Leaf Peepin'

Jennifer Stefanow • July 11, 2024

If you’re a transplant from New England, you know what leaf peepers are. You can keep the tradition alive out west, too!

You wouldn’t think October could be this cold in #Sedona, Arizona. However, if you want to beat the crowds, the early morning offers a taste of winter that will leave you dreaming of hot chocolate by the fireplace.



Or…if you’re a spooky little girl like me, you see this sign while you’re shivering and start having visions of The Shining. Whatever.

West Fork welcomes you like a fairy tale any time of year, though. There are no trolls tripping or trapping around these parts! Nothing broke the early morning reverie — save chattery teeth and murmurs of, “brr.”


The ruins of the Meyhew Lodge, where famous folk once rested weary heads, look lovely framed by late autumn leaves.

We wanted to venture farther. However, as we rounded the creek, the wind blew cold. The problem with living in paradise? It’s easy to nope your way out when your hands turn blue.


It was way too lovely to head home, so we sought a warmer trail. Midgely offered a ready pull-out point, and my feet were happy to hit red earth once again.


The sun now rose high enough to let nature showcase her colors. And she did.


The woods were lovely, dark and deep. But we had promises to keep — and empty coffee thermoses — so we headed back. We stopped to snap a picture of Steamboat Rock along the way.


You can’t beat colors when it comes to #Sedona. Add in a little fall beauty, and the results are pure magic.

Getting there: To reach West Fork, take Highway 89A toward Flagstaff. You’ll pass Slide Rock. Continue north for approximately three miles. You’ll see the paid parking on your left. To return, park at the pullout before you cross back over Midgely Bridge into uptown. Follow the southbound trail.


Reader note: All photos on Only in Sedona are free to use! Please do us a favor and link back to us if you borrow any. Thanks! 

By Jennifer Stanley • October 30, 2026
Is fear holding you back from trying that yoga class you've been intrigued by? Here's a quick rundown of what we frequently hear and how to find your courage.
By Jennifer Stanley • October 13, 2026
Yoga can help you sculpt a marvelous midsection without punishing yourself. Here's the magic of how it all works and five moves to add to your routine today.
By Jennifer Stanley • September 28, 2026
Restorative yoga may not burn many calories, but it can be a seriously hardcore mental game. Learn how to navigate what goes on in your brain when your body stills.
By Jennifer Stanley • September 25, 2026
There's a lie circulating the internet that nervous system regulation is just the latest "trend." Don't fall for it. In fact, learning how to calm yourself is power.
restorative yoga
By Jennifer Stanley • September 15, 2026
How long should you stay in long, restorative poses? The answer is as unique as you are, beautiful fellow yogi, but the following tips let you know when to exit.
By Jennifer Stanley • September 10, 2026
Sometimes, nothing is the best thing to do. Learn how to transform "functional freeze" into "strategic pause" using the power of mindfulness cultivated in yoga.
By Jennifer Stanley • September 1, 2026
Worried about climate change? We are, too. Here are five mindful rituals that can mitigate your anxiety (somewhat) with positive actions that help the planet.
By Jennifer Stanley • August 24, 2026
Mindfulness takes time. So does life. Every now and then, we need to pause, breathe, and get back in sync so we spend our time on what truly matters the most.
By Jennifer Stanley • August 18, 2026
What can you do when you say, "I am," but your mind whispers back, "No, you're not?" Here's how my unusual brain solved this problem. Maybe it will help you, too.
talk to your mat every day
By Jennifer Stanley • August 11, 2026
Why should you practice yoga every day, even if you only have ten minutes? Think of it as shutting down your computer: its a needed reset for your body's CPU.