While Arizona is known for its dry desert vistas, Flagstaff experiences a full range of seasonal weather—that means blankets of snow in the winter, vibrant blooms in the spring, sunny days in the summer, and beautiful changing leaves in the fall. If you’re looking to take an autumnal retreat this fall season, Flagstaff is the perfect destination!
Add stargazing to your list of amazing things to do during your fall trip to Northern Arizona! On this page, you will find out how to get the best leaf-watching and stargazing out of your trip.
(Labor Day – Memorial Day)
Monday: Noon – 10pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Noon – 10pm
Thursday: Noon – 10pm
Friday: Noon – 10pm
Saturday: Noon – 10pm
Sunday: Noon – 10pm
Cassiopeia is a constellation in the northern sky named after the vain queen Cassiopeia, mother of Andromeda, in Greek mythology, who boasted about her unrivaled beauty. To spot her in the sky, look for a ‘W’ shape ascending in the northeast after nightfall.
The constellation Pisces is easiest to see in October and November, or on late evenings in September. Because its stars are relatively dim, Pisces is most visible in a dark country sky. The constellation Pisces is part of a larger grouping of Pegasus, Andromeda, Aries, and Triangulum. It is also near Aquarius.
Aquarius is best seen in the evening sky during a Northern Hemisphere autumn or Southern Hemisphere spring. It’s just to the east of another zodiacal constellation, Capricornus. You can also use the Great Square of Pegasus to guide you toward Aquarius.
To find Andromeda, first look for the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia in the northern part of the sky. Andromeda is located directly next to Cassiopeia, and is also connected to a boxy shape of stars that make up the constellation Pegasus.
Aries is located in the Northern Hemisphere between Pisces to its west and Taurus to its east. The best view of Aries occurs on December nights around 9 p.m. local time. Alpha, Beta and Gamma Arietis are the three brightest stars within the Aries constellation.
To locate Perseus, look to the north, where Cassiopeia forms a bright “W” or “M” (depending on its orientation). If Cassiopeia resembles a “W,” Perseus will be the group of stars below the left part of the zig-zag. If Cassiopeia resembles an “M,” Perseus will be the group of stars below the right part of the zig-zag.
Look east just after dark for the Great Square of Pegasus around the time of the September equinox (which will occur on Thursday, Sept. 22 this year). Throughout late September and October evenings, the Great Square will be ascending in the eastern evening sky.
Cetus is easy to find as it is quite large and lies in a region of the sky lacking many stars. Cetus can be found most easily rising just above the eastern horizon in the fall and winter. The constellation is found just west of Taurus the Bull and East of Aquarius.
The constellation of Cepheus is bordered by the constellations Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Draco, Lacerta, and Ursa Minor. To find Cepheus, carry out a naked-eye search for its asterism. The five stars in the ‘house’ are Errai, Alfirk, Alderamin, Delta Cephei, and Iota Cephei.
Use Discover Flagstaff’s virtual LEAF-ometer to check on the changing fall colors around Flagstaff throughout the autumn season! Whether you’re planning a scenic hike or a seasonal photo session, the LEAF-ometer will keep you updated on what kinds of fall colors to expect.
You can also visit DiscoverFlagstaff.com to see beautiful photos taken in various locations around Flagstaff and surrounding areas for an accurate foliage forecast.
Every first Friday of the month, 5-9 PM
Heritage Square & Downtown Flagstaff
ArtWalk FLG brings Downtown Flagstaff to life every first Friday of the month. Art galleries and businesses open their doors to the community with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats, and more. From paintings and sculptures to live performances, such as the dancing grannies, the streets are filled with excitement as artists and art lovers mingle, listen and dance to music, and discover unique treasures. It’s a night of creativity, community, and endless inspiration—perfect for anyone looking to experience Flagstaff’s artistic heart!
To experience the fall colors at their finest, hit the hiking trails and climb to 8,000 feet in elevation; where large stands of aspen trees steal the show with their quaking leaves glowing like liquid sunshine.
To find out when the leaves will be changing, check the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer to see color ranges for different regions throughout Flagstaff. A scenic drive is a great way to see the fall colors, and so is a glorious autumn hike.
(928) 779-1951
Arizona Snowbowl is well known as a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. However, every summer and autumn nature lovers can take to the skies on the Scenic Gondola. As you soar over the mountains, you will enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp amber, with a bird’s eye view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below. Located north of Flagstaff off Highway 180 on Snowbowl Road. Drive through scenic Aspen Corner to catch the leaves shimmering gold in the sun and stretch your legs on a trail along the way. Bonus: The Grand Canyon can be spotted from this panoramic spot.
Sundays through October 2024
Sundays 8 am-12 pm
(928) 853-2382
The freshest in regional fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods, fresh flowers, tamales, jams, breads and more at City Hall on Sunday mornings and across from the Orpheum on Wednesdays. The Flagstaff Community Market aims to support small and medium sized independent growers and producers by providing folks with a local alternative to corporate and globalized food production in Northern Arizona. It’s definitely worth a stop to shop some fresh honey, spicy salsas and locally created crafts.
October 26, 2024
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
4:00pm – 8:00pm
As the Arboretum is seasonal and only open May through October, this will be their last event of 2024! Don’t miss out on fall pumpkin fun! Beer, food trucks, kids’ activities, music and hundreds of lit pumpkins will be waiting for you surrounded by ponderosa forest with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks.
