It’s fall, even here in the desert, and we hear from different sources that now is the time to see some fall colors. For us this means that we have to drive to higher elevations where we can find oaks, aspens and other broad-leaved trees.

We follow a hint from a local social platform and head up to the Canyon Creek Hatchery some 45 miles east of Payson at an elevation of about 6,500 ft. Indeed, the forest there looks beautiful with lots of red foliage from oaks and golden yellow aspen.

The hatchery is open to the public to walk around, so we take a quick tour. They currently have mostly rainbow trouts.

Hunting season is probably to be blamed for the fact that there was hardly any wildlife at all. We saw one female deer with two kids and two raptors from far away.

We hit the road at 5am and came back home just after 3pm. But it was well worth it.