2024's Towns In Arizona That Come Alive In The Fall
In October, the forests in Arizona turn red, orange, and yellow, signifying the fall season, and you would not want to be anywhere other than its charming towns to enjoy the scenery. With many mountainous elevations (the tallest being Humphreys Peak), over 30 state parks, and countless outdoor attractions, there is more than enough to do in these parts to enjoy the autumn holidays. From Mount Lemmon to Payson, find towns to visit that really come alive in Arizona during the fall of 2024.
Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains. This city becomes a picturesque escape in mid-October, and it is filled with features that continue to attract tourists during the fall. As autumn descends, the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves paint the mountainsides. The iconic Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is open for a scenic drive across the 27 miles it covers and allows for breathtaking views and passage through the changing foliage.
Popular hiking trails like the Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Loop Trail let visitors appreciate the beauty of the season, while cooler mountain air adds to the refreshing fall atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy visits to Rose Canyon Campground and Marshall Gulch Picnic Area.
Willcox
Willcox is an adorable town that comes to life in the fall and is famous for its apple orchards and vineyards. It is just the place to enjoy the fall season. The community hosts the annual Fall Festival, where you can experience hayrides, live music, and apple picking at Apple Annie's Orchard.
For nature lovers, the Chiricahua National Monument is a stunning backdrop for the vivid fall colors, with its towering rock formations contrasting beautifully with the autumn leaves. In addition, you definitely want to visit Cochise Stronghold, which has hiking trails and open spaces for picnics and rock climbing.
Williams
Located along historic Route 66, Williams is a fall foliage gem that stands as a gateway to exploring the wonderful natural ecosystem in Arizona. Surrounding the town, the Kaibab National Forest in the Williams Ranger District bursts into brilliant autumn hues, providing perfect opportunities for scenic drives or hiking.
For a unique way to experience fall, hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, which winds through the colorful forest, offering panoramic views of the seasonal landscape. This trip allows you to experience the fall more closely through its deserts, grasslands, and pine forest trees. The town’s latest attraction, the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, is quite the spectacle, with a rollercoaster that shows much of the countryside.
Show Low
From late September through October, Show Low transforms into a vibrant canvas of reds, golds, and oranges. The town, located in the White Mountains, experiences its peak foliage in early October, making it a stunning fall destination. Nearby, the Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area has excellent hiking trails like Blue Ridge Trail and Los Caballos Trail, where visitors can enjoy scenic walks beneath a canopy of colorful leaves.
For panoramic views, a drive along US Route 60 offers breathtaking views of the changing colors. Show Low's fall season also features events such as the Show Low Main Street Fall Festival, which is a celebration of local crafts, food, and music.
Crown King
Set in the Bradshaw Mountains, Crown King transforms into a golden paradise during fall, with its peak foliage arriving in early October. The town is surrounded by the Prescott National Forest, which has hiking trails such as the Horsethief Basin Trail and Crown King Trail, where visitors can walk through forests adorned in autumn colors. For a panoramic view, the Crown King Road winds through mountainous roads, offering breathtaking views around every corner.
The length of the trail is graded and takes you through the outskirts of the town and to the Prescott National Forest. Fall in Crown King also brings visitors to the Crown King Apple Harvest Festival at Crown King Saloon, which is a lively event celebrating the fall season with live music, crafts, and activities for all ages.
Greer
From late September to mid-October, Greer’s alpine setting in the White Mountains comes alive with vibrant colors of red, gold, and orange, painting the atmosphere. Set at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, Greer boasts stunning fall foliage views at Big Lake and Apache National Forest. Big Lake is one of the most visited places in Greer, and during the fall, the waterfront adds a picturesque feel to the overall experience.
The Greer Chamber of the Apache National Forest is open for exploration for tourists and locals alike. The East Fork Trail and West Baldy Trail provide ideal opportunities to walk beneath canopies of brilliant autumn colors with the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot.
Sedona
Sedona’s iconic red rocks take on an even more magical glow in the fall, and with lots of outdoor attractions, this town opens up opportunities for you to really embrace the fall season. The oak and sycamore trees that line Oak Creek Canyon turn a fiery mix of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a stunning contrast with the red rock formations. Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park are top destinations for hiking, picnics, and even camping.
The stunning landscape can be experienced from the Sedona Scenic Airport Lookout while hiking across the red-colored landscape; trails like the Cathedral Rock Trail, Boynton Canyon Trail, and West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead have different difficulties but with impressive views that will leave you in awe of the area. Airport Mesa has one of the most stunning vistas, and with a camera in hand, you will definitely have a remarkable experience.
Tombstone
From late September through October, Tombstone comes alive with the spirit of the Wild West under the backdrop of stunning fall colors. As the fall season peaks in early October, this historic town presents not just a glimpse into Arizona’s past but also beautiful landscapes with seasonal foliage. Tombstone's surrounding mountain ranges, such as the Dragoon Mountains and Huachuca Mountains, are perfect for scenic drives that showcase the colors of fall. For a special experience, you may explore the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park with its charming walking paths surrounded by autumn hues.
The annual Helldorado Days Festival, celebrated in mid-October, brings lively street parades, gunfight reenactments, and plenty of Old West entertainment to the forte, making the town come alive in the fall. A visit to Boot Hill Cemetery offers a peaceful yet historical setting to admire the golden hues of fall against the desert landscape. The Rose Tree Museum features an impressive flowering collection, while the Old Tombstone Historical Western Theme Park is a fun way to close out the day.
Payson
During peak fall months in the Tonto National Forest, Payson provides a refreshing fall retreat that helps you reconnect with nature and feel alive. For adventurers, the Paleo Site Monument is a must-visit as it has many interesting fossils that pique your interest. Rim Country’s numerous hiking trails, like the Horton Creek Trail, wind through forests of pine and aspen, offering breathtaking vistas of the changing landscape. Green Valley Park is great for chilling in the afternoons and evenings while spending quality time with family and basking in the colorful fall atmosphere. Rim Lakes Vista Overlook presents panoramic views of the surroundings, and this is where your camera will come in handy.
Arizona may be known for its desert heat, but in the fall, these scenic towns showcase the state’s hidden autumn beauty. From the vibrant forests of Williams to the peaceful mountain trails of Greer, each destination offers something special for nature lovers and leaf-peepers alike. Whether you are exploring Sedona’s red rocks or enjoying a scenic drive through Mount Lemmon’s golden forests, Arizona’s small towns truly come alive in the fall, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn getaway.
