Those who dig beneath the leaf debris will get a glimpse of the cycles of growth and death that sustain the ecology in a place as diverse and rich as Arizona.
pollen. Then, remarkably, the flower “hairs” that have trapped them suddenly wilt—allowing the fly to escape. The same fly must then wander into another pipevine flower, thereby pollinating the
autumn
LEAF-PEEPING
When it comes to chasing fall, the journey is everything—the destination only the lure. Listeners offer their suggestions for the best places to start the search.
“ Compiled by David M. Brown
Getting away to the cooler climes of PRESCOTT has its colorful rewards. This fall, venture through the forest to and around Thumb Butte and enjoy the sun, filtered through the yellow leaves of the trees as they prepare for their winter un-dress rehearsal. Or, go a little farther into Groom Creek and take the 9-mile loop through the pines. (There’s a nominal fee to park in the forest areas near Thumb Butte and Groom Creek.) Your senses will be awakened by the smells of the forest and the softening hues of the leaves. — Sherry Koopot We truly have a smorgasbord of changing colors from early autumn through winter, so if you miss the color show in Northern Arizona, just wait a few weeks for the Valley of the Sun to catch 20
Wavelength
up! Our top picks: from late September through the first week of October (approximately): NORTH RIM, GRAND CANYON (remember, though, that State Route 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim closes mid-October and doesn’t reopen until May). From early to mid-November (approximately): PINAL PEAK, just southwest of Globe (for access information and hiking trails in the area, contact Globe Ranger District, 928-402-6200). — Linda and Bob Granzow Two suggestions: U.S. Route 60 south of WICKENBURG in the fall is reminiscent of the landscape of the Northeast. As you drive along the highway that borders the Hassayampa River and leave the saguaro behind, deciduous trees delight the eye as you proceed to Wickenburg for a taste of cowboy atmosphere and casual cuisine. Also: U.S. Route 180 Flagstaff to Valle drives through the COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST at about 8,000 feet, with graceful stands of aspen trees reminding you of the white birches of the Northeast. You can drop down to Williams on State Route 64 to experience a taste of old Route 66 and return on Interstate 40 to Flagstaff. — Marsha Gratz
second plant. Fortunately for the pipevine, flies do not learn easily from their mistakes. Sure enough, my fluttering guide led me to the cactus garden, where a short search revealed the inconspicuous pipevines. So I found a comfortable seat, and let the day deepen, counting passing butterflies, golden leaves, and my many blessings. One thing I did not do was pick my one favorite place to view fall. Guess I’ll try again next year. There’s no question that autumn color at BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM is the closest and most easily photographable for anyone who lives in Phoenix or Tucson. Drive one hour due east of Phoenix on U.S. 60 and you’ve arrived at the Arboretum—and then the glorious pistachio trees are just a 10-minute walk along shady packed-earth trails. (The Arboretum is famous for trees such as pistachio, sycamore, honey locust and pomegranate.) Peak color occurs close to Thanksgiving. One month earlier— around Halloween—hike the PINAL MOUNTAINS near Globe for higher-elevation aspen and bigtooth maple trees along the Sixshooter Canyon and Icehouse Canyon trails. — Paul Wolterbeek Almost every October, I relive age 5 in Wisconsin on the cool, wooded West Fork Trail of OAK CREEK CANYON, just north of Sedona: fierce crimsons and fuchsias of sumac, glowing oranges, rich yellow-golds of aspen, sycamore, black oaks, even the pinks of sugar maples—all dizzyingly painted against the canyon’s ruby walls. Then the kiss of a brisk breeze and that oh-so-snuggly sweater, leaves crackling underfoot, the
Dive in
In a future issue, we’ll report on the state’s best lakes. Where do you like to get wet? Write us at wavelength@fpraz.org.
pungent aroma of ripe apples and the best: the glorious, distinct scent of moisture and rotting leaves. Try to sample sweet juice from the historic apple orchards before you leave, meander up the canyon and assimilate the views. Finally, you might stop at the top of OAK CREEK VISTA for a quick bird’s eye photo and a peek in the Visitor Center before heading home. These are the two areas: West Fork Trail, on State Route 89A, 9.5 miles north of Sedona, and Oak Creek Vista, also on Route 89A, about 14 miles south of Flagstaff. — Kim Sweetman BISBEE in the fall reminds me of morning walks. The air is crisp, clean and thin. We start at the upper end of Tombstone Canyon near State Route 80 and pass beneath yellow tree canopies. Ascending up North Old Divide Road, we see trees that give way to blue sky and wonderful views of town, with a backdrop of red-earth canyon walls and the Lavender Pit mine. At the top, we stop to look at the monument labeled “Continental Divide,” shake our heads and turn around, descending back into town to more beautiful views and a well-deserved breakfast. — Matthew J. Goode