Youll fall for Arizonas amazing autumn colors

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You’ll “fall” for Arizona’s amazing autumn colors

Why worry about bundling up and possible rain when you just want to see Mother Nature at her best? Arizona’s mild climate and almost-guaranteed sunny days make viewing fall foliage ideal. Here are some favorite spots where visitors can enjoy Arizona’s amazing autumn colors:

Begin your journey in northern Arizona, at the Arboretum at Flagstaff. Situated at more than 7,000 feet, this treasure trove of trees offers one of the most spectacular fall color shows in the state. Visitors will see the changing colors of the aspen, box elder and amur maple trees, just to name a few. Go to www.thearb.org/fall_color.htm for more.

In addition to beautiful foliage, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Payson features the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Visitors here will enjoy the short hike down to the bottom of the waterfalls that gently cascade over the bridge and surrounding rocks. All that water has created an ideal environment for the brilliant aspen, cottonwood and elder trees that surround the park. Go to www.pr.state.az.us for more.

For those who would rather sit back and relax while enjoying the fall foliage, Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale is the ideal ride. This four-hour roundtrip journey takes passengers into a secluded canyon where they can view the spectacular fall colors and abundant wildlife while relaxing in a comfortable train car. An added bonus—on Saturdays and Sundays during October, the railroad offers “Ales on Rails,” which adds specialty beers and brats to the trip. Go to www.verdecanyonrr.com for more.

In a secluded corner of southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument is truly a sight to behold. Here, tall spires of rock formed from volcanic ash that would look unusual anywhere else blend in easily with the surrounding trees and mountain vistas. While pinion and juniper pine are plentiful here, it’s the brilliant maple that brightens up the canyon in the fall, turning yellow then bright red. The park offers several trails with varying degrees of length and difficulty. Go to www.nps.gov/chir for more.

And if you’re visiting Arizona past peak (Sept-Oct), try Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior. Located at a lower elevation than many popular leaf-peeping spots, the arboretum enjoys its peak in November. On Thanksgiving weekend, the arboretum hosts its Fall Color Festival. A favorite here is the Chinese pistachio tree, which shows off with vivid red, orange and gold shades. Go to http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/ for more.

To start planning your fall getaway to the Grand Canyon State, visit www.arizonaguide.com.

*If you would like a photo to run with this release, please e-mail Loretta Belonio at lbelonio@azot.gov.