These Small Towns in Arizona Come Alive in Fall
Arizona is famous for both its bold, beautiful landscape of red rock and its sweltering summer heat. After dealing with the warm weather for months, autumn ushers in. The cooler temperatures offer new opportunities to enjoy the state. There is no better time to take advantage of the gorgeous Arizona landscape than in the fall. The cooler air, changing leaves, and harvest celebrations offer endless things to do in the state. The small towns in Arizona have a particular charm during this time. You can see stunning foliage against red rocks in Sedona or enjoy some pumpkin pie at the Pumpkin Festival in Willcox. The Arizona small towns are definitely worth a visit come autumn. Here are a few to put on the top of your list.
Show Low
There is no better town to start your Arizona fall road trip off with than Show Low. Located on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona's White Mountains, the town is a nature lover's dream. It is in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and offers hiking, biking, rock climbing and paddling. In fall, these activities seem more magical surrounded by stunning foliage. A great spot to see the transformation of leaves in town, is at Show Low Lake. Another place you have to visit while in town is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. Home to a 150-acre lake, the area has tons of hiking and boating opportunities. Try hiking the Fool Hollow Lake Trail for a nice stroll through the woods. The 3.2 mile loop immerses hikers in the lush, colorful forest around the lake. Perfect for a serene fall hike.
Sedona
One of the most popular Arizona small towns to visit in the summer is Sedona. The town holds a special magic in fall. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy Sedona's stunning vistas in peace. The foliage in town turns beautiful shades of crimson, orange and yellow which glow against the famous red rocks. A great place to see the colors in Sedona is on a scenic drive down Oak Creek Canyon. The road follows Arizona Highway 89A and winds around red rocks and brilliantly colored trees. While in Sedona, you should also hike the Red Rocks. This is a classic area in Sedona to explore and there are a myriad of trails for people hiking at all levels.
Tombstone
To explore the spooky side of fall, visit Tombstone. Located in Cochise County, the walking around town feels like you are in an Old Western film. There are rumors that some of the historic buildings are actually haunted. There are stories that the famed Bird Cage Theater hosts the spirits of former brothel workers. At the Crystal Palace, old cowboys haunt the halls. What better way to enjoy the spooky side of fall than exploring these old buildings in Tombstone.
Willcox
Nothing marks the start of the changing seasons more than pumpkins. If you are a pumpkin fanatic, make sure to visit Willcox. Known for having some of Arizona's friendliest people, the charming small town welcomes autumn with a Fall Pumpkin Celebration. Don't worry about missing the date, the festival takes place over multiple weekends in September and October. Apple Anni's in Willcox hosts the festival and there are several events for everyone to enjoy. Some of the most popular include pumpkin picking, apple picking in the orchard, an all you can eat pumpkin and buttermilk pancaked breakfast and an apple smoke burger lunch. There are also endless pumpkin treats at the fest. From pumpkin ice cream to pies and pumpkin bread, the celebration is a must attend for pumpkin lovers.
Crown King
If you prefer to welcome fall by celebrating apples, Crown King is the place for you. The cute town is in the craggy Bradshaw Mountains, with a population of under 200 residents. The annual Apple Festival is an autumn staple in the town and is in early October. It features hayrides, an Old Fashioned Country Fair and lots of apple treats. For some warm apple cider and old country roads, this is the place to stop.
Patagonia
Another town that gets in on the fall festivals is Patagonia. Patagonia is in a special location as part of the Sky Islands. The region has multiple mountain ranges from 6,00 to 10,000 feet high. In celebration of the transition of seasons coming to the Sky Islands, Patagonia hosts the Sky Islands Fall Artisan Market. The market is a tradition dating back 30 years and happens annually in mid October. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the festival, from live entertainment to local vendors and art exhibits. More than 15,000 visitors come to Patagonia during the celebration. With so much to do, this is a celebration not to miss.
Bisbee
Another Arizona town to visit this fall is Bisbee. The town is in the Mule Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The southern location makes the town warm, even in autumn. With just under 5000 people, the town has the charm of a storybook, with quaint homes, open plains and forest views. While Bisbee doesn't always attract tourists, in fall there is an event that attracts people to the town. The Great Stair Climb happens annually at the end of October. It is a unique and unusual physical fitness challenge where participants climb more than 1000 steps. The event has been taking place for more than three decades. If you feel up to the challenge, head to Bisbee to partake in the event.
Welcome Fall in Arizona
While Arizona is famous for it's warm summers, fall is also a great time to visit the state. In Arizona's small towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy about the change of seasons. Hikes in Show Low and Sedona showcase the state's gorgeous landscape and colorful foliage. Festivals like the Apple Festival in Crown King, welcome fall by celebrating harvest and offer delicious treats. The Sky Islands Fall Artisan market in Patagonia, is a visit you won't forget! Whether you decide to go for an idyllic fall stroll through the woods, or go apple picking, these Arizona small towns are worth an autumn visit.
