Prescott Fall Color Report

Where the leaves are turning around Prescott and the high country right now, updated through the season. Check back each week as color moves down from the mountains to the lakes and into town.

Fall color around Prescott is all about elevation. The high country turns first: the maples, oaks, and scattered aspens on Mingus Mountain usually peak in early to mid-October, and the maples in Oak Creek Canyon follow from mid-October into early November. Down at town level, the cottonwoods, willows, and ash along Granite Creek and around Lynx Lake, Goldwater Lake, and Watson Woods come last, usually peaking from late October into mid-November.

Below is where each spot stands. Every spot is labeled with where its status comes from: Expected is based on typical timing for that elevation, Seen means we checked it in person, and Reported comes from a reader or an official source. A hard wind or an early freeze can move things quickly, so if you’ve been up there lately, send us a report using the form below.

Prescott Fall Color Report

As of Oct 29, 2026
Past Peak Mingus Mountain Expected Typically peaks Oct 5–20
PEAK Oak Creek Canyon Expected Typically peaks Oct 15 – Nov 2
PEAK Thumb Butte Expected Typically peaks Oct 20 – Nov 5
PEAK Lynx Lake Expected Typically peaks Oct 25 – Nov 8
PEAK Goldwater Lake Expected Typically peaks Oct 25 – Nov 8
PEAK Watson Woods Expected Typically peaks Oct 28 – Nov 12
PEAK Granite Creek (downtown) Expected Typically peaks Oct 28 – Nov 12
Key: Green First Color Approaching Peak PEAK Past Peak Done

Expected = based on typical timing for that elevation. Seen = checked in person by Prescott Insider. Reported = from a reader or official source. Weather can move things fast, so treat Expected as a guide.

Been up there lately? Send us a color report

No name or email needed. Reports are reviewed before they appear.

Plan a leaf-peeping outing

Ready to go see it? Start with our guide to the lakes of Prescott, the best beginner hikes for an easy walk under the color, and the wider list of outdoor things to do in Prescott. New to the area? Our guide to visiting Prescott covers where to stay and how to get here.