Brilliant Autumn Colors at Lockett Meadow

Enchanted Walk on the Inner Basin Trail

Our annual trek up to Lockett Meadow to see fall colors happens about the first weekend of October. My wife and I first hiked here together exactly eleven years ago, during which we were engaged. Well this year, since I was busy with a studio tour, we made it up on a Monday and allowed for a less crowded visit. Lockett Meadow is known for it’s brilliant splash of fall colors from the large numbers of aspen trees. The dusty, bumpy drive up to the meadow was making our son Skyler laugh along the way. On the other hand, we hoped we wouldn’t meet a car coming for the other direction, no laughing matter on this narrow, steep drive. Finally there, we were welcomed with heavy winds. My sister rode up with us from Flagstaff for her first visit to Lockett Meadow and we wrangled her in to take a family picture. Our photo shoot was cut short as the wind made our 6 month old daughter Cora shiver. The kids now bundled up and strapped in the backpacks, we ventured up Inner Basin Trail to find the enchanted aspen grove we know so well. The trail climbed steadily and we were warmed by the effort, shedding scarves and hats. At about the one mile mark, we entered the huge grove of amazing aspens, brilliant yellow and quaking in the still strong breeze. Skyler was excited too and wanted to walk on his own, we obliged. The light was golden in the shade from the many fallen leaves and light reflecting off the pale tree trunks. We arrived at the top of the switch-backs, nearly to the waterline trail, and stopped to eat our lunch. However, we were quickly chilled by the wind, packed back up and ambled back down the trail. Cora, enjoying the swaying ride fell asleep, whereas Skyler was entertained by his dad hopping from rocks and logs. Once back to Lockett Meadow, we soaked up the soft, Autumn light before bouncing back down to the highway and back to Flagstaff.

A Slide Show of Photographs

Here is a selection of favorite photographs from our trek on the Inner Basin Trail. I especially enjoy the patterns and textures of the aspens. Indeed, an enchanted walk we had!