So You Want To See Arizona's Golden Aspens...

In the next few weeks, people from across the state will be flocking to the Inner Basin Trail see the beautiful golden aspens of Flagstaff. Sometime around late September or early October, the leaves will change from a bright green to a golden yellow and turn an already-magical forest to something out of a fairytale. There's one big catch though- it's not a "fairytale" getting there. It's actually a nightmare because it's a busy. ass. trail.

Walking along the Inner Basin Trail in Flagstaff

Luckily, I have some tips that will hopefully help your mission a little bit easier:

• No one knows exactly when the leaves will peak in color but the easiest way to find out is by checking the Flagstaff Leaf-o-meter at https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/plan-your-trip/leafometer/ or by following outdoor enthusiasts and location-specific hashtags on social media like #lockettmeadow and #innerbasintrail. 
• The road to get up to the trailhead is a narrow, windy, gravel road up the side of a mountain with a drop on one side. The road will barely fit two cars across and people camp on the sides so be mindful of your dust and considerate to let people pass.
• The parking lot is an absolute mad house during peak colors, even on week days. If you have the flexibility, go early on a week day and be prepared to wait for parking.
• The Inner Basin Trail is a moderate hike. The trailhead begins at somewhere near 8,600ft and ends at around 10,500ft. If you are not used to the elevation or incline, you might have a rough time.
• You won't get to the aspens until about a mile into the trail. If you have young children who don't love hiking, plan accordingly. (Speaking from experience)
• This is a very dog-friendly trail. You will almost certainly see a dog off-leash here. I am sure this trail is subject to leash laws but every time I have gone, I've seen plenty of well-behaved dogs off-leash and even more on a leash. If you're not a dog person, you might want to skip this one.
• There are other trails in Flagstaff that offer views of the aspens and some of them you don't even need to leave your car for!

Not a hiker?

Consider Aspen Corner instead. Aspen Corner is a quick drive up Snowbowl Road. You can either park in the lot and take a stroll or drive right through to see the fall colors. No hiking necessary!

Aspen Corner off Snowbowl Road in Flagstaff

Either way, I hope this helps your peak foliage time in Arizona a little more enjoyable. If for some reason you don't get to these spots when the colors are poppin', these trails are beautiful before the leaves change too... and, as always, respect your trails, respect your fellow hikers, respect the wildlife and leave no trace.