add water to just about any setting and it's bound to get better. This remote trail near Hannagan Meadow is no exception. In addition to the lake and the mixed forest of aspens and conifers, this hike features a meadow called Butterfly Cienega, where you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for elk, mule deer and black bears. From there, the trail leads to Ackre Lake, where a log bridge crosses the dam. It's a great place to read a book or have a picnic. You can loop this trail by following Ackre Lake Road (Forest Road 8312) back to Butterfly Cienega and retracing your route from the meadow.

Directions: The trailhead is located just south of the Hannagan Meadow campground, which is 22 miles south of Alpine on U.S. Route 191.

Elevation: 9,100 to 8,700 feet

Distance: 3.5 miles, one way

Difficulty: Moderate

Information: 928-339-5000 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf

3> Barbershop Trail

The names of some trails in Arizona are curious, like this one, which is named for a sheepherder who once lived in the area. Apparently, he was as good at clipping his fellow herders as he was at shearing sheep. The trail meanders through a nice stretch of open forests and shallow canyons. Because of the high density of maples, aspens and oaks along this trail, the fall colors are beautiful. Of course, there are pines, firs and wildlife, too, including wild turkeys, mule deer, elk and black bears.

Directions: From Flagstaff, drive south on Forest Highway 3 for 55 miles to State Route 87. Go north on State 87 for 9 miles to Forest Road 95, turn right, and continue 8 miles to Forest Road 139. Continue 7 miles on FR 139 to the trailhead.

Elevation: 7,600 to 7,800 feet

Distance: 4.5 miles, one way

Difficulty: Moderate Information: 928-477-2255 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

4> Pole Knoll Recreation Area

There are several nature walks in this recreation-ation area, which is best known as a mecca for cross-country skiing. The shortest loop is slightly more than a mile, and the longest is 6 miles the entire complex of trails and roads runs for almost 30 miles. Most of the fall color is provided by the aspens and oaks, but the scenery goes beyond the autumn leaves. Pole Knoll also offers spectacular views of Sunrise Lake, Sunrise Peak and Mount Baldy to the southwest, Greens Peak to the north, and the Little Colorado Basin to the east.

Directions: From Springerville, go west on State Route 260 for approximately 14 miles. The trailhead is on the south side of the road. Specific trail information is available at the trailhead.

Elevation: 9,000 feet

Distance: Variable

Difficulty: Easy

Information: 928-333-4301 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf

5> Trail to Dog Lake

October is one of your last chances to visit the Grand Canyon's North Rim, as winter snows usually close the road sometime this month. There are numerous places to see fall-tinged leaves in this neck of the woods, but the trail to Dog Lake, which follows a portion of the Arizona Trail and requires a high-clearance vehicle, is one of the best. Among other things, it crosses two beautiful alpine meadows. The highlight, though, at least this time of year, is the lake itself. Although it's just a pond, it's ringed with aspens, which provide the ultimate gold rush in the fall. You'll likely see mule deer and maybe some turkeys, too, but the aspens steal the show. Directions: From Jacob Lake, drive south on State Route 67 for approximately 26 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 611 and go 1.4 miles, veering right and then left, to continue on FR 611. The road is signed East Rim View. Drive another 2.5 miles on this road to the trailhead.

Elevation: 8,802 feet

Distance: 3.8 miles, round-trip

Difficulty: Easy

Information: 928-643-7395 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai

5 hardcorehikes

6> Mormon Mountain Trail

This relatively quiet trail leads to the peak of Mormon Mountain (8,449 feet) and climbs gradually through a forest of ponderosa pines, mixed conifers and aspens. At a number of places along the route, openings in the forest canopy provide long-distance views of Mormon Lake, and the grassy flats and forest-covered hills that surround it. For a short distance after leaving the trailhead, Mormon Mountain Trail shares the path with the self-guided nature trail that skirts a nearby campground. The mountain trail then branches off on its own to complete the 1,500-foot climb.

Directions: From Flagstaff, go south on Forest Highway 3 for 20 miles to the intersection with Forest Road 90. Turn west on FR 90 and drive 3.5 miles to the Montezuma Lodge turnoff. Drive 0.6 miles to the trailhead. All roads are paved except the last 0.6 miles.

Elevation: 7,200 to 8,449 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Information: 928-526-0866 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

7> Kachina Trail

Although nearby Humphreys Peak gets most of the attention, this beautiful trail follows a gently rolling course along the middle slopes of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area. Most of the fall color radiates from the stands of white-barked aspens. The trail also offers good views of the rocky upper slopes of the mountain and the forests surrounding its base. It comes with a soundtrack, too. If you listen closely, you'll likely hear the bugling sounds of bull elk as they gather harems for the breeding season.

Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on State Route 180 for 7 miles to Forest Road 516 (Snowbowl Road), turn right and continue another 7.4 miles to the lower parking lot. The trailhead is at the south end of the lot.

Elevation: 9,325 to 8,788 feet

Distance: 5 miles, one way

Difficulty: Moderate Information: 928-526-0866 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

8> Sterling Pass Trail

Named for a local settler, this trail follows one of the nicest canyons in the Oak Creek drainage. As the path climbs up the canyon, it rubs shoulders with stunning outcroppings near the rim, while offering distant panoramas to the east. At Sterling Pass, the trail zigzags down the other side to the Vultee Arch Trail. A short spur trail to Vultee Arch leads to one of the best panoramas of the Red Rock-Secret Canyon Wilderness. If you're wondering about color, that comes primarily from dwarf canyon maples, which turn scarlet and peach this time of year.

Directions: From Sedona, drive north on State Route 89A for 6 miles to the trailhead on the west side of the road, about a half-mile north of Milepost 380. Parking is available south of nearby Manzanita Campground, on the east side of the highway.

Elevation: 4,850 to 5,950 feet

Distance: 2.4 miles, one way

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Information: 928-282-4119 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

9> Gobbler Point Trail

Gobbler Point is the steepest trail leading into the Bear Wallow Wilderness, and it offers one of the best displays of fall color in the state. In addition to the panoramic views, there are all kinds of trees, including a mixed stand of conifers, ponderosa pines and aspens along the trail's upper reaches. That group eventually gives way to clumps of Gambel oaks, red-osier dogwoods and bracken ferns as the trail loses altitude. At the junction with Bear Wallow Trail on the canyon floor, the trail winds through a parklike community of ponderosa pines and canyon hardwoods, including Arizona ash, alders and box elders. Keep in mind, this trail eventually leads to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, where a special-use permit from the tribe is required for entry.

Directions: From Alpine, go south on U.S. Route 191 for approximately 28 miles to Forest Road 25. Go west on FR 25 about 7 miles to Gobbler Point Road, which is on the south side of the road. Follow this road to the left at the first fork, and head right at the second fork for 3 miles to the trailhead.

Elevation: 8,770 to 6,700 feet

Distance: 2.7 miles, one way

Difficulty: Strenuous

Information: 928-339-5000 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf

10> Butterfly Trail

This trail passes through an area so biologically diverse that part of it has been designated a Research Natural Area. In the higher elevations, you'll see ponderosa pines, Douglas firs and Southwestern white pines, while Arizona madrones, box elders and bigtooth maples offer a blast of color in the lower reaches. As the name suggests, there are butterflies too, which congregate in clusters among the wildflowers. If it's views you're after, the panoramas along this trail are as diverse as the biologyespecially if you take the short side hike to the top of Mount Bigelow, where you'll find good views of Tucson to the west.

Directions: From Tucson, go east on Grant Road for 8 miles to Tanque Verde Road. Continue east on Tanque Verde for 3 miles to the Catalina Highway. Drive 4.2 miles to the forest boundary, and continue 19 miles to the Palisade Visitor Information Center. The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot.

Elevation: 6,500 to 8,200 feet

Distance: 5.7 miles, one way

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Information: 520-749-8700 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado

5 scenicdrives

11> Beaverhead to Alpine

Before you load the minivan, ask yourself this question: Am I afraid of hairpin turns and the middle of nowhere? If you answer yes, point your vehicle somewhere else. Or, better yet, hire a driver, because this route offers the ultimate taste of the great out-doors. Elk, black bears, deer and mountain lions are in the neighborhood, and so are Mexican gray wolves. You probably won't see any wolves, but you will see an abundance of fall color. You'll also see the Blue River, which you'll have to cross at one point. The river crossing is firm, and as long as it's not at flood stage, most vehicles can make it across. High-clearance, however, is recommend-ed. After that, it's smooth sailing on a dirt road back to Alpine.Directions: From Alpine, go south on U.S. Route 191 for 14 miles to Forest Road 567 at Beaverhead. Continue east on FR 567 for 13 miles to Blue Crossing, turn left onto Forest Road 281, and continue 22 miles back to Alpine.

Elevation: 8,050 to 8,127 feet Distance: 49 miles Information: 928-339-5000 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf

12> Sky Island Scenic Byway

There are a couple things you need to know about this drive. One, it's also known as the Catalina Highway, the Mount Lemmon High-way and the General Hitchcock Highway. And two, you won't be alone. Don't let that stop you, though. This is one of the most scenic routes in the Southwest, and it's an easy way to get a healthy dose of fall color. Really, if you're into flora and fauna, it doesn't get much better than this the Catalina Range is one of the most naturally diverse regions in the continental United States.

Directions: From Tucson, drive east on Grant Road for 8 miles to Tanque Verde Road. Continue east on Tanque Verde for 3 miles to the Sky Island Scenic Byway, a.k.a. the Catalina Highway. The scenic drive is a paved, winding two-lane road that begins at the boundary of Coronado National Forest and terminates in the village of Summerhaven.

Elevation: 3,000 to 9,100 feet Distance: 27 miles Information: 520-749-8700 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado

13> Schultz Pass Road

If you're looking for a quick getaway, this is it. Shultz Pass represents one of the state's shortest distances from civilization to wilderness. In another era, it served as a shortcut from the settlements in the eastern part of the Flagstaff area to downtown. Today, it provides easy access to great views of the aspens in the San Francisco Peaks. It also serves as a gateway to cool ponderosa pine forests, lots of hiking trails and picnic spots. Of course, because of its easy access, you won't be alone on this road, so please be courteous to fellow travelers.

Directions: From Flagstaff, drive about 2 miles north on U.S. Route 180. Just beyond the Museum of Northern Arizona, turn east onto Forest Road 420 and follow this road up and over Schultz Pass to U.S. Route 89, where you'll turn south for the return trip to Flagstaff.

Elevation: 7,000 to 7,800 feet

Distance: 26 miles

Information: 928-526-0866 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

14> Forest Road 300

After the Grand Canyon, the Mogollon Rim is the most striking geological feature in Arizona. Measured in thousands of feet and hundreds of miles, it begins near the border with New Mexico and stretches diagonally across most of the state. Through the lens of a camera, binoculars or your own baby blues, the views from the Rim are unbe-lievable, uninterrupted and unsurpassed. Going from east to west, the well-graded gravel road, suitable for everything from a Prius to a conversion van, kicks off near Woods Canyon Lake. From there, it winds along the Rim past the turnoffs to Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake and several other small lakes, before striking pavement at State Route 260 just north of Strawberry.

Directions: From Payson, drive east on State Route 260 past Kohl's Ranch to where the road tops out on the Mogollon Rim. Turn left toward Woods Canyon Lake and continue about a mile to Forest Road 300.

Elevation: 7,500 to 5,800 feet

Distance: 54 miles

Information: 928-477-2255 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

15> Garland Prairie

This route, which crosses and runs parallel to an overland route once used by Indians, trappers and explorers, is not only scenic, it's also historic. Like most roads that leave pavement, this one is best experienced with a high-clearance vehicle, but if the road isn't muddy, a Honda Accord will do just fine. Garland Prairie which was settled by homesteaders who were only mildly successful at farming and White Horse Lake are the highlights of this drive. You'll have to detour to get to the lake, but the dense stand of quaking aspens makes it worthwhile. When it comes to fall color, nothing is more beautiful than white-barked aspens and their golden leaves. Postcard views continue from the aspen grove all the way to Williams.

Directions: From Flagstaff, go west on Interstate 40 for 17 miles to Exit 178 at Parks. Drive south on Forest Road 141 (Garland Prairie Road) for approximately 12 miles (there will be several 90-degree turns) to Forest Road 109. Go south for 5.3 miles to White Horse Lake, then backtrack to Forest Road 141 and go west for 3.3 miles to Forest Road 140. Continue west on FR 140 for 2.8 miles to Forest Road 173, turn right (north), and continue 4.5 miles to Williams.

Elevation: 6,800 feet

Distance: 33 miles

Information: 928-635-5600 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai Fall Color Hotline: From mid-September through mid-November, the U.S. Forest Service offers a hotline with information on fall colors in Arizona. Call 800-354-4595 for the latest updates, or visit www.fs.fed.us/ news/fallcolors. Al