Oak Creek Canyon
Scenic drive · Arizona
Highway 89A drops 2,000 feet in 12 miles between Flagstaff and Sedona through a canyon of red-rock cliffs and bigtooth maple, with Oak Creek Vista's switchback overlook offering the classic view where Arizona's fall color meets its red rock.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 20–October 24
Color builds from October 7 · mostly bare by November 15
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Oak Creek Canyon’s own coordinates and elevation (1955 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Oak Creek Canyon on the map
More things to do in Arizona
Lockett Meadow
TrailPeak October 19
A dirt-road trailhead inside the volcanic caldera of the San Francisco Peaks leads into the Inner Basin, where dense aspen groves ring Arizona's highest mountain and turn gold by late September, the state's definitive aspen hike above Flagstaff.
Don’t miss: Inside a volcanic caldera · Arizona's highest peaks
Hannagan Meadow
Scenic drivePeak October 18
US 191's Coronado Trail twists through more than 400 curves over the White Mountains' high country, and Hannagan Meadow at 9,100 feet, with its 1926 lodge, anchors Arizona's most remote and reliably golden aspen stretch, far from Sedona's crowds.
Don’t miss: 400-plus curves along US 191 · 1926 Hannagan Meadow Lodge
Fear Farm
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks November 22
Billed as Arizona's largest Halloween event, Fear Farm packs haunted houses, a Field of Fear corn maze and a gellyball zombie range onto one Valley site. The operation recently moved to a new McClintock Drive address in Tempe, and every ticket is sold online only.
Don’t miss: Arizona's largest Halloween event · Field of Fear corn maze · Gellyball zombie range
Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
Fall festivalColor nearby peaks November 23
For over 25 years this Queen Creek farm has run the East Valley's big October harvest party, with a four-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, pig races and chili. Schnepf's own site says the farm "transforms into a harvest wonderland" every October.
Don’t miss: Four-acre corn maze · Pig races and hay rides · 25+ year tradition
Frequently asked
- When does Oak Creek Canyon peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 20–October 24 (best estimate October 22). Color starts around October 7 and is mostly bare by November 15.
- What is Oak Creek Canyon best for?
- Red rock and maple color combined.
Own or manage Oak Creek Canyon? Update your listing or get in touch.