All seasons are beautiful in Arizona, but there’s just something special about fall. The crisp morning air, the leaves beginning to change, and the knowledge that the holiday season is right around the corner just makes this time of year absolutely magical.
If you’re looking for a short-and-sweet outdoor adventure to embark on this fall, the Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail is perfect. At less than a mile long, this easy hike boasts some of the most breathtaking autumn foliage in Arizona.
The unparalleled beauty of this hike starts before you even hit the trail.
Flickr/Kevin Dooley Brilliant fall foliage lines Mogollon Rim road, offering incredible windshield views as you slowly wind up the lofty bluffs.
As for the trail itself, it’s just under a mile long and relatively flat the whole way.
AllTrails/Steve Ferguson That being said, the starting elevation is over 7,000 feet, you’ll still get to see the Rim in all its sprawling glory.
Every season is beautiful here, but fall has a certain special enchantment about it.
AllTrails/Steve Ferguson The trees show off their most mesmerizing red, yellow, and orange hues, the fairytale landscape only growing more magical with each step you take.
Images of pumpkin pie and jack-o-lanterns will dance in your head as you marvel at the scenery.
AllTrails/Steve Ferguson Pro-tip: visit in the morning to feel the crisp autumn breeze on your skin as you traverse the loop.
You’ll encounter a handful of stream crossings, the water framed by eye-popping golden leaves in the most beautiful way.
AllTrails/Steve Ferguson There are several benches, so feel free to relax and take in the views.
After little more than half an hour, awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the entire Rim open up before your eyes.
AllTrails/Nancy Harvey Silhouettes of mountain peaks tower in the distance, and the entire landscape is blanketed in a thick layer of lush greenery.
For another captivating perspective of the foliage, drive out to where roads 321 and 321C intersect.
Flickr/USDA Forest Service, Coconino National Forest A slew of colorful trees all up and down the cliffside make for an picture-perfect ending to your little adventure.
Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.
Flickr/Kevin Dooley
Brilliant fall foliage lines Mogollon Rim road, offering incredible windshield views as you slowly wind up the lofty bluffs.
AllTrails/Steve Ferguson
That being said, the starting elevation is over 7,000 feet, you’ll still get to see the Rim in all its sprawling glory.
AllTrails/Steve Ferguson
The trees show off their most mesmerizing red, yellow, and orange hues, the fairytale landscape only growing more magical with each step you take.
Pro-tip: visit in the morning to feel the crisp autumn breeze on your skin as you traverse the loop.
There are several benches, so feel free to relax and take in the views.
AllTrails/Nancy Harvey
Silhouettes of mountain peaks tower in the distance, and the entire landscape is blanketed in a thick layer of lush greenery.
Flickr/USDA Forest Service, Coconino National Forest
A slew of colorful trees all up and down the cliffside make for an picture-perfect ending to your little adventure.
Have you ever hiked Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail during fall? If so, was the foliage as striking as pictures make it out to be? Let us know, and check out our previous article for another incredible autumn hike: The Awesome Hike That Will Take You To The Most Spectacular Fall Foliage In Arizona.
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Address: Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA
