Arizona is a hotbed of incredible natural attractions that are visited by millions of people each year, fostering a healthy tourism industry throughout the state. While many people choose to visit in the summer or spring when temperatures are a bit more mild, fall is not widely known as one of the best times to visit. This southwestern state doesn’t have all the forest foliage that its northeastern states do, but it still has plenty of hidden gems to check out as the year draws to a close.

sedona

Sedona is one of Arizona’s most iconic places to visit year-round, but it’s especially appealing to fall travelers seeking breathtaking scenery and mild weather. Famous for its red rock formations, this town becomes even more charming when the area’s cottonwood and sycamore trees begin to show their fall colors. With so much forest in the area, we recommend hiking at least one of the many trails nearby, including the West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon. Plus, the cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring nearby attractions like Slide Rock State Park or taking a scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

In October, the Sedona Arts Festival features local and national artists and draws art lovers from around the world. This late time of the year also means the apple harvest. Pendry Homestead is a historic orchard just outside of town with over 300 trees and fun for the whole family.

Sedona is also home to several spiritual retreats and wellness centers, providing new places to relax and heal in nature.

grand canyon

The Grand Canyon is perhaps the most well-known natural landmark in the United States. Be sure to visit during the fall season, as the temperature is lower and there are fewer people than in the summer. The hot, dry terrain’s mild fall weather makes it the perfect time to explore one of the park’s dozens of trails, including Bright Angel and the South Kaibab Trail.

Open year-round, the South Rim offers numerous viewing points, including Mather Point and the Desert View Watchtower, and the canyon’s natural beauty is especially striking in the autumn light. Set your alarm to wake up for sunrise! You can also take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, which also takes you to several viewpoints and local historic landmarks.

The quiet North Rim offers a more secluded experience, but most roads are closed until mid-October due to the risk of snow.

arizona state fair

The Arizona State Fair runs from September 20th to October 27th and is a highly recommended event to visit in Phoenix this fall. The fair features a wide range of attractions, including thrill rides, live music and agricultural exhibits.

Gourmet lovers can indulge in classic fair treats such as funnel cakes, fried foods and unique local specialties. Livestock shows, craft contests, and art exhibits also highlight Arizona’s agricultural and creative traditions, and the midsection is filled with games and family-friendly activities. The fairgrounds also hosts concerts by famous bands and exciting rodeo events.

Perhaps in keeping with the season’s theme, the Arizona State Fair will also host a Halloween-themed event, the Pumpkin Inferno, featuring an amazing display of intricately carved pumpkins and plenty of other spooky activities.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

For many people, a big part of enjoying fall is getting outside and watching the trees change. What better place than the arboretum? Located just east of Phoenix, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 323-acre botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of desert plants from around the world, including cacti, succulents, and vibrant wildflowers. Even better, the cottonwoods and other foliage trees are bursting with color, and the best time to see them is from mid-November to early December.

The Arboretum’s boardwalk offers beautiful views, including the tranquil Queen Creek that flows through the Arboretum grounds. Seasonal events such as guided tours and educational workshops allow visitors to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna, further enhancing their experience. Bird watching is also popular here during this time of year when migratory birds pass through.

This October, Dogtoberfest will be held at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This event is a dog-centered event that includes a dog Halloween costume contest, local pet sellers, dogs up for adoption, and other activities related to our canine friends.

Petrified Forest National Park

Like the other national parks in Arizona listed here, Petrified Forest National Park is even better during the fall months, mainly because there are fewer people at this time of year. Located in northeastern Arizona, this park has the largest concentration of petrified wood in the world, with logs that are more than 200 million years old.

And like many other parts of Arizona in the fall, temperatures are milder, making long hikes and sightseeing more enjoyable. Be sure to stroll along iconic trails like Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest to witness the vibrant colors of ancient petrified wood. The park’s wilderness and painted desert views are particularly breathtaking and make a great backdrop for landscape photography.

Educational programs and ranger-led tours are commonly held here, giving you an up-close-and-personal insight into the geological and paleontological significance of this unique national park.

Coronado National Forest

Coronado National Forest, located just outside Tucson in southeastern Arizona, is known for its diverse ecosystem and collection of mountains. Covering more than 1.7 million acres, this forest contains a variety of habitats, from desert scrub to lush coniferous forests, making it a haven for those looking to escape the low-lying desert.

Like most national forests, there are many trails worth checking out here, including the popular Bear Canyon Trail that leads to Seven Falls. Not interested in getting out of the car? Take a scenic drive on the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway. The autumn leaves of the desert forest create a stunning contrast to the rugged terrain.

Bisbee

Once a bustling copper mining town, Bisbee has been transformed into a cozy desert community near the Mexican border. Popular year-round activities here include promoting the Queen Mine underground mine, where you can learn about Bisbee’s mining history, and if you’re interested in this history, visit the Bisbee Mining History Museum to learn more about the town’s heritage. There’s so much to explore.

The Bisbee 1,000, a stair-climbing race held each October, is perhaps the small town’s most-watched event of the fall, as athletes and spectators climb the grueling climb with nine large staircases (approximately 1,000 steps). Gather to participate in the 4.5 mile course. steps, of course).

With Halloween just around the corner, you might want to take an Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. This tour takes you on a guided nighttime walk around downtown Bisbee, highlighting the history and paranormal oddities of this longtime residence.

san francisco peaks

Located just north of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks are the perfect fall destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for breathtaking views and cool mountain air. Home to Arizona’s highest peak, Humphreys Peak, these ancient volcanic peaks rise 12,633 feet and offer stunning fall views among aspen forests that turn golden yellow in the fall. Walk through the trees at Aspen Corner, a relatively short trail just off North Snow Bowl Road.

Popular hiking trails here, such as the Humphreys Peak Trail, offer challenging climbs with 360-degree views of the surrounding forest and mountain peaks. The Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift is another great way to reach the top and experience fall foliage without climbing.

payson

Located in the Mogollon Rim region between Flagstaff and Phoenix, Payson is one of Arizona’s finest small towns, perfect for a day or two to escape big city life.

Surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, Payson is near some of the state’s most beautiful byways, including Rim Road, which leads travelers through vast forests near the city. The town is also the gateway to famous trails such as Houghton Creek Trail and Water Wheel Falls. For those interested in fishing, nearby lakes like Woods Canyon Lake are tranquil spots to relax amidst the fall scenery.

Payson also has a rich Western heritage, reflected in local museums such as Deming Pioneer Park and Rim Country Museum. There are also local events such as fall festivals, giving you even more reasons to visit this time of year.

“Autumn idyllic destinations” aren’t typically the first things that come to mind when you think of Arizona, but when you look around at these stunning destinations later in the year, you’ll truly miss the beauty of this state. This will result in From towering mountain peaks to golden forests, eerie old towns and fall fairs, the possibilities for sightseeing and seasonal activities in this southwestern state seem endless.