In mid to late October I'm planning a trip to one of the following areas of the south-west USA:

1. Northern Arizona
2. Southern Utah
3. Four Corners area

I won't have time on this 1 week trip to see all the above, however which of the three would give me forests full of changing colorful leaves? I'm thinking southern Utah would be great, but don't know for sure yet.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

All of those. Four Corners is less forested than the others, but you can still get spectacular fall shots if you look.

I'm thinking late Oct might be a tich late for those altitudes, peak is likely to be 2nd week of Oct. Inter-mountain falls come and go pretty quick.

There's a spectacular stand of shaking Aspens right on the road from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, about 1/2 way in between.

Canyon de Chelly, that could be interesting.

Spectacular vistas of yellow trees on rolling, dome-like mountains to the east of Taos off highways 64 and 434...watch out for my tripod legs please.

Personally, I like the Moab/Canyonlands/Dead Horse Point region in southeastern Utah that time of year and plan to be out that way fall 2009. I agree that 2nd week in October might be better.

If you are looking for fall color, the nearby La Sal mountains are a nice change of pace from all the red rock.

http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/sightseeing/lasalloop.php

Paul

Thanks for the replies.

One more question...I'm not driving a high clearance truck/car, nor will vehicle have 4x4, so does anyone see a problem with my ability to access roads?

Thanks!

There's quite a bit to see, even on paved roads, so a high-clearance vehicle isn't needed, just a plus for places like Canyon de Chelly if you have the time and hire a guide. Otherwise you can ride for a day or half day in a "shake & bake" or just shoot from the rim drives, still good pix along there with the best chance for color along with south rim drive.

The Mancos area between Cortez and Durango (s.w. Colorado) has good color in early to mid Oct. depending upon the weather, most of it visible along good paved highways.

The road into the Needles District of Canyonlands may have good cottonwood with color. Same for the Abajo Mountains by Blanding, though I'm not sure of paved roads into the woods there. If the weather is iffy, probably not a good idea to get too far off the beaten path...

The air this time of year can be hazy or clear as a bell, but the color of the redrock country there, evening without changing leaves, is still spectacular. There's just something about autumn light in the 4 Corners, maybe it's a combo of altitude and desert.

Have a great trip!

www.angier-fox.com

Unless you get to Bryce Canyon in Utah.Not much to see in Southern Utah.Red rocks and maybe hit Sedona, 45 mins South of Flagstaff. You might see some snow in Flagstaff.

My last trip in that area was in early June and I was driving a two seater with very low ground clearance..not a problem..the only place that I passed up was Monument Valley.

Steve

I was hoping for some colorful trees in southern Utah...I wish I had more time to spend in Arizona, and Colorado...I just goe one week :-(

I did buy Matre's photographic book on that area...should have it in the mail soon.

I'm thinking mid to late October....lots to think about and plan...thanks everyone!

A good map/guide for the 4-Corners area is the Auto Club of So. Cal's "Indian Country". Shows the major and not so major roads, mileage, major attractions, etc. If you are not an AAA member, you can still buy the map for about $5-6.

Whenever I travel there, it's the map I always make sure I have with me.

HTH,

www.angier-fox.com