The Fall Foliage On Arizona's Dane Ridge Doesn't Stick Around Long, So Make Plans To See It While You Can
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 29, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Tucked away in the Coconino National Forest down a series of forest roads is an awe-inspiring drive that could make all your fall foliage dreams come true. The one-way distance for this drive is a hair over 18 miles and it’s spectacular in the fall! Through the forest filled with towering pine trees, you’ll stumble upon small groves of oak trees all aglow in their vibrant seasonal foliage as you make your journey towards Dane Ridge. It’s a spectacular place to view fall foliage in Arizona during the month of October. But make plans as soon as you can! The fall colors here won’t last too long.
The best way to tackle this route to Dane Ridge along the bumpy dirt or gravel forest roads is by driving a high-clearance vehicle. If you don't have an SUV or a pick-up truck, you can still attempt the drive with a sedan as long as the weather is good.
Smaller vehicles are not advisable in rain or other weather events along these roads. But no matter what type of vehicle you're in, you must drive slowly on roads like these.
This scenic fall foliage drive starts at State Route 87 and, once you see the office for the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, you'll head east along Forest Road 95 (FR 95).
This part of the route winds through the Mogollon Rim area and its ponderosa pines. While a marvelous sight in their own right, if it's colorful leaves you wish to see, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional oak or juniper tree along the way.
Eventually, you'll encounter East Clear Creek Bridge along FR 95. After crossing the bridge, you'll turn onto FR 96, head over another small bridge and continue on your journey.
The journey to Dane Ridge may seem long but it's so worth it once you take in the spectacular fall hues as well as the Mogollon Rim. There's no other place quite like this to see fall foliage in Arizona!
Will you take a drive to Dane Ridge to view colorful fall foliage in Arizona this October? I think I will! Where are your favorite locations to see fall colors in the state? Let us know. To learn more about the Mogollon Rim Ranger District and directions to Dane Ridge, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
