If you are like the rest of us, you are probably over summer at this point. Even without the recording-breaking heat of this year, you will find that summer is great small doses. That is why vacationing to Flagstaff is always the best when you spend some time here in the fall. The weather is cooling off and you will find plenty of outdoor activities still completely open. Take a look at why a Flagstaff in the fall is best as compared to other times of the year:
Better Weather and Less Crowds
When someone thinks of Arizona, they typically think of the desert that surrounds Phoenix and the rest of central and southern Arizona. The beauty of our state is that it has tons of variety with its climate, especially in northern Arizona, where Flagstaff is located. Many locals in Phoenix tend to escape the blistering heat of summer by making a drive to Flagstaff for the weekend. Even with Flagstaff having cooler temps the summer has been a long one. That is where the fall season comes in with incredible weather that encourages you for all of the outdoor play. You will find the weather to be wonderful in the 60s and 70s throughout most of the fall season during the day. This makes hiking the many trails enjoyable. Late night temps cool down quick allowing you to enjoy some time in front of the fire pit making s’mores and looking up at the stars. (Flagstaff is a Dark Sky Community, allowing you to see endless stars above you!) Best of all, you will not find the summer crowds in Flagstaff during the fall so you can explore downtown Flagstaff easily enough. Now that is quite a way to enjoy your fall break!
Fall Events
The fall season also has a variety of events that will make your time in Flagstaff the best yet. These fall activities are only offered this time of year. To kick it off, make sure to visit Flagstaff when Oktoberfest is happening. This world celebrated event kicks off the fall season here in Flagstaff. The Flagstaff Oktoberfest is all things German food and drink along with autumn activities. This yearly event may have origins in Germany but is now a worldwide celebration. The Flagstaff Oktoberfest has celebrated 14 years of bringing together visits and locals alike for a timely event that includes German beer, brats, pretzels, and more. You will find exciting activities including brat eating contests, polka music, stein holding competitions, and more. Make sure you dress up in your best lederhosen and enjoy this family friendly event. The 2023 Flagstaff Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday October 7th from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.
Changing Color of Leaves
While most of Arizona is covered in a desert landscape Flagstaff surrounded by beautiful forest scenery. The fall season brings out a variety of beautiful colors as the leaves change for the season. Come see the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that light up the landscape over Flagstaff. Some call this activity leaf peeping, and it is a great way to see the area in the fall. With the numerous hiking trails in the area, you will have no shortage of areas to explore!
Ride the Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride
Flagstaff is known for having some incredible winter sports at Arizona Snowbowl during the winter. To use the slopes, you will take one of the ski lifts to reach the top. Arizona Snowbowl also features a scenic gondola that is used for those who want to take a look at the surrounding beauty of Flagstaff. These enclosed gondolas provide a scenic ride like no other especially if you came to see the changing colors of the leaves. Don’t miss out on this fall activity in Flagstaff.
Fall Hiking
As mentioned, Flagstaff has plenty of hiking trails in the area that will keep you busy all trip long. One popular trail is the Aspen Nature Loop that offers a relative easy experience with plenty of scenery around you. The trail is easy to find right at the base of Arizona Snowbowl. Another great area to hike around is Bismarck Lake. You will find more rigorous trails perfect for those who wish to find a more challenging outdoor experience. The local ponds and marshes provide plenty of opportunities to have local wildlife be spotted during your hike.
More Fun in Flagstaff This Fall
Get ready for a fall getaway like no other when you book a stay here in Flagstaff. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to fall activities and events. Book today before your favorite vacation property is already reserved for the fall season.
