Today we’re sharing our favorite spot near Pinetop-Lakeside to see fall foliage and changing leaves.
Although we do have to intentionally chase fall leaves in Arizona, there are incredible spots that will take your breath away, especially if you’re a native Arizona resident (and your kids are, too). Here’s our full Arizona guide to fall leaves.
Kids as young as toddlers (mine was three years old when we did this trip) was awe struck with the beauty of the hanging leaves.
Best of all, this is a budget-friendly outing, with the only expense being the fuel to make the trek.
Keep reading for our favorite scenic drive, activities to plan once you’re in the fall foliage and how we made it fall break trip!
XO,
East Valley Moms
When to see changing leaves in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona
The visitors bureau recommends families plan to chase fall foliage around Pinetop and Show Low the first three weeks in October.
If you’ve missed that window, there are other areas in northern Arizona that offer later fall leaves, like Sedona’s season which goes into November. (Get our Sedona fall leaves itinerary here.)
We went on a week day (fall break), and didn’t run into anybody else, let alone crowds. However, others had warned me that weekends can get busy, but that wasn’t our personal experience.
Where to find fall leaves near Pinetop Lakeside
Driving through town you’ll catch glimpses of fall trees, but if you want to really soak them in with an intentional destination: Greens Peak is about 30 minutes from Pinetop Lakeside and worth the extra car time.
Take State Route 260 to Forest Road 117 and follow signs for Greens Peak; it’s a well maintained dirt and gravel road you’ll drive five miles on.
On the drive in, keep an eye out for wildlife; there’s signs for Mexican Grey Wolves (a reintroduction area), cows, elk, wild turkeys (we saw about seven of them!) and more.
With options for four-wheel trucks or family minivans, we’ve got you covered with recommendations for both.
For minivans, sedans and other family cars: Keep on Forest Road 117 and you’ll circle the peak for breathtaking views looking up at the peak. There’s also lots of pull off spots to get out of the car to take photos, picnic and enjoy the views.
If your family has a truck/high clearance vehicle: Forest Road 117 offers a fork in the road to turn onto Forest Road 61C; it’s a bumpy, adventurous road but worth it. (Or you can do this side trip as a hike. From FR 117, it’s about 2 miles to the lookout.)
What to bring to see fall leaves
This destination is untouched nature; no restrooms are available, and no other services offered.
From the cabin we were staying at in Pinetop Lakeside, this was a 45 minute drive, so we wanted to make a half day out of it so we packed outside toddler toys, a picnic lunch and of course, plenty of water, to maximize the morning.
Where to stay to see fall leaves near Pinetop Lakeside
For camping families, on Forest Road 117, there were lots of dry camping options. On the day we explored, I spotted both tent camping and RVs staying overnight.
We stayed at Adair Springs, a family-friendly vacation rental cabin that we adored (more info on it here). Located on a half acre, it offered ample outside play area (fenced in) for kids to enjoy including a play set, and it was minutes away from local eateries.
Adair Springs is a three bedroom (plus loft), 1.5 bathroom log cabin that’s ideal for young families. Amenities include backyard play set with swings, slides and rock climbing wall, plus board games, blackout curtains in each bedroom, board games, gaming console, toddler toys (trucks, building blocks, etc.), plasticware kids dishes, high chair, pack and play plus more.
They have a direct booking website to avoid airbnb service fees, too! Book directly to save about 15% off fees here.
We have stayed at this cabin multiple times, in the summer (here’s our summer itinerary) and fall; we keep coming back because of it’s location (0.5 miles from Woodland Lake Park with a walking trail that connects from the cabin to the park), and the backyard play set.
