Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area

MARK FELT

Drive slowly and watch those curves. Trailhead parking is just past the campground.

Kachina Trail

The aspens around the San Francisco Peaks begin to turn in October. One of the best spots to see them is along the Kachina Trail, which starts just below the Arizona Snowbowl ski area.

One of the best places in Arizona to see aspens, this moderate 10.4-mile round trip wanders on the mountain's moist southern edge between 8,790 and 9,290 feet. Abundant year-round precipitation feeds an understory of neck-high ferns that grow among volcanic boulders and some of the densest populations of aspens in the state. Complementing the color frenzy are shallow lava caves, alpine meadows and scenic landings overlooking Flagstaff.

Getting there: From Flagstaff, go 7.3 miles north on U.S. 180 to Snowbowl Road. Turn right and drive 6.6 miles to the signed turnoff for the trailhead and large parking lot on the right.

Arizona Trail Passage 34

If you've ever pulled

From Flagstaff, go 7.3 miles north on U.S. 180 to Snowbowl

This short and easy kiddie favorite is packed with enough points of interest to keep even the most antsy young ones entertained. Stashed along the margins of this woodsy, 1.6-mile loop trail are springs, petroglyphs and ruins of a homestead tucked into foothills that roll between 8,450 and 8,600 feet.

Getting there: