Vivid Fall Colors from the Great Lakes to the West Coast

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With crisp autumn days settling in, now is the time to venture out and explore the dazzling hues of the season. Maximize your time out in the fresh air and plan a day hike, mountain bike ride, or even a night camping under the stars. Don’t forget your camera, a water bottle, and a snack to fuel your day out on the trails. Here are nine locations sure to showcase fall foliage and autumn activities from the Great Lakes to the West Coast.

Fall in love with these spectacular public lands across the West

Tonto National Forest

Arizona

Yellow leafed brush and a large cactus in a mountainous desert forest

Tonto National Forest (Raymond Lee, Share the Experience)

Squeeze in one last fall getaway on the Tonto National Forest, where peak viewing time occurs mid-October through mid-November. The Pinal Mountains are home to oaks and small pockets of aspens in the Signal Peak area. Maples and aspens have been known to turn red in the upper reaches of Icehouse and Sixshooter Canyons. Be sure to stop by Ferndell Spring in upper Sixshooter Canyon and look for the nation’s largest canyon maple tree.

Hiawatha National Forest

Michigan

Aerial view of red, orange, yellow, and green-hued forest stand.

Hiawatha National Forest (Dan Mitler, Share the Experience)

The Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula touches the scenic shorelines and beaches of three Great Lakes and is home to six historic Michigan lighthouses. Point Iroquois Lighthouse on the Lake Superior shoreline is a must-see on your fall bucket list.

Beginning in late September, the forest radiates the colors of crimson, yellow, gold, green and brown. The Hiawatha has over 30 varieties of trees which provide a rainbow of fall colors including oaks, maples, birches, beeches, and aspens. You can follow this fall color tour of the west side of the forest for an incredible assortment of scenic drives, hikes, and activities.

Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming

A mountain range and yellow trees reflect in a glassy blue lake

Grand Teton National Park (Colin Dunleavy, Share the Experience)

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most idyllic destinations in the country, perhaps even more so during the fall. Aspens cast a golden glow on glassy lakes, and the days are often sunny and cool. Many trails remain open in the fall season, but higher-elevation trails may close early due to snowfall. Another great way to take in the season is by driving one of the park’s four scenic drives. Stop at an overlook to take pictures and scout for wildlife – elk, bison, mule deer, and pronghorn are beginning their seasonal migrations in the fall. Drive safely and watch for large animals, especially at night when wildlife tends to migrate and may be difficult to see.

Fishlake National Forest

Utah

Aspen in shades of red, orange, and yellow mingle with conifers on a mountainside

Fishlake National Forest (John Zapell, US Forest Service)

Located in south-central Utah, the Fishlake National Forest has all you’ll need to go outside and play this fall. Reserve a scenic, high-elevation lakeside campsite at LeBaron or Mackinaw Campgrounds to make the most of your mid-week or weekend trip. While hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities are plentiful, this forest is a hidden gem for anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders, with nearly 2700 miles (4345 km) of motorized trails and roads. Be sure you have the appropriate state licenses for fishing and riding before planning your trip.

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Arkansas

Short waterfalls fill a small hollow in a forest in the fall

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests (Daniel Breedlove, Share the Experience)

If the Midwest wasn't already on your fall travel bucket list, it will be now! The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests encompass 1.2 million acres (4856.2 km²) of scenic mountain vistas, hardwood forests, and clear mountain streams and pools. No matter what piques your interest, these forests have it all – hiking, camping, swimming, kayaking, fishing, OHV trails, cavern tours, and more. The Ozark Highlands Trail offers 270 miles (434 km) of hiking the most rugged and scenic terrain in the area including high bluffs and low creek crossings. Mild Midwest winters means this trail is usually open for exploring further into the fall season than those out West.

Coconino National Forest

Arizona

Looking up at yellow aspen trees on a clear blue sky day

Coconino National Forest (Jim Grindley, Share the Experience)

If you thought you knew the Coconino National Forest, think again. From Sedona’s red rocks to Ponderosa pines, southwestern desert vistas and ancient cliff dwellings to sweeping alpine tundra, the Coconino spans many landscapes and seasons. As early as mid-September, aspens begin to take on their golden glow in the forest’s highlands, descending to the desert canyons in mid-October. Plan your trip with the help of this guide to fall colors on the forest. The Cabin Loop Trail System and Inner Basin Trail (3.9 mi / 6.3 km) are excellent, though challenging, ways to explore the changing scenery.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota

Boardwalk with railings leading to a lake surrounded by yellow-leafed trees in the fall season.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Thia Xiong, US Fish and Wildlife Service)

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities, and wildlife. The refuge offers a variety of recreational activities from hiking, biking, and walking to wildlife viewing, hunting, and even cross-country skiing in the winter. There is always something exciting happening on the Refuge; check out the event calendar and plan a special autumn afternoon outing with your friends and family.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Montana

An old wooden barn in a foggy field in the fall

Custer Gallatin National Forest (Vicki Corso, Share the Experience)

Part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Custer Gallatin National Forest is the epitome of Big Sky country with remote buttes, pine savannahs, and shimmering lakes. Considered one of the most beautiful mountain drives in America, the Beartooth Scenic Byway is a must for your autumn adventure. Spend a few hours winding this scenic highway, stopping at overlooks and going for day hikes for a fall-filled day. The cool mountain air and never-ending scenery is sure to sweep you away, so consider adding an overnight (or two) to your itinerary at one of the forest’s 57 campgrounds or cabins.

Inyo National Forest

California

A large waterfall tumbles down a mountainside surrounded by bright yellow trees

Inyo National Forest (John Luciano, Share the Experience)

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Eastern Sierra. The Inyo National Forest is a popular, though beautiful, recreation destination year-round. Wilderness hiking and backpacking is a common activity during this season as temperatures begin to fall, but requires lots of careful planning and preparation. You might also consider a mid-week trip at one of Inyo’s idyllic campgrounds – many reservable campgrounds have spots available into late October. Once night falls, turn your shutter to the stars to capture incredible dark night skies.

Explore Related Trips

Bring Home a Story

Rainbow Point Campground Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, AR
Blanchard Springs Caverns Recreation Area Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, AR
Pine Flat Campground West Coconino National Forest, AZ
Sharp Creek Campground Tonto National Forest, AZ

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

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