9 Top Places To Visit In Arizona This Fall
Arizona is a hotbed of wonderful natural destinations that millions come to see each year, fueling a healthy tourism industry across the state. Many opt to come in the summer, or the spring when temperatures are a bit more moderate, but the Fall is lesser known as one of the best times to visit. This southwestern state may not have all the forest foliage of its northeastern counterparts, but there are many hidden gems, nonetheless, to check out as the end of the year draws close.
Sedona
Sedona is among the most iconic places to visit year-round in Arizona, but it is particularly enchanting for Fall travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes and mild weather. Famous for its red rock formations, the town becomes even more captivating as the autumn colors of the area's cottonwoods and sycamore trees start to emerge. You are encouraged to try hiking at least one of the many trails nearby, such as the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon, which features a good amount of forestland in the area. Additionally, the cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring nearby attractions like Slide Rock State Park or taking a scenic drive through the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
In October, the Sedona Arts Festival draws art lovers from all over, with its mix of local and national artists attending. This late time of the year also means apple harvesting, and the Pendley Homestead is a historic orchard just outside of town that has over 300 trees and is fun for the whole family.
Sedona also contains several spiritual retreats and wellness centers, making it a renewed place to relax and heal in nature.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is arguably the most well-known natural landmark in the United States, and during the Fall season, the cooler temperatures and smaller crowds compared to the summer months make it a must-visit. Fall's mild weather in this otherwise hot and arid landscape makes it the perfect time to explore any of the park's dozens of trails, such as the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail.
The South Rim, open year-round, provides numerous lookout points, like Mather Point and Desert View Watchtower, where the canyon’s natural beauty is especially striking against the autumn light. Be sure to set your alarm to get up for sunrise! You can also take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, which takes you by several more viewpoints and local historic landmarks.
The quieter North Rim offers a more secluded experience, but it is only until mid-October that the risk of snow means the roadways there will be closed for the most part.
Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair takes place between September 20 and October 27 and is a highly recommended event to visit in Phoenix this Fall. The fair features a wide range of attractions, including thrilling rides, live music performances, and agricultural exhibits.
Food lovers can indulge in classic fair treats like funnel cakes, deep-fried favorites, and unique local specialties. Livestock shows, craft competitions, and art displays also highlight Arizona’s agricultural and creative heritage, while the midway section has tons of games and family-friendly activities. The fairgrounds also host concerts featuring big-name bands and exciting rodeo events.
Perhaps more in line with the theme of the season, the Arizona State Fair also hosts the Pumpkin Inferno, a Halloween-themed event that will be home to many amazing displays of intricately carved pumpkins and other spooky activities.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
A big part of enjoying Fall for many is simply going outside and seeing the trees change, so what better place to go than an arboretum? Boyce Thompson Arboretum, located just east of Pheonix, is an expansive 323-acre botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of desert plants from around the world, including cacti, succulents, and vibrant wildflowers. Better yet, its stands of Cottonwoods and other leaved trees explode with colors, with the peak time for this being around mid-November to early December.
The Arboretum’s walking paths provide access to scenic views, including those of the serene Queen Creek, which flows through the Arboretum's grounds. Seasonal events, such as guided tours and educational workshops, can enhance the experience, allowing visitors to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. Birdwatching is also popular here at this time of the year as migratory species pass through.
This October, you can see Dogtoberfest at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a dog-centric event that includes a dog Halloween costume contest, local pet vendors, dogs available for adoption, and other activities related to our canine friends.
Petrified Forest National Park
Like other national parks in Arizona listed here, Petrified Forest National Park is made better during the Fall months mainly due to the lack of crowds at this time of the year. Located in northeastern Arizona, this parkland features the largest concentration of petrified wood in the world, with logs that date back over 200 million years.
Also like many other places in Arizona in the Fall, the milder temperatures make hiking and sightseeing more enjoyable for longer durations of time. Definitely take a stroll iconic along trails like the Blue Mesa and the Crystal Forest, where you can witness the vibrant colors of the ancient petrified wood. The park's badlands and painted desert vistas are particularly breathtaking and are excellent backdrops for landscape photography.
Educational programs and ranger-led tours are commonly held here, giving you up close and personal insights into the geological and paleontological significance of this unique national park.
Coronado National Forest
Coronado National Forest, located in southeastern Arizona outside of Tucson, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and collection of mountains. Covering over 1.7 million acres, this forest features a range of habitats, from desert scrub to lush coniferous forests, making it a haven for those looking to escape the deserts at lower elevations.
As with most national forests, there are numerous trails here worth checking out, such as the popular Bear Canyon Trail, which leads to Seven Falls. Not interested in getting out of the car? Take a scenic drive on the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, where the Fall foliage of this desert forest creates a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain.
Bisbee
Once a bustling copper mining town, Bisbee has transformed into a cozy desert community near the Mexican border. Popular activities year-round here include touting the Queen Mine, an underground mine that offers a look into Bisbee’s mining past, and exploring the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum if this history interests you for a deeper dive into the town’s heritage.
The Bisbee 1,000, an annual stair-climb race in October, is probably the most notable event in the small town during the Fall and draws athletes and spectators to take part in a grueling 4.5-mile course that features nine major staircases (with around 1,000 steps of course).
Since Halloween is drawing near, it may also be appropriate to take part in an Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, a guided nighttime walk around downtown Bisbee highlighting the history and paranormal oddities of this longstanding settlement.
San Francisco Peaks
The San Francisco Peaks, located just north of Flagstaff, are a top fall destination for outdoor lovers seeking breathtaking views and cooler mountain air. These ancient volcanic mountains, home to Arizona's highest peak, Humphreys Peak, rise to 12,633 feet and offer stunning autumn scenery among their aspen forests that turn golden yellow in the Fall. Walks amongst one of the tree stands at the Aspen Corner, a short and relatively trail sitting just off of North Snow Bowl Road.
Popular hiking trails here, such as the Humphreys Peak Trail, offer a challenging ascent with rewarding 360-degree views of the forests and mountain peaks surrounding it. The Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift is another great way to get to the top of the peaks to experience the fall colors without the climb.
Payson
Payson, nestled in the Mogollon Rim area between Flagstaff and Pheonix, is one of the most amazing small towns in Arizona to stay for a day or two to escape from big city life.
Surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, Payson is near some of the most beautiful byways in the state, like the Rim Road, which takes its travelers through the expansive forests near town. This town is also a gateway to renowned trails such as Horton Creek Trail and Water Wheel Falls. For those interested in fishing, nearby lakes like Woods Canyon Lake offer peaceful spots to relax amidst the fall scenery.
Payson also has a rich Western heritage, reflected in local museums like the Deming Pioneer Park and Rim Country Museum. Local events like the Fall Festival give more reasons to visit this season as well.
Although "idyllic fall destination" isn't generally the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Arizona, you would really be missing out on the beauty of this state if you look over these fantastic destinations in the later months of the year. From lofty mountain tops to golden forests, spooky old towns, and Fall fairs, the possibilities for sightseeing and seasonal activities are seemingly endless in this southwestern state.
